The statement did not come as a complete surprise, given Neuralink had been approved by the US Food & Drug Administration in September of last year, and the experiment’s methodology was well known.
The company’s stated goal is to cure brain-related physiological diseases, and the advancement it has made may aid in addressing restrictions and disabilities related to the body and mind. People can wirelessly connect their brains to phones, computers, and other gadgets by having chips surgically implanted in their brains.
Source: Reuters
The brain’s thoughts are captured by the chip, which then translates them into impulses to move a cursor or generate writing. It functions similarly to telepathy and is a mind-moving matter. It will make it possible for a person with a disability to operate a computer, robotic arm, wheelchair, or other gadgets with just their thoughts. In earlier studies, other researchers attempted to physically link the brain to a computer via a port in the skull. This reduced the potential for utilisation and increased the risk of infection.
Researchers have long been working on brain-computer interfaces, and Neuralink’s experiment was one of many endeavours. Musk established the business in 2016 with the goal of fusing artificial intelligence (AI) and the human brain. He has also founded additional businesses that aim to create cutting-edge technologies in other frontier fields. With his financial acumen and missionary enthusiasm, he has been successful in several of them.
Source: BBC News
Only those suffering from the crippling disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or quadriplegia as a result of a spiral damage are now eligible to join Neuralink. Although there are other businesses operating in the same space as Musk, he appears to be ahead of them. The success of Neuralink has sparked curiosity as well as caution. The brain-computer interface is widely acknowledged for its value and utility, and it has enormous development potential. However, long-term sustainability and safety are crucial needs that need to be thoroughly examined and verified.
Concerns have been raised regarding the gradual deterioration of signals. This is significant since it is difficult to replace the electrodes. A fair assessment of the accomplishment is challenging due to a dearth of comprehensive information. Privacy and the processing of data derived from the brain present ethical challenges. It is vital to ask whether technology can be abused. Can thoughts be read without implanting a device if thoughts can be read by electrodes that are already implanted? Is it possible to create technology that can program thoughts into someone’s brain or control thoughts? There are also a ton of other queries.
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