Neuralink, a neurotechnology company co-founded by Elon Musk, has received approval from the US government to conduct human testing. The company was established in 2016 with the aim of creating direct communication channels between the brain and computers. The ultimate objective is to enhance human capabilities, treat neurological disorders such as ALS or Parkinson’s, and achieve a symbiotic relationship between humans and artificial intelligence. The technology will mainly work through a device called the “Link,” which would be implanted in the human brain through invasive surgery.
What is Neuralink?
Neuralink is a company established by Elon Musk, along with a team of scientists and engineers, to create direct communication channels between the brain and computers. The company’s goal is to improve human capabilities, treat neurological disorders, and achieve a symbiotic relationship between humans and artificial intelligence. The technology will work through a device called the “Link,” which will be implanted in the human brain through invasive surgery.
How Will the Technology Work?
The “Link” is a device about the size of five stacked coins that will be placed inside the human brain through invasive surgery. The hardware will contain electrodes that can record neural activity and stimulate specific regions of the brain. Researchers hope that the implant will treat paralysis, spinal cord injuries, and brain disorders. The technology could also blur the line between human consciousness and computing, an idea that has long excited technologists while feeding nightmares of a dystopian future taken over by cyborgs.
Other Companies in the Field
Elon Musk is not alone in trying to make advances in the field of brain-machine or brain-computer interface research. Other companies seeking to make a play in the sector include BrainCo, Kernel, and CTRL-Labs, now part of Meta’s virtual reality division. Another implant project designed for research purposes is from the company Blackrock Neurotech, which has also received FDA approval for human testing. A Neuralink co-founder has also split from Musk and raised venture capital for his own project at a startup called Science.
Neuralink has received approval from the US government to conduct human testing, which is a significant development for the company. The technology aims to create direct communication channels between the brain and computers, which could improve human capabilities, treat neurological disorders, and achieve a symbiotic relationship between humans and artificial intelligence. The “Link” implant will be placed inside the human brain through invasive surgery and will contain electrodes that can record neural activity and stimulate specific regions of the brain. While Elon Musk is the most prominent figure in the field, other companies are also seeking to make advances in brain-machine or brain-computer interface research.
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