Neuralink Achieves a Milestone with First Human Brain Implant

January 30, 2024

By Kevin Armstrong

Neuralink's first product will be called Telepathy

Not a Tesla App

In a groundbreaking development in the field of neurotechnology, Neuralink, a company spearheaded by visionary entrepreneur Elon Musk, has announced the successful implantation of its first brain-computer interface in a human subject. This marks a significant advancement in the company's efforts to merge human cognition with artificial intelligence.

The historic procedure involved installing the Neuralink device, known as the N1 implant, in a patient with severe mobility restrictions. Elon Musk, the founder of Neuralink, shared this news earlier this week, highlighting the successful detection of neuron spikes in the initial stages post-implantation.

The first human received an implant from @Neuralink yesterday and is recovering well.

Initial results show promising neuron spike detection.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 29, 2024

The N1 Implant: A New Era in Neurotechnology

The N1 implant, a small, wireless device, is designed to enable individuals with paralysis to control digital interfaces, such as computer cursors or keyboards, through their thoughts. This innovative technology aims to provide a new level of autonomy and communication capability for people with significant physical limitations.

Neuralink's PRIME Study (Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface) represents a critical step in developing this technology. Conducted under an investigational device exemption from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the study is focused on evaluating the safety and initial functionality of both the N1 implant and the accompanying surgical robot, the R1.

Musk's Neuralink has been at the forefront of neurotechnology since its inception in 2016. The company's mission is to develop a generalized brain interface that could revolutionize how we interact with technology and address unmet medical needs, particularly in individuals with severe neurological conditions like quadriplegia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Enables control of your phone or computer, and through them almost any device, just by thinking.

Initial users will be those who have lost the use of their limbs.

Imagine if Stephen Hawking could communicate faster than a speed typist or auctioneer. That is the goal.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 30, 2024

PRIME Study: Paving the Way for Innovation

To ensure the safety and success of the PRIME trial, participants were carefully selected based on specific criteria, including their medical history and the presence of a reliable caregiver. Neuralink has emphasized its commitment to advancing neurotechnology while adhering to stringent ethical and safety standards.

The introduction of the N1 implant and the successful human trial represent a significant leap in the journey toward seamlessly integrating human cognition with artificial intelligence. This milestone demonstrates Neuralink's technological prowess and opens the door to new therapeutic possibilities for people with severe mobility impairments.

Check out our latest video to learn more about our PRIME Study! 🧠📱 pic.twitter.com/7zTMFzdZsF
— Neuralink (@neuralink) November 22, 2023

Musk's Personal Commitment to Neuralink

Musk has indicated his intention to receive a Neuralink implant himself. In 2022, Musk confirmed that he planned to undergo the procedure to have a Neuralink brain implant. Musk's decision to personally experience the Neuralink implant is significant, as it not only underscores his belief in the potential and safety of the technology but also aligns with his history of actively participating in his companies' groundbreaking initiatives.

Neuralink continues to invite individuals to register for their ongoing and future clinical trials, further solidifying its position as a leader in the burgeoning field of neurotechnology.

Tesla Issues Physical Recall for Some Model 3 & Model Y Vehicles Over Seat Fasteners

June 27, 2025

By Karan Singh

Not a Tesla App

Tesla has issued a new, voluntary safety recall for a small batch of Model 3 and Model Y vehicles due to an issue with improperly tightened fasteners in the first-row seats.

The recall impacts only about 48 vehicles and will require a Tesla service visit to resolve.

Improperly Tightened Fasteners

According to the recall notice, the issue stems from the first-row seating that may have been manufactured with improperly torqued fasteners that attach the seat back to the seat bottom. In some cases, the fasteners may be loose or missing, which could cause a rattle or the seat to detach.

This is a critical safety issue, as a seat back that is not properly anchored could detach, leaving the driver or passenger unsupported and increasing the risk of an accident.

According to Tesla’s investigation, this issue originated from a production change made for vehicles manufactured between April 3rd and May 7th of 2025. However, not all vehicles built within that date are impacted by the recall. The issue impacts 30 2026 Model Ys and 18 2025 Model 3s, across all variants, including RWD, AWD, and Performance (for the Model 3).

Thankfully, there have been no incidents related to this issue to date.

The Fix

Since this is a physical recall, Tesla will have to inspect impacted vehicles and replace and properly retorque the seat fasteners as needed, free of charge.

Owners of vehicles who have been impacted have already been contacted under the voluntary recall, and most vehicles should have been repaired by the time this notice is formally issued.

You can also check if your VIN is impacted by a recall using Tesla’s Recall Tool.

Tesla has noted the repair should take approximately one hour of work at a Service Center, and up to two hours if a Mobile Ranger addresses the recall.

Tesla Robotaxi Sends Out More Invites: Next Phases of Robotaxi

June 27, 2025

By Karan Singh

@TerrapinTerpene

Following the successful launch of Robotaxi on Sunday, June 22nd, Tesla has begun moving to the next phase of its Robotaxi rollout. They have finally begun sending out a second, larger wave of invites, expanding the early access program to more members of the Tesla community across the United States.

This has moved them past the initial 20 or so users that were offered access on Sunday. That also means Tesla is on the hunt for something crucial: more real-world data.

More Riders ASAP

The initial launch was a tightly controlled event, with access granted to a small and curated group of influencers. While this approach was ideal for generating initial buzz for the launch and collecting feedback from high-quality testers, it also presented logistical challenges.

With only a handful of authorized riders and vehicles, the demand for rides would inevitably dry up as influencers begin their journeys back home. Without a public release, that would leave Tesla’s Robotaxi fleet idle, unable to gather additional data.

To rapidly improve on Robotaxi’s FSD, Tesla needs its vehicles to be constantly navigating real-world scenarios, encountering edge cases, and logging miles. The second round of invites is needed to keep Robotaxis learning and on the road.

Austin Users Next?

This new wave of invites isn’t an open door for members of the public quite yet. By continuing to send invites to trusted community members, Tesla is executing a slow and deliberate rollout by inviting members who know and love Tesla. This allows them to scale the program gradually, increasing the number of users and the diversity of ride requests without overwhelming the relatively small initial fleet of about 10 cars.

Future phases will likely involve opening access to Tesla owners within Austin, which would open up a regular flow of rides. Once that’s done, Robotaxi will likely open up to the public.

Sign of Confidence

The expansion of the early access program is a sign that Tesla is happy and confident with the rollout so far. While Tesla can gather plenty of data around Austin from Tesla owners using FSD, they also need to continue testing features that are exclusive to the Robotaxi, such as the Robotaxi app, support, and remotely control the vehicles when needed.

We expect a full launch to potentially still be months out, but this methodical expansion will likely see more users gradually gain access to the Robotaxi network in the coming weeks.