Decoding the Brain: Elon Musk’s Neuralink Takes a Giant Leap

The brain-machine interface (BMI) market has seen tremendous progress in the last few years. Last week, Elon Musk made a breakthrough in the BMI space with the launch of the Neuralink chip that connects the brain and computer seamlessly. Is the world ready for this mind-altering technology? 

Imagine a world where a human mind can control and communicate with digital technology ranging from smartphones, smart speakers, wearable devices, and even cars. What may seem like the plot of a sci-fi movie is soon going to turn into reality as brain-machine interface (BMI) or brain-computer interface (BCI) makes the impossible possible. This technology develops a direct communication link between the brain and machine or devices. It gathers neuronal signals from the brain, analyzes, and translates them into commands to control external devices, such as a computer or robotic arm.

According to the Market Research Future (MRFR) forecastOpens a new window , the advancements in BMI and BCI research and development have the potential to accelerate the application development in the next couple of years. BMI and BCI are being applied in the healthcare sector to find a cure for Alzheimer’s, dementia, vision and hearing impairment, and paralysis, among other illnesses. Defense, aerospace, education, and research and development are some other industries trying to benefit from this futuristic technology. MRFR observations revealed that North America and Europe are early adopters of BMI technology due to the robust technology infrastructure to support this field’s developments.

Tech News: The Quantum Dream: Are We There Yet?

Recent Developments in the BMI Field

Several tech companies have made significant progress to link human minds with machines. Key players in this progressive field are Brain Products GmbH, EMOTIV, Neurosky, Neuralink, CTRL-Labs, MindMaze, MindX, and Kernel. 

In 2018, EMOTIV and SAP SE partnered to develop focus user experience (UX) powered by mobile neurotechnology to improve workplace productivity and well-being. The companies created a system (Focus UX) that leveraged real-time human cognitive state data and shared personalized feedback with the users on their cognitive performance (load, stress, and attention levels) at work. In 2019, the companies collaborated to personalize workplace learning and development and create a seamlessly integrated work environment for employees.

In the same year, Facebook acquired CTRL-Labs, a neural interface startup, to improve brain-controlling wearable technology in virtual or augmented reality. CTRL-Labs designs electromyography-based wristbands that translate mental signals into digital actions. 

More recently, in August 2020, Texas-based startup Paradromics launched a laser surgical tool to implant high-density microelectrode arrays in the brain. The company is building BCI to treat mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders.

Elon Musk Takes a Giant Leap

This week, Elon Musk live-streamed from Neuralink’s headquarters to demonstrate its next-generation BMI that creates a digital link between the brain and computer. Founded by Musk in 2016, Neuralink designs and develops BMI to treat brain-related injuries and trauma. Musk aims to create BMI to enable humans to outpace AI. 

In July 2019, Musk unveiled the plan to accelerate BMI technology development and connect human brains and devices using AI. With interdisciplinary expertise in electrode design, surgical technologies, AI algorithms, and neuroscience, Neuralink advanced its pace to improve the overall design of the Neuralink device. Initially, the chip was designed to fit behind the ear, which would have been controlled through an iPhone app. However, the new chip is of coin size that would be placed below the skull. It has various smartphone sensors, including temperature, pressure, mobility, six-axis inertial measurement that captures brain signals and sends it to the chip. The chip uses Bluetooth Low Energy to transmit brain information wirelessly. 

Neuralink shared a video that displayed a pig implanted with its device (Link) and how it gathered the pig’s brain signals with its snout.

Snout Boops

— Neuralink (@neuralink) August 30, 2020Opens a new window

At the conference, Musk touted the coin-sized Fitbit-like device in the skull. The tech mogul also displayed a V2 prototype of a BMI surgery bot. With these surgical robots’ help, 1,024 thin electrodes will be inserted into a person’s brain and connected to Neuralink’s Link 0.9 chip to gather and analyze the brain signals. The chip can measure human temperature, pressure, and movement. Musk claims this technology can provide early warning of heart attacks, solve spine and brain challenges, vision and hearing impairment, paralysis, and even treat degenerative diseases. 

Tech News: How Are Tech Companies Transforming the Future of Healthcare During COVID-19?

To date, Neuralink has experimented its devices on mice and pigs. However, the company is working closely with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to start human trials. Neuroscience technology has a vast potential to explore the profundity of the human mind. This futuristic technology combined with AI, augmented reality, and bots can eliminate numerous health adversities and drive towards a technology-abled planet. 

Can Elon Musk’s BMI chip revolutionize mankind? Comment below or let us know on LinkedInOpens a new window , TwitterOpens a new window , or FacebookOpens a new window . We’d love to hear from you!