Elon Musk’s company, Neuralink, is set to implant its brain-control interface (BCI) in humans within the next six months. The BCI is designed to help paralyzed and blind individuals in the future. Neuralink has been working on the BCI for six years, and in August 2022, Musk presented the brain chip to the public using two pigs. The chip was able to read the pigs’ brains. The company then conducted experiments with primates, including a macaque that was able to control a computer game through the brain implant. However, these animal experiments have been met with criticism and protests from the scientific community and animal rights organizations.
Despite these setbacks, Musk announced on Wednesday that Neuralink plans to conduct experiments with humans soon. The company has been searching for scientists to conduct these experiments since January 2022. Musk stated during the “Show and Tell” event that Neuralink has already submitted most of the documents required for a clinical study with humans to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). He emphasized that the company is being extremely cautious and wants to ensure that the device works well before implanting it in a human.
The brain chip is intended to help paralyzed and blind individuals, as well as those with neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, and spinal cord injuries. The BCI will directly connect the brain to a computer, allowing individuals to control devices with their thoughts. While the technology has the potential to revolutionize the lives of those with disabilities, it also raises ethical concerns about the use of invasive brain implants. As Neuralink moves forward with its plans to implant the BCI in humans, it will be important to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of this technology.
