Cofounded by Musk, Neuralink is [one of several companies](https://www.wired.com/story/the-race-to-put-brain-implants-in-people-is-heating-up/) developing a brain-computer interface, a system that provides a direct link from the brain to an external device. Neuralink’s technology is designed to decode intended movement signals from the brain to allow paralyzed individuals to move a cursor or type on a keyboard with just their thoughts.
But Neuralink’s unique design may have contributed to the device’s mechanical issues. It holds a battery, processing chip, and other electronics needed to power the system. Attached to this puck are 64 flexible “threads” thinner than a human hair, each containing 16 electrodes. The threads are meant to extend into the brain tissue to collect signals from groups of neurons. But, according to Neuralink, some of those threads didn’t stay in place.
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By Emily Mullin
Elon Musk’s startup [Neuralink](https://www.wired.com/tag/neuralink/) revealed that it experienced a problem with its [brain implant](https://www.wired.com/story/everything-we-know-about-neuralinks-brain-implant-trial/) after the device was [installed in its initial participant](https://www.wired.com/story/elon-musk-neuralink-human-patient-brain-implant/), 29-year-old quadriplegic [Noland Arbaugh](https://www.wired.com/story/neuralink-implant-first-human-patient-demonstration/).
Cofounded by Musk, Neuralink is [one of several companies](https://www.wired.com/story/the-race-to-put-brain-implants-in-people-is-heating-up/) developing a brain-computer interface, a system that provides a direct link from the brain to an external device. Neuralink’s technology is designed to decode intended movement signals from the brain to allow paralyzed individuals to move a cursor or type on a keyboard with just their thoughts.
But Neuralink’s unique design may have contributed to the device’s mechanical issues. It holds a battery, processing chip, and other electronics needed to power the system. Attached to this puck are 64 flexible “threads” thinner than a human hair, each containing 16 electrodes. The threads are meant to extend into the brain tissue to collect signals from groups of neurons. But, according to Neuralink, some of those threads didn’t stay in place.
Read the full story: [https://www.wired.com/story/neuralinks-brain-implant-issues/](https://www.wired.com/story/neuralinks-brain-implant-issues/)