Elon Musk's Neuralink Had a Brain Implant Setback. It May Come Down to Design

After the Jan. 28 procedure, Musk was quick to announce on X that Arbaugh was “recovering well” and that “initial results show promising neuron spike detection.” But just weeks later, the company said Wednesday, the device started to malfunction.

Cofounded by Musk, Neuralink is one of several companies developing a brain-computer interface, a system that provides a direct link from the brain to an external device. Neuralink’s technology is designed to decode intended movement signals from the brain to allow paralyzed individuals to move a cursor or type on a keyboard with just their thoughts.

Neuralink’s unique design may have contributed to the device’s mechanical issues. The company’s implant consists of a coin-sized puck that sits in the skull. It holds a battery, processing chip, and other electronics needed to power the system. Attached to this puck are 64 flexible ...