Elon Musk Neuralink human trials update

Neuralink's Latest Advances in Brain-Computer Interface - 2024 Update

On Wednesday, Elon Musk announced that Neuralink is progressing to a second test patient as its brain-computer interface technology advances.

Elon Musk and Neuralink team members responded to questions during a live update on X, previously Twitter, discussing their advancements towards mainstreaming brain implant technology.

Musk announced, "We are only beginning with our second Neuralink patient. But if everything proceeds smoothly, we anticipate having a high single-digit number of patients by year-end."

Musk's neurotechnology firm installed a brain implant in Noland Arbaugh this January, a success that the Tesla and X leader has praised.

Eight years ago, Arbaugh experienced a diving accident that resulted in paralysis from the shoulders down.

Since the implant operation, he has reported playing chess and the video game "Civilization," as well as learning Japanese and French by controlling a computer cursor with his brain.

Elon Musk and Neuralink team members discussed how they rectified a problem that had severely impaired Arbaugh's mental control over a computer cursor.

Neuralink utilizes a compact device, akin to five stacked coins in size, which is surgically implanted into the human brain by robotic means to enable its technological advancements.

The connections between the implant and Arbaugh's brain had "retracted," resulting in reduced signal reception capability.

According to the Neuralink team, threads will be implanted at varying depths within the brain with increased precision to enhance their effectiveness.

Musk assured that improvements from this point onward are inevitable.

Musk aims to increase the bandwidth of the brain-computer interface, enabling faster and more extensive data transmission.

According to Musk, a crucial aspect of human-AI symbiosis is establishing communication speeds compatible with artificial intelligence, particularly when connecting human brains to AI-driven computers.

According to Musk, Neuralink implants are envisioned to expand beyond restoring vision for the blind, potentially offering capabilities such as infrared or ultraviolet vision, or facilitating telepathic communication of ideas.

Musk expressed a desire to grant people "superpowers," aiming not only to restore previous functionality but to enhance capabilities beyond those of a typical human.

Musk discussed the development of an automated procedure where Neuralink's surgical robot could efficiently install customized implants for individuals seeking "upgrades." Musk drew parallels between the concept and the themes found in games like "Cyberpunk" or "Deus Ex," which explore futuristic and technologically advanced scenarios. Musk highlighted an intriguing long-term prospect: integrating components from the Optimus humanoid robot with Neuralink could potentially confer cybernetic superpowers. The goal is to enhance human capabilities significantly, address neurological disorders such as ALS or Parkinson's disease, and potentially establish a symbiotic relationship between humans and artificial intelligence.

Musk is not the sole pioneer in advancing the field, officially recognized as brain-machine or brain-computer interface research.

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