What exactly is Elon Musks’ Neuralink?
Introduction:
Elon Musk - he’s the most famous (and richest!) person on the planet. One of his many companies known as Neuralink focus on linking the brain with everyday technology through neural engineering.
“It’s like a fitbit in your skull” - Elon Musk
How does Neuralink tech work?
Neuralink aims to develop a fully integrated Brain Computer Interface system, where a cosmetically invisible brain implant that permits you to control a computer wherever you go.
Link is inserted into the brain (image)
Extremely small “neural threads” (to the scale of microns) are inserted in brain areas that control movement
Each thread contains a large number of electrodes to monitor for neural signals
What is neuralink for (potentially)?
Neuralink chip translates neural signals to actions on an external device
Initial goal is for quadriplegic people to control external devices
External devices will expand in scope, starting with the cursor on a computer screen, all the way to a game control and keyboard!
Restore neural and sensory function
Won’t having a chip implanted in your brain hurt, though?
Interestingly, the brain doesn’t have any neuroreceptors - so you won’t feel anything. And of course, neurosurgery always had associated risks.
Neuralink recognizes this and is developing a Neurosurgical robot (image)
Neurosurgical robot is aiming to insert the neuralink components into the brain in less than an hour, without the need for general anesthesia
Sources
https://neuralink.com/approach/