2019 – Posted in: Daily News

ELON MUSK’S ‘MIND-READING’ MICROCHIP

For: Mains

Topics covered: Brain-machine interface, mind-reading microchip, Neuralink

News Flash

At the California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, Elon Musk revealed that his “brain-machine interface” start-up, is developing an implant that will enable humans to control compatible technology with their thoughts.

The brain-computer interface announced by Musk is the ambition of linking brains directly to machines to prevent what he sees as an “existential threat” if artificial intelligence (AI) surpasses human intelligence.

What is a brain-computer interface?

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), also known as brain-machine interfaces (BMIs), are systems that translate a user’s brain activity into messages or commands for interactive applications.

BCIs enable users to control various machines by using nothing else but brain activity.

Brain-computer interface technology

The technology dates back to the 1920s when German scientist Hans Berger discovered that the human brain produced electrical currents, which reflected brain activity and could be measured by attaching electrodes to the scalp.

In 1973, the term brain-computer interfaces was coined by Jacques Vidal, then a researcher at the University of California in Los Angeles, who described BCIs as “utilizing the brain signals in a man-computer dialogue”.

What is Nueralink?

Neuralink is a company that Musk founded in 2017.
It specifically develops a data transmission system between people and computers.

Goal

The ultimate goal is to enable people suffering from paralysis or other physical impairments to control computers and smartphones using their thoughts.
Patients would be able to think up the text for messages or emails as well as move a mouse cursor and navigate the web.

How far along is the technology?

Neurolink has designed very small ‘threads’ – smaller than a human hair – that can be injected into the brain to detect the activity of neurons.
The wires would be a significant improvement on current technology, enabling 1,000 times as many electrodes to connect with the brain as the leading device for treating Parkinson’s patients.
The company has also created a surgical robot to insert these “threads” into the brain under a neurosurgeon’s supervision.
The company has tested its devices on animals and seen positive results so far.
Planning to address elephant and monkey.
So far, 19 surgeries on animals have been performed, with an 87% success rate.

Way Ahead

The company plans to seek US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for a clinical trial as early as 2020, targeting patients with complete paralysis due to upper spinal cord damage.

Elon Reeve Musk

Elon Reeve Musk is a technology entrepreneur, investor, and engineer.
He holds South African, Canadian, and U.S. citizenship.
He is the founder, CEO, and lead designer of SpaceX;

Co-founder, CEO, and product architect of Tesla
Co-founder and CEO of Neuralink
Founder of The Boring Company
Co-founder and co-chairman of OpenAI
Co-founder of PayPal.

Source: PressFromUK

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