Neuralink, a company founded by Elon Musk, is making significant strides in the development of brain-computer technologies. One such achievement was the use of the N1 implant, which allows paralyzed people to control a computer and even play chess. The chip was installed in Noland Arbo, who spent three days live demonstrating the functionality of the implant.
The goal of Neuralink's development is to give people digital freedom: controlling computers, connecting to the Internet and interacting with robotic devices. The company plans to make the implants more convenient to use and is working to expand their capabilities. In the future, this will even allow controlling external robotic devices, such as mechanical hands, which can help with household tasks.
Currently, Neuralink devices have been implanted in three patients, and by the end of 2025, the company plans to install up to 30 such implants. The main challenge remains improving the software, which will reduce calibration time, as well as increasing technical characteristics, including battery life and the number of electrodes. Engineers are also developing a robotic surgical assistant, the R1, to automate the implantation.
It should be noted that there is currently no evidence, confirmed by independent scientists, that the Neuralink chip works effectively and can be used in humans. Back in February last year, PCRM representatives said that they considered Neuralink chips, which were implanted and then removed from the brains of rhesus macaques, to be dangerous. The letter of complaint to the US Department of Transportation mentioned «animal number 13», a female macaque that developed an infection. Neuralink researchers first tried to cure, and then killed the monkey.