- Neuralink's animal trials successfully enabled monkeys to control computer cursors and play video games like Pong using only brain signals, showcasing precise neural decoding.
- Key outcomes included stable, high-bandwidth implants that achieved up to 88% of human mouse control performance in monkeys, with no device-related deaths or serious injuries.
- These trials confirmed the safety and efficacy of the N1 implant, directly leading to FDA clearance for human studies and ongoing successes in restoring digital autonomy.
Neuralink's Initial Animal Trials: Pigs and Sheep Set the Foundation
Neuralink began its preclinical research with pigs and sheep to validate the core technology of its brain-computer interface. In 2020, Elon Musk demonstrated a live pig with a Neuralink implant, where real-time brain activity from the pig's snout was displayed on screen, proving the device's ability to record neural signals without invasive skull openings. This demonstration highlighted the implant's biocompatibility and wireless functionality, as the device operated fully subcutaneously.
Sheep trials further tested implant durability under movement. These animals, known for their active behavior, helped engineers refine the flexible threads that insert into the brain. The trials showed that the 64 ultra-thin threads, each with 16 electrodes, could withstand brain motion from heartbeat and walking. Data from these studies confirmed signal stability over extended periods, essential for long-term human use.
These early tests followed the 3 Rs framework—Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement—to minimize animal use while maximizing data. Neuralink developed accelerated lifetime testers that simulated years of brain activity in days, reducing the number of animals needed. Outcomes included reliable neural spike detection, paving the way for more complex primate studies.
Monkey Trials: Pager Achieves Mind-Controlled Gaming
The most publicized animal trials involved monkeys, where Neuralink achieved groundbreaking control of digital devices. In April 2021, a macaque named Pager became the star of "Monkey MindPong." Pager, implanted with the N1 device, played the classic Atari game Pong using only his thoughts after initial joystick training.
Pager's implant recorded activity from the motor cortex, decoding intended movements into cursor control. The monkey achieved fluid gameplay, moving the paddle to hit the ball without physical input. This demonstrated the decoder's ability to map neural patterns to actions at high speeds.
Later updates showed Pager's precision: using thoughts alone, he reached 65% and 88% of the median performance of Neuralink employees using a mouse for cursor tasks. These metrics underscored the implant's potential to match or exceed natural human input.
To prioritize safety, early trials used terminal monkeys already near the end of life from other conditions. Elon Musk confirmed no monkey died or suffered serious injury from the Neuralink device itself. Veterinary oversight ensured humane care, with Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUC) approving every protocol.
Key Technical Outcomes: Durability, Bandwidth, and Vision Restoration
Neuralink's monkey trials yielded critical data on implant performance. The N1 device delivered over 1,000 channels of neural data, far surpassing prior brain-machine interfaces. Monkeys maintained control for hours daily, logging thousands of hours across studies.
Durability testing revealed threads retracting minimally, with mechanical analyzers simulating brain pulsation at 1-10 Hz. This led to material improvements, ensuring longevity.
By 2024, the Blindsight implant enabled monkeys to perceive visual stimuli directly in the cortex, bypassing eyes. Early resolution mimicked low-res graphics, but Elon noted it could exceed human vision. A 2025 update showed a monkey "seeing" non-existent objects, validating the approach.
These outcomes proved high-bandwidth recording and stimulation, with bits-per-second rates enabling real-time interaction. Neural decoding accuracy reached levels supporting complex tasks like gaming and cursor movement.
Ethical Practices and Path to Human Trials
Neuralink emphasized animal welfare throughout. Blog posts detailed environmental enrichment, providing toys and social interaction for monkeys. The company reduced animal numbers via in vitro models and accelerated testers.
Preclinical data satisfied FDA requirements, leading to human trial approval in 2023. Outcomes from animals directly translated: first human patient controlled a mouse by thought days post-surgery, mirroring Pager's feats.
Elon Musk's vision drove iterative improvements, turning challenges into strengths. By 2025, with human trials expanding globally, animal trials stand as the proven foundation for safe, effective brain implants.
TL;DR
Neuralink's animal trials transformed brain-computer interfaces from concept to reality, with monkeys like Pager mastering Pong and cursors via thought alone—achieving 88% human-level precision without device-related harm. Pigs and sheep validated wireless, durable implants, while Blindsight restored vision in primates. These milestones, guided by rigorous ethics and Elon's foresight, secured FDA approval, enabling 14+ human implants by late 2025 that restore autonomy for paralysis patients. Expect 20,000 annual procedures by 2031, heralding a future where thought commands technology effortlessly.
