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Elon Musk, the founder of Neuralink, has announced that the first human recipient of the company’s innovative brain implant is showing encouraging signs following the procedure.

The landmark surgery, which took place on Sunday, marks a significant milestone for the brain-computer interface technology. This development follows initial animal testing that began in September, where the device was described as a “fully implantable, wireless brain-computer interface.”

Musk, known for his groundbreaking technological ventures, has high hopes for Neuralink. He envisions the device as a means to empower individuals with paralysis to control external devices through their thoughts. “This ultimately has the potential to restore full body movement,” Musk stated in September, emphasizing the device’s potential impact on AI and human communication. He cited the example of Stephen Hawking, suggesting how the renowned physicist could have benefited from such technology.

The implant, which has been tested to interact with the brain area responsible for motor functions, aims to transmit brain signals to a smartphone application. This app is designed to interpret the user’s intention to move. Neuralink’s ultimate goal is to enable individuals with paralysis to operate keyboards or computers using only their thoughts, a significant leap forward in assistive technology.