Summary
- Tesla Optimus debuted new hands following US FDA approval for Neuralink’s CONVOY study
- The hands have 22 degrees of freedom for functionality, compared to 27 in human hands
- Neuralink’s N1 Implant with robotic arms can be tested in the CONVOY study
- Elon Musk mentioned that Optimus limbs could be used with Neuralink’s N1 implant
- Cross-enrollment between CONVOY and PRIME studies allows control of electronic devices with the mind
Article
In a recent post from Tesla Optimus, the latest humanoid robot from Tesla, the company showed off its new hands in a video of the robot catching a tennis ball. This upgrade comes after Elon Musk’s announcement in May 2024 that Tesla was giving Optimus hands with 22 degrees of freedom, compared to the 27 degrees of freedom in human hands. The debut of Optimus’ new hands coincided with Neuralink’s announcement of FDA approval for its CONVOY Study, which aims to test the Brain-to-Computer-interface N1 Implant with assistive robotic arms.
Elon Musk mentioned during a Neuralink update in July that Optimus’ limbs could potentially be used in conjunction with the N1 implant from Neuralink. Neuralink also noted that participants in the CONVOY Study and PRIME Study can cross-enroll, with the PRIME Study successfully implanting N1 Implants in two patients who can now control electronic devices with their minds. This integration of Tesla Optimus’ upgraded hands with Neuralink’s implant technology showcases the potential for advanced robotic capabilities in the future.
The tweet from Tesla Optimus highlighting its new hand for Black Friday further emphasizes the company’s commitment to advancing robotic technology. With the new capabilities provided by the upgraded hands, Optimus is able to perform tasks such as catching a tennis ball with precision. The collaboration between Tesla and Neuralink demonstrates the potential for seamless integration between advanced robotic systems and neural interface technology, paving the way for innovative applications in healthcare, assistive technologies, and more.
The announcement of the CONVOY Study approval by the FDA is a significant milestone for Neuralink, allowing the company to move forward with testing its N1 Implant with assistive robotic arms. This trial will provide valuable data on the effectiveness and safety of the brain-to-computer interface technology, potentially opening new avenues for individuals with disabilities to regain mobility and independence. The integration of Tesla Optimus’ new hands with this technology further showcases the potential for enhanced capabilities and functional enhancements in robotic systems.
By enabling participants in both the CONVOY and PRIME studies to cross-enroll, Neuralink is facilitating collaboration and data sharing between different research initiatives. The successful implantation of the N1 Implant in patients from the PRIME Study demonstrates the feasibility and potential benefits of brain-to-computer interface technology in enabling individuals to control electronic devices using their minds. This integration of advanced technologies highlights the importance of interdisciplinary research and innovation in pushing the boundaries of what is possible in robotics and neural interface technology.
Overall, the latest developments from Tesla Optimus and Neuralink demonstrate the rapid advancements in robotic technology and brain-to-computer interface systems. The integration of upgraded hands on Optimus with the N1 Implant from Neuralink showcases the potential for enhanced capabilities and functionality in future robotic systems. The collaboration between Tesla and Neuralink, as well as the FDA approval of the CONVOY Study, mark important milestones in the development of cutting-edge technologies that have the potential to revolutionize fields such as healthcare, assistive technologies, and human-robot interactions.
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