Neuralink: A Microchip For Your Brain
PUBLISHED
- January 30, 2023
- 3:33 pm
PUBLISHED
- January 30, 2023
- 3:33 pm
Elon Musk’s Neuralink has been making headlines since its inception in 2016, with its bold mission to merge human brains with computers. While some dismiss it as sci-fi fantasy, others see it as a possible solution to keep up with the rapidly evolving world of technology. But what exactly is Neuralink and what progress has it made in the last few years?
LIKE THIS
How It Works
At its core, Neuralink aims to create implantable devices that would allow people to communicate directly with computers, bypassing the need for keyboards and other external devices. The company has been developing flexible electrodes, dubbed “threads,” that could be implanted into the human brain to serve as the communication link. These threads are only a few microns in diameter, making them much less invasive than traditional electrodes, and they have the potential to deliver more precise recordings of brain activity.
Meet Gertrude
Since its founding, Neuralink has made significant strides in both the development of its technology and the demonstration of its potential applications. In August 2020, the company conducted a live demonstration in which a pig named Gertrude had a Neuralink device implanted in her brain. The device was able to accurately detect and transmit signals from her snout movements, showing that the technology was capable of functioning as intended.
Despite the progress that has been made, there is still much work to be done before Neuralink’s vision becomes a reality. The technology is still in its early stages, and there are a number of technical and ethical challenges that need to be addressed. For example, there are some concerns about the long-term effects of having such a device in the human brain.
The Challenges Ahead
One of the biggest challenges for Neuralink is getting regulatory approval for its technology. The FDA has not yet approved Neuralink’s implantable brain-machine interface, and it is unclear when or if they will give the green light to such devices. Even if approval is granted, there will likely be restrictions on who can receive the implant, as well as on the specific applications that are allowed.
Another challenge for Neuralink is the cost of its technology. The company has stated that its goal is to make the devices affordable for everyone, but it remains to be seen if this will be possible. The cost of developing and producing the technology is likely to be substantial, and it is unclear how the company will recoup its investment.
Still, Neuralink has a strong team of experts, including neurosurgeons, electrical engineers, and computer scientists, who are dedicated to bringing the company’s vision to life. They have already made remarkable progress, and there is no doubt that they will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the field of human-computer interaction.
The future of Neuralink is still uncertain, but one thing is for sure: its progress and potential impact on the world of technology will be closely watched in the years to come.
