Musk’s Neuralink Joins AI Bionic Eye Research—When Will Brain-Computer Devices for Restoring Blind People’s Vision Become Reality?

The U.S. government’s clinical trial registry, ClinicalTrials.gov, reveals that Elon Musk’s brain-computer interface (BCI) company Neuralink is collaborating with research institutions in California and Spain on a clinical trial for visual prostheses.

Reportedly, this study is sponsored by the University of California, Santa Barbara. Specifically, the project aims to "address key scientific challenges in the development of intelligent bionic eyes." Researchers stated that this AI-integrated device will assist visually impaired individuals in achieving facial recognition, outdoor navigation, and text reading.

Recently, a document presented by Neuralink to investors indicated that the company plans to officially launch its Blindsight chip by 2030, scaling up to 10,000 surgeries annually with over $500 million in yearly revenue.

Neuralink’s exact role in the trial remains unclear. The study description shows that the trial currently recruits patients by invitation only and will incorporate Neuralink’s patient data "when conditions permit." This collaboration signifies a potential advancement in BCI applications and a major expansion of Neuralink’s clinical research efforts.

In fact, restoring vision for the blind (Blindsight) has been a key focus in Neuralink’s product roadmap over the past three years. The company plans to prioritize visual reconstruction by stimulating the visual cortex with high-channel electrodes, aiming to achieve black-and-white contour perception by 2026 as a preliminary step. In the distant future, this technology may merge with VR/AR capabilities to create a more comprehensive digital vision.

A series of cases have demonstrated the growing integration of BCIs with external devices. In June, the world’s third Neuralink implant recipient, suffering from worsening ALS, recorded extensive audio and video materials before his condition deteriorated. Later, his team used xAI’s Grok AI application to train a personalized AI model based on his voice. This model can complete his sentences and converse in his own voice.

For Neuralink, exploring deep integration between BCIs and AI is the ultimate goal. Musk has stated that with Neuralink, every human could control a Tesla Optimus robot with their mind—meaning humanoid robots would bypass complex motion programming and directly execute raw brain commands, achieving true "mind-to-motion" control.

Domestically, a 41-year-old patient who lost the ability to walk independently has been practicing walking with the aid of an exoskeleton. Specifically, the BCI system uses scalp electrodes to receive and decode brain signals, guided by video and verbal cues, transforming "motor imagination" into operational commands. These commands drive external devices or directly stimulate spinal/leg nerves to trigger limb movement or muscle contraction, enabling walking.

The downstream applications of BCI hold immense potential. McKinsey predicts the global BCI medical market could reach $40 billion by 2030 and $145 billion by 2040. Within this, the market for central nervous system disease treatments is projected at $15 billion (2030) and $85 billion (2040), while emotion assessment and intervention applications are estimated at $25 billion (2030) and $60 billion (2040).

A report by Kaiyuan Securities notes that healthcare remains the primary industrial direction for BCIs, with over half of downstream solution providers focusing on medical applications. The firm anticipates accelerated BCI commercialization driven by policy and technological synergy, benefiting companies such as Rocktech, Sinodata, Denacare, Ruimai, Xiangyu Medical, Innovation Medical, Chengyitong, Saili Medical, Apon Medical, and Intretech.