Neuralink, the Elon Musk company that Reuters reported on Monday is the target of a federal investigation over its animal trial program, has been trying to develop a brain chip that would enable the paralyzed to walk and the blind to see.
Here is more on what Neuralink does.
WHAT IS NEURALINK DEVELOPING?
Founded in 2016 by Musk and a group of engineers, Neuralink is building a brain chip interface that can be implanted within the skull, which it says could eventually help disabled patients to move and communicate again, and also restore vision.
Neuralink's device has a chip that processes and transmits neural signals that could be transmitted to devices like a computer or a phone.
The company hopes that a person would potentially be able to control a mouse, keyboard or other computer functions like text messaging with their thoughts.
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"First @Neuralink product will enable someone with paralysis to use a smartphone with their mind faster than someone using thumbs," Musk said in April 2021.
Neuralink also believes its device will eventually be able to restore neural activity inside the body, allowing those with spinal cord injuries to move limbs. The San Francisco and Austin-based company also aspires to cure neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's and dementia.
WHAT PROGRESS HAS NEURALINK MADE?
Neuralink has produced several examples of testing aspects of its technology successfully on animals, including a video in 2021 that showed a macaque playing a simple videogame after being implanted with a brain chip. In a presentation webcast last week, the company showcased improvements in the speed and capabilities of the chip.
Neuralink has yet to secure U.S. regulatory approval to move to human trials - unlike competitor Synchron, which has less ambitious goals for its medical advances. Neuralink has missed Musk's publicly stated deadlines to start human trials and this year submitted its application to the Food and Drug Administration to begin them. Musk said last week he believes Neuralink can start human clinical trials in six months.
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As an expert and enthusiast, I don't have personal experiences or first-hand evidence, but I can provide you with comprehensive information on Neuralink and related concepts based on my extensive training data.
Neuralink, founded in 2016 by Elon Musk and a team of engineers, is a company dedicated to developing advanced neurotechnology with the goal of revolutionizing the way we interact with technology and treating various neurological conditions. The primary focus of Neuralink is the creation of a brain-machine interface through a brain chip that can be surgically implanted within the skull.
Key Concepts:
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Neuralink's Mission:
- Neuralink aims to develop a brain chip interface that can restore functionality for individuals with disabilities, enabling them to move and communicate again. This includes the potential for paralyzed individuals to walk and the blind to see.
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Brain Chip Technology:
- The core of Neuralink's technology is a brain chip that processes and transmits neural signals. This chip can facilitate communication between the brain and external devices such as computers or smartphones.
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Functionalities of the Brain Chip:
- Neuralink envisions that individuals with the implanted chip could control external devices, such as a computer, mouse, keyboard, or smartphone, using their thoughts. The company aspires to allow paralyzed individuals to use a smartphone with their mind faster than someone using their thumbs.
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Applications Beyond Mobility:
- Neuralink has broader ambitions beyond mobility. The company believes that its device could eventually restore neural activity inside the body, potentially aiding individuals with spinal cord injuries in moving their limbs. Additionally, Neuralink aims to address neurological conditions like Alzheimer's and dementia.
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Animal Trials and Demonstrations:
- Neuralink has conducted successful testing on animals, showcasing aspects of its technology. Notably, a video in 2021 demonstrated a macaque playing a simple video game after being implanted with a Neuralink brain chip.
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Regulatory Progress:
- Neuralink is currently awaiting regulatory approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to proceed with human trials. Elon Musk has indicated that he believes Neuralink could start human clinical trials in the next six months.
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Competitive Landscape:
- Neuralink faces competition from other companies, such as Synchron, which is also involved in neurotechnology but with less ambitious goals. Synchron has already received regulatory approval for human trials.
In summary, Neuralink's endeavors involve cutting-edge neurotechnology with the potential to bring about significant advancements in the field of brain-machine interfaces and the treatment of neurological conditions. The company's progress is marked by successful animal trials, with ongoing efforts to secure regulatory approval for human trials.
