As technical advances are ever expanding, mankind continues to toe-the-line between science fact and science fiction. One technological acrobatic, who announced and heads many projects to further humanity, is Elon Musk. The billion dollar businessman and investor has most recently been involved in the introduction of a brain-computer interface (BCI) to the public eye.
Originally launched in 2016 this BCI, known as Neuralink, is advertised with great expectations. It is designed to be coin-sized and invisible while also able to withstand environmental conditions far worse than the human body. The battery is charged wirelessly from an inductive charger that allows use from anywhere. Advanced computer chips and technology turn the collected data into real actions. While implanted under the skull, 64 ultra-thin, flexible neural threads record and emit neural activity using 1,024 electrodes.
Due to the delicate design of the link, it is impossible for humans to insert the device. To rectify this obstacle the company has created a robot to perform the surgery. The neurosurgical robot is fully automated and made to be reliable and efficient when inserting threads in the correct position.
The main focus of the Neuralink is to help individuals with disabilities overcome these challenges with technological assistance. Their main areas of interest are those with paralysis. Quadriplegics, individuals with all four limbs paralyzed, would gain the ability to control their computers and mobile devices with their thoughts. It even has the ability to treat other neurological disorders.
“A Neuralink-like device has the potential to enhance human memory, processing speed and cognitive abilities by creating a direct interface between the human brain and digital devices,” CEO of Neurable, a neurotechnology company, Ramses Alcaide said.
The biggest news for the technology came in May 2023, when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration officially approved the Neuralink for human clinical trials. While previous trials focused on rats, mice, monkeys, sheep and pigs, a patient registry has opened up on the official Neuralink website.
With this technology of this level of sophistication, what are the criteria for patient volunteers? The official website states that anyone 18 years old in the United states and are the age of majority in their state, who can consent and who has certain medical conditions may, similar to those listed above, may participate. Other medical conditions include one who has quadriplegia, paraplegia, vision loss, hearing loss, the inability to speak, and/or major limb amputation (affecting above or below the elbow and/or above or below the knee).
The applications of this technology have incredible potential. To change lives and better the world, but the potential complications and non-medical uses of the implants also may be a huge risk for humanity. In the end, it will be the job of the people to use this technology wisely.
