Neuralink unveils Blindsight, a breakthrough innovation that restores vision for the blind with visual cortex intact
Nickie Louise
Posted On September 17, 2024
Neuralink has introduced a new device called Blindsight, promising to restore vision for the blind. Elon Musk announced on X that this innovation could help even those who have lost both eyes and their optic nerves regain sight.
The company shared that the FDA has granted a Breakthrough Device Designation for Blindsight. Musk also mentioned on X that the device has successfully restored vision in blind monkeys, and human trials could be next on the horizon.
“Even if someone has never had vision ever, like they were born blind, we believe that we can still restore vision using Neuralink. We’re confident they can see.”
The Blindsight device aims to provide vision to those with an intact visual cortex, potentially giving sight for the first time to people who have been blind since birth. Musk clarified that initial vision would be low-resolution, reminiscent of early video game graphics, but hinted at future enhancements that might surpass natural sight, extending vision to infrared, ultraviolet, and even radar wavelengths.
“The Blindsight device from Neuralink will enable even those who have lost both eyes and their optic nerve to see. Provided the visual cortex is intact, it will even enable those who have been blind from birth to see for the first time.
“To set expectations correctly the vision will be at first be low resolution, like Atari graphics, but eventually it has the potential be better than natural vision and enable you to see in infrared, ultraviolet or even radar wavelengths, like Geordi La Forge,” Musk said.
The Blindsight device from Neuralink will enable even those who have lost both eyes and their optic nerve to see.
Provided the visual cortex is intact, it will even enable those who have been blind from birth to see for the first time.
To set expectations correctly, the vision… https://t.co/MYLHNcPrw6 pic.twitter.com/RAenDpd3fx
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 17, 2024
Musk first revealed Blindsight in March, highlighting its potential to restore vision. At the time, he expressed confidence that Neuralink’s new device could help those who are blind see again.
While initial vision may appear low-resolution, akin to early Nintendo graphics, Musk hinted that Blindsight could eventually enhance sight beyond natural limits, enabling users to see in infrared, ultraviolet, and even radar wavelengths.
"Even if someone has never had vision ever, like they were born blind, we believe that we can still restore vision using Neuralink" pic.twitter.com/NYZPaIX2qn
— DogeDesigner (@cb_doge) March 20, 2024
