Brain Chips, Telekinetic Monkeys, Robots, oh my!
Brain Chips, Telekinetic Monkeys, Robots, oh my!
Our scifi king, Elon Musk is at it again making our futuristic dreams come true. Every nap I take I am briefly haunted by the fact I share the same 24 hours as this man. Many know of Elon Musks' Spacex and Tesla but have you heard of Neuralink? You probably have if you're an Elon Musk fangirl (fanboy) like me. Either way, let's get into it!
Neuralink was founded in 2016 and is already projected for clinical trials this year, 2022. The product is an implant inserted into the brain. The goal of the product is to restore mobility to those with neurological disorders. As development continues, Neuralink has the potential to restore sensation to most senses; eyes, ears, touch, AND motor movements.
NERD ALERT: let's get technical
I should start by saying the type of technology involved here is called Integrated Brain-Machine Interface Platform(BMIs).
Neuralink has three main components:
1. Threads(ulta-fine probes): the threads are the technology that will send signals throughout the brain. They are synthetical electrodes that activate brain neurons.
2. Neurosurgical robot: The neurosurgical robot was built specifically by Neuralink to implant the device into the brain since the product is too small for human hands.
3. Electronics: The electronics are the recordings of brain patterns. The recordings allow the product the predict what the mind is telling the IOS/body to do.
THE WHY
Neurolink is inspired by those suffering from paralysis. It will be a way for the individuals to better communicate. Neuralink is primarily focused on producing medical devices but there is potential to one day target the non-medical sector.
USAGE
Neuralink is hopeful to grant freedom to those who have lost independence due to the necessity of care from others. Neuralink will allow users to control a computer without touching a button. Thats right- all mental baby. The product has already shown success in a monkey and pig. I was absolutely floored when I saw Neuralink's monkey, Pager, playing ping pong with just his mind. You can see Pager in action here.
Neuralink will connect to an app via bluetooth. The app is what will allow the link to control the phone or computer without touching it.
TAKEAWAY
I think this is absolutely incredible. I have people who ask me "how can you be excited about this?". Excitement can easily hold hands with fear when it comes to great change. However, the technology is HERE. We must adapt. I want to clarify that the product will initially prioritize functionality via the brain and a computer/IOS. Eventually, it could restore bodily movement to those who are immobile, blind, deaf, etc. It is straight out of a black mirror episode/Westworld/blade runner. I must say when this product goes to the general public, I will want it. We will get to see some of the first human to cyborg and I am here for it.
If you want more info on Neuralink go to their website or look into the White Paper.
