On August 28, 2020, a livestream was held on the Neuralink channel, where Elon Musk and the team presented the new Neuralink device prototype. We received a lot of interesting information about this upcoming technology.
At the beginning, Elon revealed the main goal of the device. As he said, Neuralink aims to help solve serious brain and spinal cord issues.
Elon Musk
“Sooner or later, problems with the brain and spine will appear, from minor to very serious. Essentially, each of us will have some sort of neurological disorder in the future – from memory loss to brain damage. This device can solve those problems.”
“In many ways, it’s a bit like a Fitbit in your skull with tiny wires.”
Neuralink’s design
Neuralink is relatively small. Despite its small size, it houses sensors similar to those in fit devices, allowing it to monitor your health and alert you to potential heart attacks, strokes, or other health issues. The battery in the device lasts all day and is charged wirelessly (inductively through the skin) at night.
The shape of Neuralink allows it to be implanted through a hole made in the skull, making it invisible once implanted, leaving only a small scar from the incision. The installation surgery is performed entirely by a robot, ensuring the highest level of precision. The robot also avoids blood vessels, ensuring that the procedure is bloodless.
Elon Musk
“The fact is, I could have a Neuralink implant right now and no one would even know. Who knows? Maybe I do?”
Device capabilities
Then, the team demonstrated the prototype’s functionality. They used three pigs for this demonstration: Joyce – who didn’t have an implant; Gertrude – who had the device implanted; and Dorothy – who had previously had the implant but had it removed to show that the device causes no side effects and can be safely removed.
The team mentioned they take great care to ensure the pigs are happy and healthy during testing. They even have a special team dedicated to animal care.
Neuralink communicates with a phone using low-energy Bluetooth, but the team announced they will work on a new communication method that will allow the transmission of more data and reduce interference. They will also introduce improvements that will allow the electrodes to be inserted deeper into the brain, to the areas where thoughts are processed, which could help treat depression, anxiety, and addiction.
A question that may arise is, “Will it be safe?” Elon assured that, just like with Tesla’s electric cars, safety will be a top priority for the implant and its users.
Half of the livestream was dedicated to answering questions asked live on Twitter. Below are some interesting questions and answers.
Will this technology ever be used for gaming?
Yes, 100%.
What will be the first capabilities of Neuralink?
Neuralink will allow people with spinal cord injuries to operate a computer or phone. It will also enable them to speak and write. In the long term, we could read information about limb movements they wish to make and send it to another implant installed at the injury site, allowing paralyzed individuals to move naturally.
Will it be possible to read and record memories in the future?
Yes, that will be possible. It sounds more and more like an episode of Black Mirror. Essentially, you will be able to store memories like a backup and restore them if there’s an issue, or even implant them into another body or robot. ‘The future will be strange. Said Elon.
What precautions are being taken regarding the device and what will be implemented in the future?
Safety and privacy are our top priorities. Especially given the sensitivity of the data read by the implant. We are ensuring that most data will be encrypted and authenticated. Penetration tests will also be conducted to find and patch any vulnerabilities.
How much will Neuralink cost at launch?
I think the device will be quite expensive at first, but the price will quickly drop. We will try to minimize costs. Considering the surgery is performed entirely by a robot, the price should not exceed a few thousand dollars. The production won’t be very costly, as the small parts are produced in tens of millions.
I’ll be keeping an eye out for more information, as the project seems really interesting.
It’s also worth mentioning the goal of this presentation. Elon Musk emphasized several times that the aim of this presentation was to recruit employees who will help in the further development of the project.
source:
NeuraLink livestream
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