Neuralink is an American neurotechnology company founded by Elon Musk and a team of eight scientists and engineers in 2016. The company is developing implantable brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). Neuralink is based in Fremont, California.
Here's a summary of Neuralink's activities and developments:
- History & Purpose: Neuralink was founded in 2016 with the goal of treating serious brain diseases in the short term and achieving human enhancement in the long term, pursuing "symbiosis with artificial intelligence".
- Technology: Neuralink's technology includes flexible probes with electrodes, a neurosurgical robot for implantation, and high-density electronics for processing neuronal information. The probes are made of biocompatible materials and can have up to 3,072 electrodes per formation. A surgical robot inserts the probes. Neuralink has developed an integrated circuit to create a 1,536-channel recording system.
- Animal Testing: Neuralink has faced criticism for its animal testing practices, including allegations of mistreatment and a high number of euthanized animals.
- Human Testing: Neuralink received FDA approval for human clinical trials in May 2023. In January 2024, Neuralink successfully implanted a device in a human.
- Developments:
- In September 2024, Neuralink announced Blindsight, which aims to restore vision to those with an undamaged visual cortex.
- As of March 2024, the first human trial participant, who had quadriplegia, could control a computer cursor using the Neuralink implant.
- A second trial participant was able to create 3D designs using CAD software.
- Compression challenge: Musk issued a request for public input on a challenge facing Neuralink, needing a compression rate of more than 200x for proper function, but experts doubt that much lossless compression is possible.
- Reception: Some scientists and publications have criticised Neuralink for overhyping its technology and not offering novel functions.
