Brad Smith, an ALS patient, becomes the third person to receive Neuralink’s brain implant, allowing him to communicate again using a cloned version of his voice. Learn more about the groundbreaking technology and its future possibilities.
29th April 2025
Digital Worldwide News
Andrew Juma
Brad Smith, an Arizona man with ALS, has become the third person in the world to receive Neuralink's brain implant. The implant allows him to "speak" again using a voice clone created from his own recordings, which were made before ALS silenced him. ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a progressive disease that leaves patients unable to move or speak. With the Neuralink implant, Brad Smith can now control a computer cursor with his thoughts, allowing him to type and communicate again.
How does Neuralink’s brain implant work?
Neuralink's brain implant connects a person’s brain to a computer via a device about the size of five stacked quarters. The device captures electrical signals from neurons in the brain and uses AI technology to decode them in real-time. Brad Smith uses these signals to control his MacBook Pro cursor and type. Then, Neuralink's Grok AI processes the data to create a vocal clone of his pre-ALS voice, enabling him to communicate as he once did.
What is the significance of Brad Smith’s implant?
Brad Smith is the first ALS patient and the first non-verbal patient to receive Neuralink's implant. His experience marks a breakthrough in the use of brain-computer interfaces for individuals with severe motor impairments. The implant allows him to bypass his inability to speak due to ALS, offering new possibilities for patients who have lost communication abilities.
What are the benefits of Neuralink for patients with ALS?
Neuralink’s technology offers significant benefits for people with ALS. It enables users like Brad Smith to communicate through thought, bypassing physical limitations. While Smith previously used an eye-gaze control system, the Neuralink implant allows him to communicate in various environments without being restricted by lighting conditions.
How is the Neuralink implant implanted into the brain?
The implant is placed in the brain by a robotic surgeon that uses precision "sewing-machine-like" techniques. The robot removes a small section of the skull and carefully places the tiny thread-like electrodes into the brain, avoiding blood vessels to minimize bleeding. The only visible sign of the procedure is a small scar where the skull was removed.
What are the future possibilities for Neuralink’s technology?
Elon Musk envisions expanding Neuralink's capabilities to help individuals with spinal cord injuries, restore sight to the blind, and even enhance cognitive abilities. He has stated that the technology will continue to improve, with plans to make implants more effective and precise.
What ethical concerns exist with brain implants like Neuralink?
Neuralink has faced scrutiny over animal testing and potential privacy issues. Critics have raised concerns about the safety of the technology and its impact on privacy, especially if brain activity can be accessed and interpreted by AI. Ethical debates continue about the potential risks and rewards of merging human brains with AI.