The stakes of the trial are high, with the technology bearing the promise of restoring communication and physical function to those who have lost it.
Elon Musk’s Neuralink announced that it is looking for brave individual for a groundbreaking brain implant surgery trial, marking a new chapter in medical technology, reported Bloomberg.
The procedure will involve the removal of a section of the candidate’s skull, allowing for the intricate insertion of electrodes and super-fine wires into their brain by a sophisticated robot.
The surgery aims to replace the excised skull portion with a computer no larger than a coin, designed to remain embedded for an extended period. Its critical function is to monitor and decode brain activity, transmitting this data wirelessly to external devices.
Neuralink’s ideal participant is a person under 40 years of age, living with complete paralysis of all limbs.
The implant, targeting the hand knob area of the premotor cortex, is expected to demonstrate the device’s potential to safely record valuable neural information, a pivotal step in the company’s ambitious plans to translate human thought into digital commands.
Over the years, Elon Musk has captivated the imagination of many with visions of human-machine symbiosis, reminiscent of science fiction narratives.
“This is going to sound pretty weird, but ultimately we will achieve symbiosis with artificial intelligence,” Musk said during Neuralink’s initial presentation in 2019.
While the billionaire tycoon is known for his aspirational timelines, the domain of neural implants demands precision unlike any other.
Neuralink finds itself in a race with established entities like Synchron and Onward, who have already ventured into human trials.
Nonetheless, Neuralink has garnered significant attention, surpassing years of incremental progress made in the field, though not without controversy, including ethical concerns raised by animal-rights activists over its testing practices.
The promise of Neuralink extends beyond the current clinical trial, it envisions a future where subsequent iterations could revolutionise the lives of millions affected by various neurological conditions.
The stakes of the trial are high, with the technology bearing the promise of restoring communication and physical function to those who have lost it.
The concept of brain implants is not new, with roots stretching back to the technological boom of the 1990s.
The principle is simple yet complex: neurons fire in recognisable patterns that can be interpreted by computers. Traditional methods, like the Utah array, have been instrumental but are hindered by their invasive nature and the need for significant support infrastructure.
However, Musk’s entry into this arena in 2016 with Neuralink and an investment of $100 million has revolutionised the sector, attracting substantial venture capital and spotlighting the field.
The race is now on to develop a brain-scanning device that can transcend the confines of the laboratory, combining potent computing capabilities, robust wireless transmission, and minimal power consumption without compromising patient safety.
Neuralink’s discrete design and its robust computational power herald an era where the integration of human cognition with digital interfaces could become the new norm.
