Your Brain, Now Upgradable: Musk’s Neuralink Aims for iPhone-Style Iterations

Editor: Yuki | ID: YukiYuki1108

Neuralink Takes a Major Step: Preparing to Implant Second Human Trial Participant

On July 11 (Beijing time), Neuralink founder Elon Musk revealed in a video update on Wednesday that the company plans to implant its device into a second human trial participant within a week and aims to have a “high single-digit” number of patients with implants by the end of this year.

This development signifies that Neuralink has taken another significant step forward in the practical application of brain-computer interface technology. Elon Musk expressed strong confidence, stating that this is merely the beginning and that more instances of direct human-machine connectivity will emerge in the future.

Neuralink’s Mission: Restoring Function and Enhancing Cognition

Neuralink, the company dedicated to brain-computer interface research, has consistently attracted significant attention. By implanting devices into the brain, this technology aims to help patients with neurological injuries restore function and even enhance human cognitive capabilities. In the future, we may witness a revolution characterized by the integration of human capabilities with artificial intelligence technology.

Elon Musk’s vision is not merely about a technological leap, but also about redefining future lifestyles. As more volunteers join the trials, this cutting-edge technology is moving closer to widespread application. One day in the future, we may all enjoy the convenience and innovation brought by Neuralink.

Team Discussion: Future Device Features and Surgical Improvements

Elon Musk and several core Neuralink employees engaged in extensive discussions on the X platform, detailing the current capabilities of their device and its future potential, such as reversing paralysis and restoring memory. They also outlined the steps for future surgical procedures to avoid the setbacks encountered with the first human trial participant, Noland Arbaugh from Arizona.

This discussion not only showcased the prospects of Neuralink’s technology but also revealed the team’s strategies for addressing challenges. By continuously optimizing and refining surgical procedures, Neuralink strives to provide breakthrough treatments for more patients, bringing hope and change.

Short- and Long-Term Goals

Musk pointed out that Neuralink’s long-term vision is to “mitigate the long-term risks artificial intelligence poses to human civilization.” He believes that by “establishing a closer symbiotic relationship between human intelligence and digital intelligence,” Neuralink can help achieve this goal, endowing people with “superpowers.”

In the short term, Neuralink aims to assist patients with brain and spinal cord injuries by enabling them to control mobile phones and computers using their thoughts. To achieve this, the company plans to implant a device known as “Telepathy” into the patient’s skull. This device is a disc equipped with electrode threads that can be inserted into brain tissue, thereby facilitating human-computer interaction.

Neuralink's Implantable Device

Musk stated that in the upcoming surgery, Neuralink will implement several improvements to address the issue of electrode wires retracting within brain tissue. To this end, they will eliminate a common step in brain surgery: the creation of an air pocket, which may be one of the causes of electrode wire retraction. The company aims to more precisely implant the electrode wires into the brain’s sulci and ensure the implant sits flush with the skull, thereby improving surgical success rates and device stability.

iPhone 15

The Neuralink team discussed future generations of implantable devices in the video. Musk stated that patients with older models could upgrade to newer ones. He analogized, “You would want an iPhone 15, not an iPhone 1.”

At the end of the video, Musk emphasized that Neuralink places great importance on the welfare of animals used in research. He stated, “We are truly doing our utmost to safeguard animal welfare.” Previously, Neuralink had faced criticism over the treatment of animals in its laboratories.

       Original Title: Now the Brain Can Be Upgraded Too! Musk’s Brain-Computer Interface Can Iterate and Update Like an iPhone