On Wednesday evening, Neuralink Corporation of Elon Musk made an announcement at an event in California. The company was designed to begin mining its coin-sized computing brain insert into humans within 6 months. Neuralink is purifying the product and it contains a tiny device and electrode-linked wires. The product also includes a robot that constructs a piece of a human skull to insert it into the brain.
Musk said the continuing talks with the US FDA (Food & Drug Administration) have flourished more for the company. The ongoing successful discussions enable Neuralink to set a target for the first human trials within the next 6 months. However, Neuralink is already jumping forward in traditional style for the venture of Elon Musk. It was specially designed for fixing other parts of the body.
Meanwhile, Muck also announced the development of 2 major products along with the brain-computer interface, during the event. The company is developing sticks to insert into the spinal cord to revamp movement for humans experiencing distress from paralysis. The developing product has an optical fix aimed at improving or restoring human vision.
Neuralink Devices can Translate Neuronal Spikes into Data
Musk added the company is optimistic about the possibility of restoring full-body functions for people having critical spinal cord issues. The key objective of the brain-computer interface is called BCI. It enables a person (with a weakening condition) to communicate using his thoughts. However, the most debilitating conditions include suffering the aftereffects of a stroke or ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).
Meanwhile, Neuralink involved a monkey for demonstration and started telepathically typing on a screen in front of it. The device of Neuralink translates neuronal spikes into data and allows a computer to interpret them. Musk is hopeful that the device would become mainstream to enable transferring information between machines and humans.
Experts believe Musk is Over-Promising and Overhyping
Musk asserted that the development would allow humans to keep up with AI-related advancements. However, artificial intelligence and computer-like augmentations could provide significant help to meet the objectives. Musk and his team have already achieved some of the targets in academic settings. They demonstrated multiple things with previous Neuralink events.
The company’s experts have blamed Musk for over-promising and overhyping the advancements of Neuralink. Academia has been researching and working on the advancement of brain-machine interface technology for decades. However, Musk’s involvement in the arena has produced an indication of investment from venture financiers into startups.
There are Multiple Startups Ahead of Neuralink
However, a couple of similar startups are in front of Neuralink when we consider human trials. For instance, Synchron Inc. has inserted a small stent-like device into human brains in the US and Australia. The product enables patients to move or communicate via computers and their thoughts wirelessly. Moreover, Onward Inc. has also performed extraordinary work to restore some movement for spinal cord injury patients.
Meanwhile, Neuralink proposed a significantly more combative type of brain surgery than Synchron or many other rivals in the industry. The process needs to remove a chunk of the patient’s skull and implant wires into his brain tissue. Neuralink started testing monkeys for years to evidence that surgery is safer. The company’s testing confirms that the implant will not harm if it remains inside the brain for long periods of time.
Processing Power is the Key Advantage of Neuralink
The company brought its animal husbandry program in-house years ago and presented an example for others to follow. However, the extraordinary processing power is one of the advantages of Neuralink over its competitors. Musk believes more combative surgery connected with massive computing power will help the hardware of Neuralink in getting much better results.
Musk added that extraordinary capabilities could restore more functions in humans compared to its rival products. Meanwhile, Neuralink has already missed some of Musk’s committed timelines for putting the BCI fix in people. There are some major concerns with the BCI fix for the company. The implant must ensure that the robot quickly performs surgeries with less harm to the body.
