Neuralink to Implant Second Brain Chip: Superpowers Ahead

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Samir Kumar Mandal

7/12/20242 min read

Neuralink to Implant Second Brain Chip Next Week

Elon Musk's company, Neuralink, plans to implant its device into a second human patient soon. Musk says this technology can give people "superpowers." Here is a simple explanation of what Neuralink is, how it works, and who might need it.

What is Neuralink?

Neuralink is a company founded by Elon Musk. It aims to connect the human brain to computers. This technology is called a brain-computer interface (BCI). The goal is to help people with disabilities and eventually enhance human abilities.

How is Neuralink Implemented in the Brain?

1. Surgery: A small chip, called the N1, is implanted in the brain. This surgery is done by a robot to ensure precision.

2. Wires: Tiny wires, thinner than a human hair, are attached to the chip. These wires are inserted into specific areas of the brain.

3. Connection: The wires pick up electrical signals from the brain. These signals are then sent to a computer for processing.

How Does Neuralink Work?

The chip in the brain records electrical signals. These signals come from neurons, which are brain cells that communicate with each other. The chip then sends these signals to a computer. The computer interprets these signals and translates them into actions. For example, a person can move a cursor on a screen just by thinking about it.

Who Needs Neuralink?

Neuralink is designed to help people with severe disabilities. This includes people who are paralyzed or have lost control of their muscles. For instance, someone who cannot move their arms or legs could use Neuralink to control a computer or even robotic limbs.

History of Neuralink Implemented Patient

The first person to receive a Neuralink implant was Noland Arbaugh. He was paralyzed from the shoulders down after an accident in 2016. In May, it was reported that the tiny wires in Arbaugh's brain had moved out of position. However, Musk recently said the implant is now stable. This shows that the technology is improving and becoming more reliable.

How Neuralink Helps Day-to-Day Work

With Neuralink, people like Noland Arbaugh can perform tasks that were once impossible. For example, they can:

  • Control a computer or smartphone with their thoughts.

  • Communicate more easily.

  • Gain some independence in their daily lives.

Expected Future of Neuralink

Elon Musk has big plans for Neuralink. Here are some of his goals:

1. Increase Recipients: Musk hopes to implant the device in more people. He aims for high single digits by the end of the year.

2. Enhance Abilities: In the long term, Neuralink could enhance human abilities. This means giving people new "superpowers" like improved memory or communication with computers directly.

3. Symbiosis with AI: Musk believes Neuralink can help humans coexist with artificial intelligence (AI). By merging human intelligence with digital intelligence, we can reduce the risks posed by AI.

Conclusion

Neuralink is a groundbreaking technology that connects the human brain to computers. It has the potential to help people with disabilities regain some independence. As the technology improves, it might even enhance human abilities and create a closer relationship between humans and AI. The future of Neuralink is exciting and holds many possibilities for improving lives.