Elon Musk and Neuralink Introduce their brain implant prototype to help communicate with machines

A discreet and painless implant, allowing the brain to communicate directly with machines or digital interfaces.

The operation of its interface prototype that connects directly to the brain. It should eventually take the form of a small wirelessly connected box directly to the brain.

One of the possibilities offered by these technologies: the possibility, for paralyzed people, who would have been able to implement this device by digging holes in their skull, to be able to control by thought their smartphone or their computer. Ultimately, Researchers hopes that millions of people will have an augmented brain, and will come to a symbiosis between the brain and artificial intelligence.

But the prototypes presented July 16, which seem out of classics of science fiction, are still far from successful. They have not yet passed the stage of human testing, but only that of first tests on rats. and on monkeys successfully.

The case presented has not yet all the features provided: it is not yet able to transmit wireless data, but uses, for now, a conventional USB-C connector to connect the brain to a machine. This USB port was connected to 1,500 electrodes arranged on the rat brain.

Researchers is hoping to start testing humans by the end of 2020.

Based on a technology of flexible polymer cables and very thin, less invasive and more durable than systems currently used in the medical, as well works continue on a surgical robot to automatically and efficiently perform the delicate task of the installation.