Elon Musk's Neuralink has inserted its brain implant into a human patient for the first time, as announced by Musk on Twitter/X. The implant, called the N1 chip, is roughly the size of a coin and designed to read brain activity through 64 fine threads that contain 1,024 electrodes. The company is designing the technology so that the implant can read human user's brain signals in the form of neural activity spikes, which can then be translated into remote commands for consumer devices. The goal is to enable control of electronic devices through thought alone.

Musk revealed that the unnamed patient is "recovering well" after receiving the implant, and initial results show promising neuron spike detection. Although the chip is fairly sizable, it is meant to be "cosmetically invisible" once it's surgically installed. The implant can transmit signals, which can be decoded by Neuralink's mobile app, allowing the user to control other electronic devices.

Neuralink plans on calling its first product "Telepathy," and initial users will be those who have lost the use of their limbs. The company aims to help quadriplegics communicate faster and more efficiently than a speed typist or auctioneer. The PRIME study, which will involve individuals who sign up, is expected to take six years to complete.

It remains to be seen if the technology works without causing major health complications. However, the successful insertion of the N1 chip into a human patient is a significant milestone for the company and a step towards achieving the goal of enabling control of electronic devices through thought alone.