Neuralink’s groundbreaking brain-computer interface chip is continuing to redefine possibilities for paralyzed individuals, with the recent implantation marking a significant milestone.
Fifth paralyzed patient implanted with Neuralink chip
In April 2025, a paralyzed U.S. military veteran named RJ became the fifth participant to receive the Neuralink brain implant. RJ, who suffered paralysis from a motorcycle accident, underwent surgery at The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis and the University of Miami Health System. The procedure implanted Neuralink’s advanced brain-computer interface (BCI) chip, which establishes a wireless and digital connection between the brain and external devices. Remarkably, RJ was discharged just the day after surgery. Since then, he has been able to control his smartphone and computer using only his thoughts, showcasing the device’s transformative potential for restoring interaction for paralyzed patients.
This surgery marks the first Neuralink implantation at The Miami Project site and represents a crucial step in the PRIME (Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface) Study—a clinical trial assessing the chip’s safety and effectiveness. Researchers and surgeons at the University of Miami emphasized their excitement about the technology’s capacity to change patients’ daily lives. They anticipate that the collaboration between Neuralink and their clinical experts will rapidly advance treatments for millions living with paralysis or severe motor impairments.
Transforming lives through mind-controlled technology
Neuralink’s chip enables users to bypass damaged spinal cords by directly transmitting neural signals to computers and smartphones, allowing paralyzed individuals to regain a degree of independence and interaction previously thought impossible. This implantable device is compact, cosmetically invisible, and connects wirelessly to external devices, facilitating intuitive, real-time control through brain activity.
Other participants in the PRIME Study have similarly benefited from the technology, reporting enhanced ability to communicate and engage with their surroundings. With continuous improvements and expanding clinical trials—including implants in multiple patients—Neuralink is steadily pushing the boundaries of neurotechnology. The development brings hope not only for paralysis patients but also for those with neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS.
Clinical progress and future outlook
As of mid-2025, Neuralink has implanted their chip in at least seven patients, with ongoing monitoring and updates on user experiences reported. The company’s efforts are among the most advanced in the brain-machine interface field, aiming not only to restore lost functions but also to eventually enable complex brain-mediated interactions with technology. This pioneering work could pave the way for revolutionary treatments of motor deficits, significantly improving quality of life for millions worldwide.
With RJ’s successful implantation at The Miami Project and the visible improvements in daily usability of the technology, experts are optimistic that soon brain-controlled devices could become a standard therapeutic option. As research progresses, Neuralink and its collaborators are closer than ever to fulfilling the promise of seamless mind-to-machine communication, potentially transforming medical and technological landscapes in the near future.