Neuralink all set for human trials in 6 months, according to CEO Elon Musk | Digit

Did you ever think we’d live in a world where humans could control technology with their minds? Sure, Black Mirror’s Grain Implant certainly proposed the use cases of such tech, but in all honestly, these developments seemed fairly far off in the future. Until now. During the company’s latest event, CEO Elon Musk stated that Neuralink will be ready for human trials in about 6 months. “We think probably in about six months, we should be able to have a Neuralink installed in a human,” said Musk, when presenting Neuralink’s latest developments.

Neuralink’s challenges

Neuralink is a start-up that creates brain-control interfaces (BCI) in the form of implants that are sewn into one’s grey matter. The company showed off its latest “sewing machine-like robot” last year, stating that it can implant 1,024 threads onto the brain. The 5-micron-wide  threads collect information that is then passed onto the microchip (outside the skull) for processing. The idea doesn’t sound too far-fetched when you consider that neurons are basically like these threads and the brain itself is like a gigantic microchip. The pod containing the microchip fits behind the ear and has its own battery and Bluetooth functionality. 

While Neuralink has successfully managed to have a monkey named Pager play Pong on the computer (by moving the cursor with his mind), there are still a few challenges on the road ahead. The aim of Neuralink is to create a device that allows paralysed individuals to interact with technology and carry out various needs (such as texting a friend). During the testing phase, Neuralink implanted its threads n 23 monkeys, out of which 15 died. 

Neuralink has applied for FDA approval but has not received the same yet, which may cause a few delays in human experiments. 

“In many ways, it’s like a Fitbit in your skull, with tiny wires,” Musk said of Neuralink’s device during the 2021 Livestream event. The device relies on as many as 1,024, 5-micron diameter leads “sewn” into a patient’s grey matter to form connections with the surrounding neurons, providing a high-resolution sampling of the brain’s electrical emissions and translating between analogue electrical impulses and digital computer code. Theoretically, at least. So far, all Neuralink has accomplished is getting a monkey to play Pong without a joystick. We are all already cyborgs in a way,”  said Musk when talking about Neuralink’s offering. 

The FDA clarified its BCI testing guidelines in May 2021, saying “The field of implanted BCI devices is progressing rapidly from fundamental neuroscience discoveries to translational applications and market access. Implanted BCI devices have the potential to bring benefit to people with severe disabilities by increasing their ability to interact with their environment, and consequently, providing new independence in daily life.”

What is Synchron?

Neuralink’s rival, Synchron, has already installed a device in an ALS patient’s brand. The device measures an inch and a half, and it allows the patient to translate thoughts onto a computer and communicate with friends and family. It also allows them to send texts. 

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