Elon Musk recently announced that Neuralink had successfully implanted their first brain chip into a human. However, the weeks following this announcement were filled with silence. Given prior testing results with monkeys, many feared the worst. Critics, doctors, scientists, and Elon Musk detractors speculated that the experiment had failed disastrously. But yesterday, the truth emerged: the Neuralink installation was a success, with results that are absolutely mind-blowing.
Meet Nolan Arbau, a 29-year-old paralyzed from the shoulders down due to a diving accident. Despite this setback, over the last few weeks, he has gained telekinetic-like abilities thanks to Neuralink. This technology allows him to control a mouse cursor and play games like chess and Civilization VI using only his thoughts. There are no eye-tracking devices or external sensors involved—just the chip in his brain
What is Neuralink?
Neuralink is a revolutionary brain-machine interface company founded by Elon Musk. The company aims to develop high-bandwidth brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) to connect humans and computers seamlessly. The core idea is to implant tiny electrodes into the brain, which can then detect and interpret neural activity.
How Does Neuralink Work?
The process begins with a surgical robot drilling a small hole in the skull and implanting threads thinner than a human hair into the brain. These threads, equipped with high-density electrodes, can detect electrical activity (brain waves). The N1 chip used by Neuralink has 1,024 electrodes spread across 64 threads. For comparison, a typical electroencephalogram (EEG) has about 20 sensors and a maximum of 256 electrodes, positioned outside the skull and prone to interference.
Neuralink’s chip transmits data wirelessly and is powered by a small lithium-ion battery, charged inductively from outside the body. The key to Neuralink’s functionality lies in its ability to read brain waves. When you’re asleep, your brain emits low-frequency delta waves (around 2 Hz). As you wake up and become more alert, these waves shift to alpha waves (around 10 Hz). When highly focused, your brain produces gamma waves (around 35 Hz). Neuralink leverages these waves to interpret specific thoughts, like moving a mouse cursor.
Why is Neuralink Relevant?
Neuralink’s technology holds immense potential for those with disabilities. For example, it allows people like Nolan to perform tasks that would otherwise be impossible due to paralysis. The chip helps bridge the gap between thought and action, creating a brain-computer interface where users practice movements until the system learns which brain waves correspond to which actions.
Looking ahead, Neuralink could integrate with advanced robotics, such as mech suits controlled entirely by the brain. This could transform the lives of people with physical disabilities, making them less restrictive. The field of robotics is advancing rapidly, with companies like Figure 1 and Nvidia making strides in human-like dexterity and humanoid robots. When combined with brain chips, these advancements could lead to a future where human disabilities are far less limiting.
Addressing Concerns
While brain chips have their skeptics, it’s crucial to understand that Neuralink’s data flow is one-way. There’s no risk of advertisements being injected into your dreams or critical bodily functions being controlled remotely. Additionally, Neuralink cannot decipher highly complex thoughts, ensuring privacy and security.
Get Involved
If you’re interested in being part of this groundbreaking technology, Neuralink is currently conducting clinical trials. The Neuralink Prime study is open for volunteers to receive their Founders Edition brain chip. While this video is not sponsored and there’s no guarantee of survival, the potential benefits for humanity are enormous.
In conclusion, Neuralink represents a monumental leap in technology, with the potential to enhance human capabilities and transform lives. Neuralink: pioneering brain-machine interfaces for the future. The advancements we are witnessing today are setting the stage for a transformative era in human history.