Misplaced Pages

Neuralink: Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editContent deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 06:02, 29 November 2024 editKNHaw (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users, Rollbackers28,549 editsm Reverted 1 edit by 169.150.54.196 (talk) to last revision by Urbanracer34Tags: Twinkle Undo← Previous edit Latest revision as of 23:24, 25 December 2024 edit undo67.209.128.136 (talk) See also: five XR-related links (revert if unrelated) 
(9 intermediate revisions by 6 users not shown)
Line 3: Line 3:
{{Infobox company {{Infobox company
| name = Neuralink Corp. | name = Neuralink Corp.
| logo = ] | logo = ]
| type = ] | type = ]
| founded = {{start date and age|2016|06|21}} | founded = {{start date and age|2016|06|21}}
Line 10: Line 10:
| key_people = ] (])<ref name="CEO">{{Cite news |title=Elon Musk's Inner Circle Rocked by Fight Over His $230 Billion Fortune |work=Wall Street Journal |date=July 18, 2022 |url=https://www.wsj.com/amp/articles/elon-musk-fortune-fight-jared-birchall-igor-kurganov-11657308426 |df=mdy-all |access-date=May 4, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170505075109/https://www.wsj.com/articles/elon-musk-launches-neuralink-to-connect-brains-with-computers-1490642652 |archive-date= May 5, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> | key_people = ] (])<ref name="CEO">{{Cite news |title=Elon Musk's Inner Circle Rocked by Fight Over His $230 Billion Fortune |work=Wall Street Journal |date=July 18, 2022 |url=https://www.wsj.com/amp/articles/elon-musk-fortune-fight-jared-birchall-igor-kurganov-11657308426 |df=mdy-all |access-date=May 4, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170505075109/https://www.wsj.com/articles/elon-musk-launches-neuralink-to-connect-brains-with-computers-1490642652 |archive-date= May 5, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| industry = ] | industry = ]
| products = * ''Telepathy'' <br /> * ] | products = * Telepathy
* ]
| owner = ] | owner = ]
| num_employees = {{circa|300}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Neuralink co-founder departs Musk-backed startup |url=https://www.reuters.com/legal/transactional/neuralink-co-founder-departs-musk-backed-startup-sources-2022-07-19/ |work=] |date=19 July 2022 |last=Levy |first=Rachael |access-date=July 19, 2022 |archive-date=July 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220719162205/https://www.reuters.com/legal/transactional/neuralink-co-founder-departs-musk-backed-startup-sources-2022-07-19/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | num_employees = {{circa|300}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Neuralink co-founder departs Musk-backed startup |url=https://www.reuters.com/legal/transactional/neuralink-co-founder-departs-musk-backed-startup-sources-2022-07-19/ |work=] |date=19 July 2022 |last=Levy |first=Rachael |access-date=July 19, 2022 |archive-date=July 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220719162205/https://www.reuters.com/legal/transactional/neuralink-co-founder-departs-musk-backed-startup-sources-2022-07-19/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Line 18: Line 19:
| hq_location = ], United States<ref name=fremont-hq>{{cite web |last=Falconer |first=Rebecca |date=December 1, 2022 |title=Elon Musk highlights monkey "telepathic typing" at Neuralink event |url=https://www.axios.com/2022/12/01/elon-musk-neuralink-brain-chip-event |website=] |access-date=December 15, 2022 |archive-date=December 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215175924/https://www.axios.com/2022/12/01/elon-musk-neuralink-brain-chip-event |url-status=live }}</ref> | hq_location = ], United States<ref name=fremont-hq>{{cite web |last=Falconer |first=Rebecca |date=December 1, 2022 |title=Elon Musk highlights monkey "telepathic typing" at Neuralink event |url=https://www.axios.com/2022/12/01/elon-musk-neuralink-brain-chip-event |website=] |access-date=December 15, 2022 |archive-date=December 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215175924/https://www.axios.com/2022/12/01/elon-musk-neuralink-brain-chip-event |url-status=live }}</ref>
}} }}
{{Elon Musk series}}'''Neuralink Corp.'''<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |date=2016-06-21 |title=NEURALINK CORP. |url=https://opencorporates.com/companies/us_de/6064185 |access-date=2023-08-02 |website=]}}</ref> is an American ] company that has developed, as of 2024, ] ]s (BCIs). It was founded by ] and a team of eight scientists and engineers (Max Hodak, Benjamin Rapoport, Dongjin Seo, Paul Merolla, Philip Sabes, Tim Gardner, Tim Hanson, and Vanessa Tolosa).<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":8" /><ref name=":9" /><ref name=":10" /> Neuralink was launched in 2016 and was first publicly reported in March 2017.<ref name="WSJ">{{Cite news |last=Winkler |first=Rolfe |date=March 27, 2017 |title=Elon Musk Launches Neuralink to Connect Brains With Computers |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/elon-musk-launches-neuralink-to-connect-brains-with-computers-1490642652 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170505075109/https://www.wsj.com/articles/elon-musk-launches-neuralink-to-connect-brains-with-computers-1490642652 |archive-date=May 5, 2017 |access-date=May 4, 2017 |work=Wall Street Journal |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name=":3" /><ref name="LAT2017-04">{{cite web |last=Masunaga |first=Samantha |date=21 April 2017 |title=A quick guide to Elon Musk's new brain-implant company, Neuralink |url=http://www.latimes.com/business/technology/la-fi-tn-elon-musk-neuralink-20170421-htmlstory.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170505040212/http://www.latimes.com/business/technology/la-fi-tn-elon-musk-neuralink-20170421-htmlstory.html |archive-date=May 5, 2017 |access-date=May 4, 2017 |work=]}}</ref><ref name="Verge">{{Cite news |last1=Statt |first1=Nick |date=March 27, 2017 |title=Elon Musk launches Neuralink, a venture to merge the human brain with AI |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/3/27/15077864/elon-musk-neuralink-brain-computer-interface-ai-cyborgs |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206050357/https://www.theverge.com/2017/3/27/15077864/elon-musk-neuralink-brain-computer-interface-ai-cyborgs |archive-date=February 6, 2018 |access-date=September 6, 2017 |work=] |df=mdy-all}}</ref> {{Elon Musk series}}'''Neuralink Corp.'''<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |date=2016-06-21 |title=NEURALINK CORP. |url=https://opencorporates.com/companies/us_de/6064185 |access-date=2023-08-02 |website=]}}</ref> is an American ] company that has developed, as of 2024, ] ]s (BCIs). It was founded by ] and a team of eight scientists and engineers.<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":8" /><ref name=":9" /><ref name=":10" /> Neuralink was launched in 2016 and was first publicly reported in March 2017.<ref name="WSJ">{{Cite news |last=Winkler |first=Rolfe |date=March 27, 2017 |title=Elon Musk Launches Neuralink to Connect Brains With Computers |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/elon-musk-launches-neuralink-to-connect-brains-with-computers-1490642652 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170505075109/https://www.wsj.com/articles/elon-musk-launches-neuralink-to-connect-brains-with-computers-1490642652 |archive-date=May 5, 2017 |access-date=May 4, 2017 |work=Wall Street Journal |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name=":3" /><ref name="LAT2017-04">{{cite web |last=Masunaga |first=Samantha |date=21 April 2017 |title=A quick guide to Elon Musk's new brain-implant company, Neuralink |url=http://www.latimes.com/business/technology/la-fi-tn-elon-musk-neuralink-20170421-htmlstory.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170505040212/http://www.latimes.com/business/technology/la-fi-tn-elon-musk-neuralink-20170421-htmlstory.html |archive-date=May 5, 2017 |access-date=May 4, 2017 |work=]}}</ref><ref name="Verge">{{Cite news |last1=Statt |first1=Nick |date=March 27, 2017 |title=Elon Musk launches Neuralink, a venture to merge the human brain with AI |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/3/27/15077864/elon-musk-neuralink-brain-computer-interface-ai-cyborgs |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206050357/https://www.theverge.com/2017/3/27/15077864/elon-musk-neuralink-brain-computer-interface-ai-cyborgs |archive-date=February 6, 2018 |access-date=September 6, 2017 |work=] |df=mdy-all}}</ref>


In January 2017, Musk approached Pedram Mohseni and Randolph Nudo, who owned the rights to the name “NeuraLink. These two neuroscientists strived to create an electronic brain chip to treat traumatic brain injury. They made significant progress and completed preliminary testing but could not receive enough funding or support from investors to continue. Musk approached the two and offered tens of thousands of dollars for the company’s name.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Meet the Guys Who Sold “Neuralink” to Elon Musk without Even Realizing It |url=https://www.technologyreview.com/2017/04/04/152788/meet-the-guys-who-sold-neuralink-to-elon-musk-without-even-realizing-it/ |access-date=2024-11-20 |website=MIT Technology Review |language=en}}</ref> In January 2017, Musk approached Pedram Mohseni and ], who owned the rights to the name "NeuraLink". These two neuroscientists strove to create an electronic brain chip to treat traumatic brain injury. They made significant progress and completed preliminary testing but did not receive enough funding or support from investors to continue. Musk approached them and offered tens of thousands of dollars for the company’s name.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Meet the Guys Who Sold "Neuralink" to Elon Musk without Even Realizing It |url=https://www.technologyreview.com/2017/04/04/152788/meet-the-guys-who-sold-neuralink-to-elon-musk-without-even-realizing-it/ |access-date=2024-11-20 |website=MIT Technology Review |language=en}}</ref>


The company is based in ] with plans to build a three-story building with office and manufacturing space near ] in Del Valle, located about 10 miles east of ]'s headquarters and manufacturing plant that opened in 2022.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Rohit |first=Parimal M. |date=July 11, 2024 |title=Elon Musk's Neuralink Building Plans in Austin Extend Area's Tech Hub Status |url=https://www.costar.com/article/359416092/elon-musks-neuralink-building-plans-in-austin-extend-areas-tech-hub-status |access-date=July 29, 2024 |website=CoStar}}</ref> The company is based in ], with plans to build a three-story building with office and manufacturing space near ], in Del Valle, about 10 miles east of ]'s headquarters and manufacturing plant that opened in 2022.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Rohit |first=Parimal M. |date=July 11, 2024 |title=Elon Musk's Neuralink Building Plans in Austin Extend Area's Tech Hub Status |url=https://www.costar.com/article/359416092/elon-musks-neuralink-building-plans-in-austin-extend-areas-tech-hub-status |access-date=July 29, 2024 |website=CoStar}}</ref>


Since its founding, the company has hired several high-profile ]s from various universities.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-05-10/elon-musk-s-brain-tech-startup-is-raising-more-cash|title=Elon Musk's Brain Tech Startup Is Raising More Cash|date=2019-05-11|access-date=2019-05-12|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190511092933/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-05-10/elon-musk-s-brain-tech-startup-is-raising-more-cash|archive-date=May 11, 2019|url-status=live|quote=The company has hired away several high-profile neuroscientists}}</ref> By July 2019, it had received $158 million in funding (of which $100 million was from Musk) and was employing a staff of 90 employees.<ref name=markoff>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/16/technology/neuralink-elon-musk.html|title=Elon Musk's Company Takes Baby Steps to Wiring Brains to the Internet|last=Markoff|first=John|date=2019-07-16|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-07-17|language=en-US |issn=0362-4331|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717083429/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/16/technology/neuralink-elon-musk.html |archive-date=July 17, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> At that time, Neuralink announced that it was working on a "sewing machine-like" device capable of implanting very thin (4 to 6 ] in width)<ref name="Lopatto 2019">Elizabeth Lopatto. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717163112/https://www.theverge.com/2019/7/16/20697123/elon-musk-neuralink-brain-reading-thread-robot|date=July 17, 2019}}. ''The Verge''. 16 July 2019.</ref> threads into the brain, and demonstrated a system that reads information from a lab rat via 1,500 ]s. They had anticipated starting experiments with humans in 2020,<ref name=markoff /> but have since moved that projection to 2023. As of May 2023, they have been approved for human trials in the ].<ref name=":9">{{cite news |last1=Sharma |first1=Akriti |last2=Levy |first2=Rachel |date=May 25, 2023 |title=Elon Musk's Neuralink says has FDA approval for study of brain implants in humans |url=https://www.reuters.com/science/elon-musks-neuralink-gets-us-fda-approval-human-clinical-study-brain-implants-2023-05-25/ |publisher=Reuters}}</ref> On January 29, 2024, Musk announced that Neuralink had successfully implanted a Neuralink device in a human and that the patient was recovering.<ref name=":5" /> Since its founding, the company has hired several high-profile ]s from various universities.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-05-10/elon-musk-s-brain-tech-startup-is-raising-more-cash|title=Elon Musk's Brain Tech Startup Is Raising More Cash|date=2019-05-11|access-date=2019-05-12|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190511092933/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-05-10/elon-musk-s-brain-tech-startup-is-raising-more-cash|archive-date=May 11, 2019|url-status=live|quote=The company has hired away several high-profile neuroscientists}}</ref> By 2019, it had received $158 million in funding (of which $100 million was from Musk) and had 90 employees.<ref name=markoff>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/16/technology/neuralink-elon-musk.html|title=Elon Musk's Company Takes Baby Steps to Wiring Brains to the Internet|last=Markoff|first=John|date=2019-07-16|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-07-17|language=en-US |issn=0362-4331|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717083429/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/16/technology/neuralink-elon-musk.html |archive-date=July 17, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> At that time, Neuralink announced that it was working on a "sewing machine-like" device capable of implanting very thin (4 to 6 ] in width)<ref name="Lopatto 2019">Elizabeth Lopatto. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717163112/https://www.theverge.com/2019/7/16/20697123/elon-musk-neuralink-brain-reading-thread-robot|date=July 17, 2019}}. ''The Verge''. 16 July 2019.</ref> threads into the brain, and demonstrated a system that reads information from a lab rat via 1,500 ]s. It anticipated starting experiments with humans in 2020,<ref name=markoff /> but since moved that projection to 2023. As of May 2023, it has been approved for human trials in the ].<ref name=":9">{{cite news |last1=Sharma |first1=Akriti |last2=Levy |first2=Rachel |date=May 25, 2023 |title=Elon Musk's Neuralink says has FDA approval for study of brain implants in humans |url=https://www.reuters.com/science/elon-musks-neuralink-gets-us-fda-approval-human-clinical-study-brain-implants-2023-05-25/ |publisher=Reuters}}</ref> On January 29, 2024, Musk announced that Neuralink had successfully implanted a Neuralink device in a human and that the patient was recovering.<ref name=":5" />


The company has faced criticism for a large amount of ] of primates that underwent medical trials. Veterinary records of the monkeys showed a number of complications with electrodes being surgically implanted.<ref name=":4" /> The company has faced criticism for a large amount of ] of primates that underwent medical trials. Veterinary records of the monkeys showed a number of complications with electrodes being surgically implanted.<ref name=":4" />


In September 2024, the company announced that its latest development effort, called ], will allow those who would otherwise be blind to restore some level of vision, provided the ] is undamaged. The development received "breakthrough" status from the federal government, which will accelerate development.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=David |date=2024-09-18 |title=Elon Musk Touts New Neuralink Brain Chip to Treat Blindness |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/elon-musk-touts-new-neuralink-brain-chip-to-treat-blindness |access-date=2024-09-18 |website=The Daily Beast |language=en}}</ref> In September 2024, the company announced that its latest development effort, ], will allow those who would otherwise be blind to regain some level of vision, provided the ] is undamaged. The development received "breakthrough" status from the federal government, which will accelerate development.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=David |date=2024-09-18 |title=Elon Musk Touts New Neuralink Brain Chip to Treat Blindness |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/elon-musk-touts-new-neuralink-brain-chip-to-treat-blindness |access-date=2024-09-18 |website=The Daily Beast |language=en}}</ref>


== Company == == Company ==
Line 34: Line 35:
=== History === === History ===
] ]
Neuralink was founded in 2016 by Elon Musk and a founding team of eight scientists and engineers (Max Hodak, Benjamin Rapoport, Dongjin Seo, Paul Merolla, Philip Sabes, Tim Gardner, Tim Hanson, and Vanessa Tolosa).<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":8" /><ref name=":9" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last=Kolodny |first=Lora |date=2021-05-02 |title=Neuralink co-founder Max Hodak leaves Elon Musk's brain implant company |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/05/01/neuralink-cofounder-max-hodak-leaves-elon-musks-brain-implant-company.html |access-date=2022-07-19 |website=CNBC |language=en |archive-date=May 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507105308/https://www.cnbc.com/2021/05/01/neuralink-cofounder-max-hodak-leaves-elon-musks-brain-implant-company.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-07-19 |title=Neuralink co-founder departs Musk-backed startup -sources |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/neuralink-merolla-idUKKBN2OU112 |access-date=2022-07-19 |archive-date=March 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230304005152/https://www.reuters.com/legal/transactional/neuralink-co-founder-departs-musk-backed-startup-sources-2022-07-19/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Vanian |first=Jeremy Kahn,Jonathan |title=Inside Neuralink, Elon Musk’s mysterious brain chip startup: A culture of blame, impossible deadlines, and a missing CEO |url=https://fortune.com/longform/neuralink-brain-computer-interface-chip-implant-elon-musk/ |access-date=2024-11-18 |website=Fortune |language=en}}</ref> The group of initial hires consisted of experts in areas such as neuroscience, biochemistry and robotics.<ref name="LAT2017-04" /> The trademark "Neuralink" was purchased from its previous owners in January 2017.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Meet the Guys Who Sold "Neuralink" to Elon Musk without Even Realizing It |url=https://www.technologyreview.com/2017/04/04/152788/meet-the-guys-who-sold-neuralink-to-elon-musk-without-even-realizing-it/ |access-date=2022-07-19 |website=MIT Technology Review |language=en |archive-date=February 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210219151152/https://www.technologyreview.com/2017/04/04/152788/meet-the-guys-who-sold-neuralink-to-elon-musk-without-even-realizing-it/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Levy |first=Rachael |date=2022-12-01 |title=Elon Musk expects Neuralink's brain chip to begin human trials in 6 months |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/elon-musk-says-expects-neuralink-begin-human-trials-six-months-2022-12-01/ |access-date=2022-12-02 |archive-date=December 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221202063038/https://www.reuters.com/technology/elon-musk-says-expects-neuralink-begin-human-trials-six-months-2022-12-01/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Neuralink was founded in 2016 by Elon Musk and a founding team of eight scientists and engineers: Max Hodak, Benjamin Rapoport, Dongjin Seo, Paul Merolla, Philip Sabes, Tim Gardner, Tim Hanson, and Vanessa Tolosa.<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":8" /><ref name=":9" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last=Kolodny |first=Lora |date=2021-05-02 |title=Neuralink co-founder Max Hodak leaves Elon Musk's brain implant company |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/05/01/neuralink-cofounder-max-hodak-leaves-elon-musks-brain-implant-company.html |access-date=2022-07-19 |website=CNBC |language=en |archive-date=May 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507105308/https://www.cnbc.com/2021/05/01/neuralink-cofounder-max-hodak-leaves-elon-musks-brain-implant-company.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-07-19 |title=Neuralink co-founder departs Musk-backed startup -sources |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/neuralink-merolla-idUKKBN2OU112 |access-date=2022-07-19 |archive-date=March 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230304005152/https://www.reuters.com/legal/transactional/neuralink-co-founder-departs-musk-backed-startup-sources-2022-07-19/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Vanian |first=Jeremy Kahn,Jonathan |title=Inside Neuralink, Elon Musk's mysterious brain chip startup: A culture of blame, impossible deadlines, and a missing CEO |url=https://fortune.com/longform/neuralink-brain-computer-interface-chip-implant-elon-musk/ |access-date=2024-11-18 |website=Fortune |language=en}}</ref> The group of initial hires consisted of experts in areas such as neuroscience, biochemistry, and robotics.<ref name="LAT2017-04" /> The trademark "Neuralink" was purchased from its previous owners in January 2017.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Meet the Guys Who Sold "Neuralink" to Elon Musk without Even Realizing It |url=https://www.technologyreview.com/2017/04/04/152788/meet-the-guys-who-sold-neuralink-to-elon-musk-without-even-realizing-it/ |access-date=2022-07-19 |website=MIT Technology Review |language=en |archive-date=February 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210219151152/https://www.technologyreview.com/2017/04/04/152788/meet-the-guys-who-sold-neuralink-to-elon-musk-without-even-realizing-it/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Levy |first=Rachael |date=2022-12-01 |title=Elon Musk expects Neuralink's brain chip to begin human trials in 6 months |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/elon-musk-says-expects-neuralink-begin-human-trials-six-months-2022-12-01/ |access-date=2022-12-02 |archive-date=December 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221202063038/https://www.reuters.com/technology/elon-musk-says-expects-neuralink-begin-human-trials-six-months-2022-12-01/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


In April 2017, Neuralink announced that it was aiming to make devices to treat serious ]s in the short-term, with the eventual goal of ], sometimes called ].<ref name="WBW">{{cite web |url=http://waitbutwhy.com/2017/04/neuralink.html|title=Neuralink and the Brain's Magical Future|last=Urban|first=Tim|date=20 April 2017 |work=]|access-date=May 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170504070817/https://waitbutwhy.com/2017/04/neuralink.html|archive-date=May 4, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="LAT2017-04" /><ref name=Ars>{{cite news|last1=Newitz|first1=Annalee|title=Elon Musk is setting up a company that will link brains and computers|url=https://arstechnica.com/business/2017/03/elon-musk-is-setting-up-a-company-that-will-link-brains-and-computers/|work=Ars Technica|date=March 27, 2017|language=en-us|access-date=May 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519001313/https://arstechnica.com/business/2017/03/elon-musk-is-setting-up-a-company-that-will-link-brains-and-computers/|archive-date=May 19, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Musk had said his interest in the idea partly stemmed from the science fiction concept of "]" in the ] in '']'', a series of 10 novels by ].<ref name="Ars" /><ref name="1843mag">{{cite news|last1=Cross|first1=Tim|title=The novelist who inspired Elon Musk|newspaper=The Economist |url=https://www.1843magazine.com/culture/the-daily/the-novelist-who-inspired-elon-musk|publisher=1843 Magazine|date=31 March 2017|access-date=May 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170521060034/https://www.1843magazine.com/culture/the-daily/the-novelist-who-inspired-elon-musk|archive-date=May 21, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2017, Neuralink announced that it was aiming to make devices to treat serious ]s in the short term, with the eventual goal of ], sometimes called ].<ref name="WBW">{{cite web |url=http://waitbutwhy.com/2017/04/neuralink.html|title=Neuralink and the Brain's Magical Future|last=Urban|first=Tim|date=20 April 2017 |work=]|access-date=May 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170504070817/https://waitbutwhy.com/2017/04/neuralink.html|archive-date=May 4, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="LAT2017-04" /><ref name=Ars>{{cite news|last1=Newitz|first1=Annalee|title=Elon Musk is setting up a company that will link brains and computers|url=https://arstechnica.com/business/2017/03/elon-musk-is-setting-up-a-company-that-will-link-brains-and-computers/|work=Ars Technica|date=March 27, 2017|language=en-us|access-date=May 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519001313/https://arstechnica.com/business/2017/03/elon-musk-is-setting-up-a-company-that-will-link-brains-and-computers/|archive-date=May 19, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Musk said his interest in the idea partly stemmed from the concept of "]" in the ] in '']'', a series of 10 novels by ].<ref name="Ars" /><ref name="1843mag">{{cite news|last1=Cross|first1=Tim|title=The novelist who inspired Elon Musk|newspaper=The Economist |url=https://www.1843magazine.com/culture/the-daily/the-novelist-who-inspired-elon-musk|publisher=1843 Magazine|date=31 March 2017|access-date=May 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170521060034/https://www.1843magazine.com/culture/the-daily/the-novelist-who-inspired-elon-musk|archive-date=May 21, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>


Musk defined the neural lace as a "digital layer above the cortex" that would not necessarily imply extensive ] but ideally an implant through a vein or artery.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213005819/https://www.cnbc.com/2017/01/31/elon-musk-thinks-we-will-have-to-use-ai-this-way-to-avoid-a-catastrophic-future.html |date=February 13, 2019 }}. Robert Ferris, ''CNBC News''. 31 January 2017.</ref> He said the long-term goal is to achieve "symbiosis with artificial intelligence",<ref name='Asher 2018'> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181204090202/https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-ai-could-turn-humans-into-endangered-species-2018-11 |date=December 4, 2018 }}. Isobel Asher Hamilton, ''Business Insider''. 26 November 2018.</ref> which he perceives as an ] if it goes unchecked.<ref name='Asher 2018'/><ref name='Lacoma 2017'> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206013654/https://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/neuralink-elon-musk/ |date=December 6, 2018 }}. Tyler Lacoma, ''Digital Trends''. 7 November 2017.</ref> He believes the device will be "something analogous to a video game, like a saved game situation, where you are able to resume and upload your last state" and "address brain injuries or spinal injuries and make up for whatever lost capacity somebody has with a chip."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-02-07 |title=Clubhouse Elon Musk interview transcript |url=https://zamesin.me/clubhouse-elon-musk-interview/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127172012/https://zamesin.me/clubhouse-elon-musk-interview/ |archive-date=January 27, 2022 |access-date=2022-01-27 |website=Zamesin Ivan—from product to entrepreneur}}</ref> Musk defined the neural lace as a "digital layer above the cortex" that would not necessarily require extensive ] but could be implanted through a vein or artery.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213005819/https://www.cnbc.com/2017/01/31/elon-musk-thinks-we-will-have-to-use-ai-this-way-to-avoid-a-catastrophic-future.html |date=February 13, 2019 }}. Robert Ferris, ''CNBC News''. 31 January 2017.</ref> He said the long-term goal is to achieve "symbiosis with artificial intelligence",<ref name='Asher 2018'> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181204090202/https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-ai-could-turn-humans-into-endangered-species-2018-11 |date=December 4, 2018 }}. Isobel Asher Hamilton, ''Business Insider''. 26 November 2018.</ref> which he perceives as an ] if it goes unchecked.<ref name='Asher 2018'/><ref name='Lacoma 2017'> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206013654/https://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/neuralink-elon-musk/ |date=December 6, 2018 }}. Tyler Lacoma, ''Digital Trends''. 7 November 2017.</ref> He believes the device will be "something analogous to a video game, like a saved game situation, where you are able to resume and upload your last state" and "address brain injuries or spinal injuries and make up for whatever lost capacity somebody has with a chip."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-02-07 |title=Clubhouse Elon Musk interview transcript |url=https://zamesin.me/clubhouse-elon-musk-interview/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127172012/https://zamesin.me/clubhouse-elon-musk-interview/ |archive-date=January 27, 2022 |access-date=2022-01-27 |website=Zamesin Ivan—from product to entrepreneur}}</ref>


], the head of Musk's ], was listed as CEO, CFO and president of Neuralink in 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |author1=Glaser |first=April |author2=Mak |first2=Aaron |author3=Oremus |first3=Will |date=2018-08-17 |title=Why Elon Musk's Companies Aren't Melting Down, Even If He Is |url=https://slate.com/technology/2018/08/why-elon-musks-companies-arent-melting-down-even-if-he-is.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720190248/https://slate.com/technology/2018/08/why-elon-musks-companies-arent-melting-down-even-if-he-is.html |archive-date=July 20, 2019 |access-date=2019-07-20 |website=Slate Magazine}}</ref><ref name="Gizmodo2018" /> {{As of|2018|09}}, Musk was the majority owner of Neuralink but did not hold an executive position.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720190247/https://www.sec.gov/divisions/corpfin/cf-noaction/2018/neuralink-101618-506d.pdf|date=July 20, 2019}}. U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), October 16, 2018</ref> By August 2020, only three of the eight founding scientists remained at the company, according to an article by ] which reported that Neuralink had seen "years of internal conflict in which rushed timelines have clashed with the slow and incremental pace of science."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-08-25 |title=Ahead of Neuralink event, ex-employees detail research timeline clashes |url=https://www.statnews.com/2020/08/25/elon-musk-neuralink-update-brain-machine-implants/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200827230643/https://www.statnews.com/2020/08/25/elon-musk-neuralink-update-brain-machine-implants/ |archive-date=August 27, 2020 |access-date=2020-09-06 |website=STAT}}</ref> {{As of|2020}}, Neuralink was headquartered in ], sharing the ] with ], another company co-founded by Musk.<ref name="Gizmodo2018">{{Cite news |last=Conger|first=Kate|title=Elon Musk's Neuralink Sought to Open an Animal Testing Facility in San Francisco|work=Gizmodo |url=https://gizmodo.com/elon-musks-neuralink-sought-to-open-an-animal-testing-f-1823167674|url-status=live|access-date=2018-10-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180924145028/https://gizmodo.com/elon-musks-neuralink-sought-to-open-an-animal-testing-f-1823167674|archive-date=September 24, 2018}}</ref><ref name=":03">{{Cite web|url=https://www.technologyreview.com/s/615181/ai-openai-moonshot-elon-musk-sam-altman-greg-brockman-messy-secretive-reality/|title=The messy, secretive reality behind OpenAI's bid to save the world|last=Hao|first=Karen |date=2020-02-17|website=MIT Technology Review|access-date=2020-03-09}}</ref> {{As of|2022}}, Neuralink's headquarters were in ].<ref name=fremont-hq /> ], the head of Musk's ], was listed as Neuralink's CEO, CFO, and president in 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Glaser |first1=April |last2=Mak |first2=Aaron |last3=Oremus |first3=Will |date=2018-08-17 |title=Why Elon Musk's Companies Aren't Melting Down, Even If He Is |url=https://slate.com/technology/2018/08/why-elon-musks-companies-arent-melting-down-even-if-he-is.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720190248/https://slate.com/technology/2018/08/why-elon-musks-companies-arent-melting-down-even-if-he-is.html |archive-date=July 20, 2019 |access-date=2019-07-20 |website=Slate Magazine}}</ref><ref name="Gizmodo2018" /> {{As of|2018|09}}, Musk was its majority owner but did not hold an executive position.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720190247/https://www.sec.gov/divisions/corpfin/cf-noaction/2018/neuralink-101618-506d.pdf|date=July 20, 2019}}. U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), October 16, 2018</ref> By August 2020, only three of the eight founding scientists remained at the company, according to an article by ] that reported that Neuralink had seen "years of internal conflict in which rushed timelines have clashed with the slow and incremental pace of science."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-08-25 |title=Ahead of Neuralink event, ex-employees detail research timeline clashes |url=https://www.statnews.com/2020/08/25/elon-musk-neuralink-update-brain-machine-implants/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200827230643/https://www.statnews.com/2020/08/25/elon-musk-neuralink-update-brain-machine-implants/ |archive-date=August 27, 2020 |access-date=2020-09-06 |website=STAT}}</ref> {{As of|2020}}, Neuralink was headquartered in ], sharing the ] with ], another company Musk co-founded.<ref name="Gizmodo2018">{{Cite news |last=Conger|first=Kate|title=Elon Musk's Neuralink Sought to Open an Animal Testing Facility in San Francisco|work=Gizmodo |url=https://gizmodo.com/elon-musks-neuralink-sought-to-open-an-animal-testing-f-1823167674|url-status=live|access-date=2018-10-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180924145028/https://gizmodo.com/elon-musks-neuralink-sought-to-open-an-animal-testing-f-1823167674|archive-date=September 24, 2018}}</ref><ref name=":03">{{Cite web|url=https://www.technologyreview.com/s/615181/ai-openai-moonshot-elon-musk-sam-altman-greg-brockman-messy-secretive-reality/|title=The messy, secretive reality behind OpenAI's bid to save the world|last=Hao|first=Karen |date=2020-02-17|website=MIT Technology Review|access-date=2020-03-09}}</ref> {{As of|2022}}, Neuralink's headquarters were in ].<ref name=fremont-hq />


In April 2021, Neuralink demonstrated a monkey playing the game "]" using the Neuralink implant.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Guy |first=Jack |date=April 9, 2021 |title=Elon Musk's Neuralink claims monkeys can play Pong using just their minds |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/09/tech/elon-musk-neuralink-pong-scli-intl/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210409145815/https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/09/tech/elon-musk-neuralink-pong-scli-intl/index.html |archive-date=April 9, 2021 |access-date=2021-04-09 |website=CNN}}</ref> While similar technology has existed since 2002, when a research group first demonstrated a monkey moving a computer cursor with neural signals, scientists acknowledged the engineering progress in making the implant wireless and increasing the number of implanted electrodes.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-13|title=Neuralink's Monkey Experiment Raises Questions From Scientists and Tech Ethicist |url=https://observer.com/2021/04/elon-musk-neuralink-monkey-demo-draw-skepticism-scientist/|access-date=2021-04-14 |website=Observer |archive-date=April 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414035513/https://observer.com/2021/04/elon-musk-neuralink-monkey-demo-draw-skepticism-scientist/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Paul |first=Andrew |date=April 9, 2021 |title=Elon Musk really wants to impress you with his Neuralink monkey |url=https://www.inputmag.com/culture/elon-musk-really-wants-to-impress-you-with-his-neuralink-monkey |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414035514/https://www.inputmag.com/culture/elon-musk-really-wants-to-impress-you-with-his-neuralink-monkey |archive-date=April 14, 2021 |access-date=2021-04-14 |website=Input |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-14|title=Private money will really push the field forward |url=https://thepsychologist.bps.org.uk/private-money-will-really-push-field-forward|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419182721/https://thepsychologist.bps.org.uk/private-money-will-really-push-field-forward|archive-date=2021-04-19|access-date=|website=The Psychologist|language=en}}</ref> In April 2021, Neuralink demonstrated a monkey playing the game "]" using the Neuralink implant.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Guy |first=Jack |date=April 9, 2021 |title=Elon Musk's Neuralink claims monkeys can play Pong using just their minds |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/09/tech/elon-musk-neuralink-pong-scli-intl/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210409145815/https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/09/tech/elon-musk-neuralink-pong-scli-intl/index.html |archive-date=April 9, 2021 |access-date=2021-04-09 |website=CNN}}</ref> While similar technology has existed since 2002, when a research group first demonstrated a monkey moving a computer cursor with neural signals, scientists acknowledged the engineering progress in making the implant wireless and increasing the number of implanted electrodes.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-13|title=Neuralink's Monkey Experiment Raises Questions From Scientists and Tech Ethicist |url=https://observer.com/2021/04/elon-musk-neuralink-monkey-demo-draw-skepticism-scientist/|access-date=2021-04-14 |website=Observer |archive-date=April 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414035513/https://observer.com/2021/04/elon-musk-neuralink-monkey-demo-draw-skepticism-scientist/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Paul |first=Andrew |date=April 9, 2021 |title=Elon Musk really wants to impress you with his Neuralink monkey |url=https://www.inputmag.com/culture/elon-musk-really-wants-to-impress-you-with-his-neuralink-monkey |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414035514/https://www.inputmag.com/culture/elon-musk-really-wants-to-impress-you-with-his-neuralink-monkey |archive-date=April 14, 2021 |access-date=2021-04-14 |website=Input |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-14|title=Private money will really push the field forward |url=https://thepsychologist.bps.org.uk/private-money-will-really-push-field-forward|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419182721/https://thepsychologist.bps.org.uk/private-money-will-really-push-field-forward|archive-date=2021-04-19|access-date=|website=The Psychologist|language=en}}</ref>


In May 2021, co-founder and president Max Hodak announced that he no longer works with the company.<ref name=":10" /> Co-founder Benjamin Rapoport cited safety concerns as a major influence on his decision to leave Neuralink in 2018. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Richard |first=Isaiah |date=2024-05-06 |title=Neuralink Co-Founder Reveals ‘Safety’ Concerns as the Reason for Leaving Elon Musk, the Company |url=https://www.techtimes.com/articles/304351/20240506/neuralink-co-founder-reveals-safety-concerns-reason-leaving-elon-musk.htm |access-date=2024-11-20 |website=Tech Times |language=en-US}}</ref> Rapoport subsequently founded ], emphasizing the use of surface electrodes as opposed to the penetrating electrodes of Neuralink, in order to address brain damage and other safety concerns caused by the methodology of Neuralink devices.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gizmodo |first=Matt Novak / |date=2024-05-07 |title=A Neuralink co-founder on why he left Elon Musk's brain chip startup |url=https://qz.com/neuralink-brain-chip-safety-elon-musk-benjamin-rapoport-1851460604 |access-date=2024-11-20 |website=Quartz |language=en}}</ref> Only two of the eight co-founders remained at the company by January 2022.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=Inside Neuralink, Elon Musk's mysterious brain chip startup: A culture of blame, impossible deadlines, and a missing CEO|url=https://fortune.com/longform/neuralink-brain-computer-interface-chip-implant-elon-musk/|access-date=2022-01-31|website=Fortune|language=en|archive-date=September 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925142727/https://fortune.com/longform/neuralink-brain-computer-interface-chip-implant-elon-musk/|url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2021, co-founder and president Max Hodak announced that he no longer worked with the company.<ref name=":10" /> Co-founder Benjamin Rapoport cited safety concerns as a major influence on his decision to leave Neuralink in 2018. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Richard |first=Isaiah |date=2024-05-06 |title=Neuralink Co-Founder Reveals 'Safety' Concerns as the Reason for Leaving Elon Musk, the Company |url=https://www.techtimes.com/articles/304351/20240506/neuralink-co-founder-reveals-safety-concerns-reason-leaving-elon-musk.htm |access-date=2024-11-20 |website=Tech Times |language=en-US}}</ref> Rapoport subsequently founded ], emphasizing the use of surface electrodes as opposed to the penetrating electrodes of Neuralink, in order to address brain damage and other safety concerns caused by Neuralink's devices.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gizmodo |first=Matt Novak / |date=2024-05-07 |title=A Neuralink co-founder on why he left Elon Musk's brain chip startup |url=https://qz.com/neuralink-brain-chip-safety-elon-musk-benjamin-rapoport-1851460604 |access-date=2024-11-20 |website=Quartz |language=en}}</ref> Only two of the eight co-founders remained at the company by January 2022.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=Inside Neuralink, Elon Musk's mysterious brain chip startup: A culture of blame, impossible deadlines, and a missing CEO|url=https://fortune.com/longform/neuralink-brain-computer-interface-chip-implant-elon-musk/|access-date=2022-01-31|website=Fortune|language=en|archive-date=September 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925142727/https://fortune.com/longform/neuralink-brain-computer-interface-chip-implant-elon-musk/|url-status=live}}</ref>


On February 8th, 2024, Musk changed the location of its business incorporation from Delaware to Nevada<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-02-09 |title=Musk’s Neuralink Ditches Delaware, Reincorporates in Nevada |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-02-09/musk-s-neuralink-ditches-delaware-reincorporates-in-nevada |access-date=2024-11-20 |work=Bloomberg.com |language=en}}</ref> due to Delaware Chancery Court Chief Judge Kathaleen St. J. McCormick voiding Musk’s $55 billion pay package at Tesla.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-01-30 |title=Musk’s $55 Billion Pay Package Voided, Threatening World’s Biggest Fortune |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-01-30/elon-musk-s-55-billion-tesla-pay-package-voided-by-judge |access-date=2024-11-20 |work=Bloomberg.com |language=en}}</ref> On February 8, 2024, Musk changed the location of Neuralink's business incorporation from Delaware to Nevada<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-02-09 |title=Musk's Neuralink Ditches Delaware, Reincorporates in Nevada |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-02-09/musk-s-neuralink-ditches-delaware-reincorporates-in-nevada |access-date=2024-11-20 |work=Bloomberg.com |language=en}}</ref> after Delaware Chancery Court Chief Judge Kathaleen St. J. McCormick voided Musk’s $55 billion pay package at Tesla.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-01-30 |title=Musk's $55 Billion Pay Package Voided, Threatening World's Biggest Fortune |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-01-30/elon-musk-s-55-billion-tesla-pay-package-voided-by-judge |access-date=2024-11-20 |work=Bloomberg.com |language=en}}</ref>


== Technology == == Technology ==
In 2018, ] reported that Neuralink "remained highly secretive about its work", although public records showed that it had sought to open an ] facility in San Francisco, California; it subsequently started to carry out research at the ].<ref name="Gizmodo2018" /> In 2019, during a live presentation at the ], the Neuralink team revealed to the public the technology of the first prototype they had been working on. It is a system that involves ultra-thin probes being inserted into the brain, a neurosurgical robot to perform the operations and a high-density electronic system capable of processing information from neurons. It is based on technology developed at ] and ].<ref>{{cite patent |country=US |number=20180296243 |status=application |title=Methods, Compositions, and Systems for Device Implantation. |url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US20180296243A1/en |inventor=Timothy L. Hanson, Michel M. Maharbiz, Philip N. Sabes }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131100511/https://patents.google.com/patent/US20180296243A1/en |date=January 31, 2022 }}</ref> In 2018, ] reported that Neuralink "remained highly secretive about its work", although public records showed that it had sought to open an ] facility in San Francisco; it subsequently began doing research at the ].<ref name="Gizmodo2018" /> In 2019, during a live presentation at the ], the Neuralink team revealed to the public the technology of the first prototype it had been working on. It is a system that involves ultra-thin probes inserted into the brain, a neurosurgical robot to perform the operations, and a high-density electronic system capable of processing information from neurons. It is based on technology developed at ] and ].<ref>{{cite patent |country=US |number=20180296243 |status=application |title=Methods, Compositions, and Systems for Device Implantation. |url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US20180296243A1/en |inventor=Timothy L. Hanson, Michel M. Maharbiz, Philip N. Sabes }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131100511/https://patents.google.com/patent/US20180296243A1/en |date=January 31, 2022 }}</ref>


=== Probes === === Probes ===
The probes, composed mostly of ], a ], with a thin gold or platinum conductor, are inserted into the brain through an automated process performed by a surgical robot. Each probe consists of an area of wires that contains electrodes capable of locating electrical signals in the brain, and a sensory area where the wire interacts with an electronic system that allows amplification and acquisition of the brain signal. Each probe contains 48 or 96 wires, each of which contains 32 independent electrodes, making a system of up to 3072 electrodes per formation.<ref name="Lopatto 2019" /><ref name="TechBrackets 2019"> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729105513/https://www.techbrackets.com/elon-musk-neuralink-merge-human-brain-ai/|date=July 29, 2019}} Dinker, ''TechBrackets.'' 18 July 2019.</ref> The probes, made mostly of ], a ], with a thin gold or platinum conductor, are inserted into the brain through an automated process performed by a surgical robot. Each probe consists of an area of wires that contains electrodes capable of locating electrical signals in the brain and a sensory area where the wire interacts with an electronic system that allows amplification and acquisition of the brain signal. Each probe contains 48 or 96 wires, each of which contains 32 independent electrodes, making a system of up to 3,072 electrodes per formation.<ref name="Lopatto 2019" /><ref name="TechBrackets 2019"> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729105513/https://www.techbrackets.com/elon-musk-neuralink-merge-human-brain-ai/|date=July 29, 2019}} Dinker, ''TechBrackets.'' 18 July 2019.</ref>


=== Robot === === Robot ===
Neuralink says they have engineered a ] capable of rapidly inserting many flexible probes into the brain, which may avoid the problems of tissue damage and longevity issues associated with larger and more rigid probes.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last1=Musk |first1=Elon |last2=Neuralink |date=Oct 2019 |title=An integrated brain-machine interface platform with thousands of channels |journal=J Med Internet Res |volume=21 |issue=10 |language=en |at=e16194 |doi=10.2196/16194 |biorxiv=10.1101/703801 |issn=1438-8871 |pmid=31642810 |pmc=6914248 |s2cid=201192799 |doi-access=free }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Biran |first1=Roy |last2=Martin |first2=David C. |last3=Tresco |first3=Patrick A.|date=2005-09-01 |title=Neuronal cell loss accompanies the brain tissue response to chronically implanted silicon microelectrode arrays |journal=Experimental Neurology |language=en |volume=195 |issue=1 |pages=115–126 |doi=10.1016/j.expneurol.2005.04.020 |issn=0014-4886 |pmid=16045910 |s2cid=14077903}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Hanson |first1=Timothy L. |last2=Diaz-Botia |first2=Camilo A. |last3=Kharazia |first3=Viktor |last4=Maharbiz |first4=Michel M. |last5=Sabes |first5=Philip N. |date=2019-03-14 |title=The "sewing machine" for minimally invasive neural recording |url=https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/578542v1 |journal=bioRxiv |language=en |pages=578542 |doi=10.1101/578542 |s2cid=92316726 |access-date=December 10, 2020 |archive-date=November 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201121040556/https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/578542v1 |url-status=live}}</ref> This surgical robot has an insertion head with a 25 μm diameter needle made of ]-] designed to attach to the insertion loops, inject individual probes, and penetrate the ] and cerebral tissue; it is capable of inserting up to six wires (192 electrodes) per minute.<ref name=":0" /> A linear motor powers the needle, enabling fast retraction acceleration and varying insertion speeds. A 50-μm tungsten wire that has been bent at the tip and is driven both axially and rotationally makes up the pincher. An imaging stack is also included in the inserter head for needle guidance, real-time insertion viewing, and verification.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Levett |first1=Jordan J. |last2=Elkaim |first2=Lior M. |last3=Niazi |first3=Farbod |last4=Weber |first4=Michael H. |last5=Iorio-Morin |first5=Christian |last6=Bonizzato |first6=Marco |last7=Weil |first7=Alexander G. |date=2023-11-08 |title=Invasive Brain Computer Interface for Motor Restoration in Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review |url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37943244/ |journal=Neuromodulation: Journal of the International Neuromodulation Society |pages=S1094–7159(23)00754–7 |doi=10.1016/j.neurom.2023.10.006 |issn=1525-1403 |pmid=37943244|s2cid=265064893 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Valle |first=Giacomo |date=2019-11-06 |title=The Connection Between the Nervous System and Machines: Commentary |journal=Journal of Medical Internet Research |volume=21 |issue=11 |pages=e16344 |doi=10.2196/16344 |doi-access=free |issn=1438-8871 |pmc=6868503 |pmid=31692449}}</ref> Neuralink says it has engineered a ] capable of rapidly inserting many flexible probes into the brain, which may avoid the tissue damage and longevity problems associated with larger, more rigid probes.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last1=Musk |first1=Elon |last2=Neuralink |date=Oct 2019 |title=An integrated brain-machine interface platform with thousands of channels |journal=J Med Internet Res |volume=21 |issue=10 |language=en |at=e16194 |doi=10.2196/16194 |biorxiv=10.1101/703801 |issn=1438-8871 |pmid=31642810 |pmc=6914248 |s2cid=201192799 |doi-access=free }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Biran |first1=Roy |last2=Martin |first2=David C. |last3=Tresco |first3=Patrick A.|date=2005-09-01 |title=Neuronal cell loss accompanies the brain tissue response to chronically implanted silicon microelectrode arrays |journal=Experimental Neurology |language=en |volume=195 |issue=1 |pages=115–126 |doi=10.1016/j.expneurol.2005.04.020 |issn=0014-4886 |pmid=16045910 |s2cid=14077903}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Hanson |first1=Timothy L. |last2=Diaz-Botia |first2=Camilo A. |last3=Kharazia |first3=Viktor |last4=Maharbiz |first4=Michel M. |last5=Sabes |first5=Philip N. |date=2019-03-14 |title=The "sewing machine" for minimally invasive neural recording |url=https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/578542v1 |journal=bioRxiv |language=en |pages=578542 |doi=10.1101/578542 |s2cid=92316726 |access-date=December 10, 2020 |archive-date=November 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201121040556/https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/578542v1 |url-status=live}}</ref> This surgical robot has an insertion head with a 25 μm diameter needle made of ]-] designed to attach to the insertion loops, inject individual probes, and penetrate the ] and cerebral tissue; it can insert up to six wires (192 electrodes) per minute.<ref name=":0" /> A linear motor powers the needle, enabling fast retraction acceleration and varying insertion speeds. A 50-μm tungsten wire that has been bent at the tip and is driven both axially and rotationally makes up the pincher. An imaging stack is also included in the inserter head for needle guidance, real-time insertion viewing, and verification.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Levett |first1=Jordan J. |last2=Elkaim |first2=Lior M. |last3=Niazi |first3=Farbod |last4=Weber |first4=Michael H. |last5=Iorio-Morin |first5=Christian |last6=Bonizzato |first6=Marco |last7=Weil |first7=Alexander G. |date=2023-11-08 |title=Invasive Brain Computer Interface for Motor Restoration in Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review |url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37943244/ |journal=Neuromodulation: Journal of the International Neuromodulation Society |volume=27 |issue=4 |pages=S1094–7159(23)00754–7 |doi=10.1016/j.neurom.2023.10.006 |issn=1525-1403 |pmid=37943244|s2cid=265064893 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Valle |first=Giacomo |date=2019-11-06 |title=The Connection Between the Nervous System and Machines: Commentary |journal=Journal of Medical Internet Research |volume=21 |issue=11 |pages=e16344 |doi=10.2196/16344 |doi-access=free |issn=1438-8871 |pmc=6868503 |pmid=31692449}}</ref>


=== Electronics === === Electronics ===
] ]
Neuralink has developed an ] to create a 1,536-channel recording system. This system consists of 256&nbsp;amplifiers capable of being individually programmed, ]s within the chip and peripheral circuit control to serialize the digitized information obtained.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Wiggers |first=Kyle |date=August 28, 2020 |title=Neuralink demonstrates its next-generation brain-machine interface |url=https://venturebeat.com/ai/neuralink-demonstrates-its-next-generation-brain-machine-interface/ |website=VentureBeat}}</ref> It aims to convert information obtained from neurons into an understandable binary code in order to achieve a greater understanding of brain function and the ability to stimulate these neurons back. With the present technology, Neuralink's electrodes are still too big to record the firing of individual neurons, so they can record only the firing of a group of neurons; Neuralink representatives believe this issue might get mitigated algorithmically, but it is computationally expensive and does not produce exact results.<ref name="numenta">{{cite web|title=Neuralink Paper Review - Numenta Research Meeting |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2-YiXuXdp8|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724044932/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2-YiXuXdp8|archive-date=July 24, 2019|access-date=2019-07-27 |publisher=Numenta, Inc.|via=YouTube}}</ref> Neuralink has developed an ] to create a 1,536-channel recording system. This system consists of 256&nbsp;amplifiers that can be individually programmed, ]s within the chip, and peripheral circuit control to serialize the digitized information obtained.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Wiggers |first=Kyle |date=August 28, 2020 |title=Neuralink demonstrates its next-generation brain-machine interface |url=https://venturebeat.com/ai/neuralink-demonstrates-its-next-generation-brain-machine-interface/ |website=VentureBeat}}</ref> It aims to convert information obtained from neurons into an understandable binary code in order to achieve greater understanding of brain function and the ability to stimulate these neurons back. So far, Neuralink's electrodes are too big to record the firing of individual neurons, so they can record only the firing of a group of neurons; Neuralink representatives believe this issue may be mitigated algorithmically, but it is computationally expensive and does not produce exact results.<ref name="numenta">{{cite web|title=Neuralink Paper Review - Numenta Research Meeting | date=July 17, 2019 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2-YiXuXdp8|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724044932/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2-YiXuXdp8|archive-date=July 24, 2019|access-date=2019-07-27 |publisher=Numenta, Inc.|via=YouTube}}</ref>


In July 2020, according to Musk, Neuralink obtained a ] designation which allows limited human testing under the FDA guidelines for medical devices.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Metz |first=Rachel |date=2020-08-28 |title=Elon Musk shows off a working brain implant—in pigs |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/28/tech/elon-musk-neuralink/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004123623/https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/28/tech/elon-musk-neuralink/index.html |archive-date=October 4, 2020 |access-date=2020-10-04 |website=CNN}}</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217142917/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVvmgjBL74w&t=1291 |date=February 17, 2022 }}, Neuralink, 28 August 2020, accessed 4 October 2020.</ref> In July 2020, according to Musk, Neuralink obtained a ] designation which allows limited human testing under the FDA guidelines for medical devices.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Metz |first=Rachel |date=2020-08-28 |title=Elon Musk shows off a working brain implant—in pigs |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/28/tech/elon-musk-neuralink/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004123623/https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/28/tech/elon-musk-neuralink/index.html |archive-date=October 4, 2020 |access-date=2020-10-04 |website=CNN}}</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217142917/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVvmgjBL74w&t=1291 |date=February 17, 2022 }}, Neuralink, 28 August 2020, accessed 4 October 2020.</ref>


===Public Compression Challenge=== ===Public compression challenge===


On May 29, 2024, Elon Musk issued a request for public input on a challenge facing Neuralink. Musk suggested that due to the size of the data in need of transmission, a compression rate of more than 200x was needed for its proper function. The challenge also specified that compression needed to be lossless, work under low power, and be able to compress data in real time. Software consultant Roy van Rijn was quoted by the ] as saying the prospect of 200x lossless compression was "just outlandish."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pearson |first1=Jordan |title=Neuralink looks to the public to solve a seemingly impossible problem |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/neuralink-compression-challenge-1.7216667 |work=CBC |date=May 28, 2024}}</ref><ref>.</ref> On May 29, 2024, Musk issued a request for public input on a challenge facing Neuralink. He suggested that due to the size of the data in need of transmission, a compression rate of more than 200x was needed for proper function. The challenge also specified that compression needed to be lossless, work under low power, and compress data in real time. Software consultant Roy van Rijn called the prospect of 200x lossless compression "just outlandish."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pearson |first1=Jordan |title=Neuralink looks to the public to solve a seemingly impossible problem |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/neuralink-compression-challenge-1.7216667 |work=CBC |date=May 28, 2024}}</ref><ref>.</ref>


== Animal testing and alleged harm == == Animal testing and alleged harm ==
Neuralink tests their devices by surgically implanting them in the ]s of live ]s, ]s and other animals.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Shead|first1=Sam|date=February 1, 2021|title=Elon Musk says his start-up Neuralink has wired up a monkey to play video games using its mind|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/02/01/elon-musk-neuralink-wires-up-monkey-to-play-video-games-using-mind.html|access-date=1 February 2021 |website=]|archive-date=February 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201210359/https://www.cnbc.com/2021/02/01/elon-musk-neuralink-wires-up-monkey-to-play-video-games-using-mind.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This has been criticized by groups such as ].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Linder |first1=Courtney |date=September 9, 2020 |title=Why Is Elon Musk Testing His Brain Implant on Pigs? |url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/animals/a33850122/neuralink-brain-implant-animal-testing-pigs/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125175615/https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/animals/a33850122/neuralink-brain-implant-animal-testing-pigs/ |archive-date=January 25, 2021 |access-date=26 January 2021 |website=]}}</ref> Neuralink tests its devices by surgically implanting them in the brains of live monkeys, pigs, and other animals.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Shead|first1=Sam|date=February 1, 2021|title=Elon Musk says his start-up Neuralink has wired up a monkey to play video games using its mind|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/02/01/elon-musk-neuralink-wires-up-monkey-to-play-video-games-using-mind.html|access-date=1 February 2021 |website=]|archive-date=February 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201210359/https://www.cnbc.com/2021/02/01/elon-musk-neuralink-wires-up-monkey-to-play-video-games-using-mind.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This has been criticized by groups such as ].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Linder |first1=Courtney |date=September 9, 2020 |title=Why Is Elon Musk Testing His Brain Implant on Pigs? |url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/animals/a33850122/neuralink-brain-implant-animal-testing-pigs/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125175615/https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/animals/a33850122/neuralink-brain-implant-animal-testing-pigs/ |archive-date=January 25, 2021 |access-date=26 January 2021 |website=]}}</ref>


In August 2020, Neuralink conducted a live demo in which the brain activity of a pig, Gertrude, was displayed in real time.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Goud |first=Naveen |date=2020-09-01 |title=Elon Musk Neuralink puts AI chip in a Pig |url=https://www.cybersecurity-insiders.com/elon-musk-neuralink-puts-ai-chip-in-a-pig/ |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=Cybersecurity Insiders |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-08-28 |title=Elon Musk Unveils Brain Computer Implanted in Pigs |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-08-28/elon-musk-to-unveil-neuralink-brain-computer-implanted-in-pigs |access-date=2024-11-13 |work=Bloomberg.com |language=en}}</ref> A removable<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wong |first=Julia Carrie |date=2020-08-29 |title=Neuralink: Elon Musk unveils pig he claims has computer implant in brain |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/aug/28/neuralink-elon-musk-pig-computer-implant |access-date=2024-11-13 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=expert reaction to Elon Musk’s Neuralink demonstration involving pigs {{!}} Science Media Centre |url=https://www.sciencemediacentre.org/expert-reaction-to-elon-musks-neuralink-demonstration-involving-pigs/ |access-date=2024-11-13 |language=en-GB}}</ref> device the size of a coin (23 millimeters)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lewis |first=Tanya |date=2020-11-01 |title=Elon Musk's Pig-Brain Implant Is Still a Long Way from 'Solving Paralysis' |url=https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/elon-musks-pig-brain-implant-is-still-a-long-way-from-solving-paralysis/ |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=Scientific American |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-08-29 |title='Three little pigs': Elon Musk's Neuralink puts computer chips in pigs' brains |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/elon-musk-s-neuralink-puts-computer-chips-pigs-brains-bid-n1238782 |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=NBC News |language=en}}</ref> implanted in Gertrude's brain recorded signals from the neurons connected to her snout as it interacted with its environment, such as when it sniffed or touched things.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Metz |first=Rachel |date=2020-08-29 |title=Elon Musk shows off a working brain implant — in pigs {{!}} CNN Business |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/08/28/tech/elon-musk-neuralink/index.html |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-08-31 |title=Elon Musk: We've already implanted Neuralink in live pigs |url=https://futurism.com/neoscope/elon-musk-neuralink-live-pigs |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=Futurism}}</ref> The data showed that the technology could read and interpret brain signals, which is key to developing applications that could help treat neurological conditions, enable brain-to-machine communication, and potentially enhance human cognition.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |title=Elon Musk demonstrated a Neuralink brain implant in a live pig |url=https://www.newscientist.com/article/2253274-elon-musk-demonstrated-a-neuralink-brain-implant-in-a-live-pig/ |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=New Scientist |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>https://www.nationalhogfarmer.com/farming-business-management/elon-musk-uses-pigs-to-demo-brain-implants</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Elon Musk's Neuralink puts computer chips in pigs' brains |url=https://news.sky.com/story/elon-musks-neuralink-puts-computer-chips-in-pigs-brains-12058930 |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=Sky News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-08-29 |title=Neuralink: Elon Musk unveils pig with chip in its brain |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-53956683 |access-date=2024-11-13 |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Farr |first=Lori Ioannou,Christina |date=2020-08-28 |title=Elon Musk demonstrates brain-computer tech Neuralink in live pigs |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/08/28/elon-musk-demonstrates-brain-computer-tech-neuralink-in-live-pigs.html |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=CNBC |language=en}}</ref> In August 2020, Neuralink conducted a live demo in which the brain activity of a pig, Gertrude, was displayed in real time.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Goud |first=Naveen |date=2020-09-01 |title=Elon Musk Neuralink puts AI chip in a Pig |url=https://www.cybersecurity-insiders.com/elon-musk-neuralink-puts-ai-chip-in-a-pig/ |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=Cybersecurity Insiders |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-08-28 |title=Elon Musk Unveils Brain Computer Implanted in Pigs |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-08-28/elon-musk-to-unveil-neuralink-brain-computer-implanted-in-pigs |access-date=2024-11-13 |work=Bloomberg.com |language=en}}</ref> A removable<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wong |first=Julia Carrie |date=2020-08-29 |title=Neuralink: Elon Musk unveils pig he claims has computer implant in brain |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/aug/28/neuralink-elon-musk-pig-computer-implant |access-date=2024-11-13 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=expert reaction to Elon Musk's Neuralink demonstration involving pigs {{!}} Science Media Centre |url=https://www.sciencemediacentre.org/expert-reaction-to-elon-musks-neuralink-demonstration-involving-pigs/ |access-date=2024-11-13 |language=en-GB}}</ref> device the size of a coin (23 millimeters)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lewis |first=Tanya |date=2020-11-01 |title=Elon Musk's Pig-Brain Implant Is Still a Long Way from 'Solving Paralysis' |url=https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/elon-musks-pig-brain-implant-is-still-a-long-way-from-solving-paralysis/ |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=Scientific American |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-08-29 |title='Three little pigs': Elon Musk's Neuralink puts computer chips in pigs' brains |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/elon-musk-s-neuralink-puts-computer-chips-pigs-brains-bid-n1238782 |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=NBC News |language=en}}</ref> implanted in Gertrude's brain recorded signals from the neurons connected to her snout as it interacted with its environment, such as when it sniffed or touched things.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Metz |first=Rachel |date=2020-08-29 |title=Elon Musk shows off a working brain implant — in pigs {{!}} CNN Business |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/08/28/tech/elon-musk-neuralink/index.html |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-08-31 |title=Elon Musk: We've already implanted Neuralink in live pigs |url=https://futurism.com/neoscope/elon-musk-neuralink-live-pigs |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=Futurism}}</ref> The data showed that the technology could read and interpret brain signals, which is key to developing applications that could treat neurological conditions, enable brain-to-machine communication, or enhance human cognition.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |title=Elon Musk demonstrated a Neuralink brain implant in a live pig |url=https://www.newscientist.com/article/2253274-elon-musk-demonstrated-a-neuralink-brain-implant-in-a-live-pig/ |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=New Scientist |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nationalhogfarmer.com/farming-business-management/elon-musk-uses-pigs-to-demo-brain-implants | title=Elon Musk uses pigs to demo brain implants }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Elon Musk's Neuralink puts computer chips in pigs' brains |url=https://news.sky.com/story/elon-musks-neuralink-puts-computer-chips-in-pigs-brains-12058930 |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=Sky News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-08-29 |title=Neuralink: Elon Musk unveils pig with chip in its brain |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-53956683 |access-date=2024-11-13 |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Farr |first=Lori Ioannou,Christina |date=2020-08-28 |title=Elon Musk demonstrates brain-computer tech Neuralink in live pigs |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/08/28/elon-musk-demonstrates-brain-computer-tech-neuralink-in-live-pigs.html |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=CNBC |language=en}}</ref>


The demonstration also had 2 other pigs. One of the pigs had once had a Neuralink chip implanted in its brain and subsequently removed to demonstrate that the chip can be safely removed without affecting the health of the pigs negatively.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Elon Musk’s Neuralink puts computer chips in pig's brain |url=https://www.thepigsite.com/news/2020/08/elon-musks-neuralink-puts-computer-chips-in-pigs-brain |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=www.thepigsite.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wetsman |first=Nicole |date=2020-08-28 |title=Elon Musk trots out pigs in demo of Neuralink brain implants |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/28/21406143/elon-musk-neuralink-ai-pigs-demo-brain-computer-interface |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=The Verge |language=en}}</ref> The third pig had not had a chip implanted in its brain at all, even in the past.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vance |first=Ashlee |date=2020-08-29 |title=Elon Musk unveils brain computer implanted in pigs |url=https://www.smh.com.au/technology/elon-musk-unveils-brain-computer-implanted-in-pigs-20200830-p55ql5.html |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Elon Musk’s neuroscience startup unveils pig with computer chip in its brain - National {{!}} Globalnews.ca |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/7304984/elon-musk-neuroscience-pig-computer-chip/ |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=Global News |language=en-US}}</ref> The aim of the third was for comparison to show that show a similarity in health and behavior of both implanted and non-implanted pigs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Elon Musk shows Neuralink brain implant working in a pig |url=https://www.cnet.com/science/elon-musk-shows-neuralink-brain-implant-working-in-a-pig/ |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=CNET |language=en}}</ref><ref>https://www.reuters.com/article/world/three-little-pigs-musks-neuralink-puts-computer-chips-in-animal-brains-idUSKBN25P022/</ref> The demonstration also had two other pigs. One had had a Neuralink chip implanted in its brain and subsequently removed to demonstrate that the chip can be safely removed without damaging the pigs' health.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Elon Musk's Neuralink puts computer chips in pig's brain |url=https://www.thepigsite.com/news/2020/08/elon-musks-neuralink-puts-computer-chips-in-pigs-brain |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=www.thepigsite.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wetsman |first=Nicole |date=2020-08-28 |title=Elon Musk trots out pigs in demo of Neuralink brain implants |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/28/21406143/elon-musk-neuralink-ai-pigs-demo-brain-computer-interface |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=The Verge |language=en}}</ref> The third pig had never had a chip implanted in its brain.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vance |first=Ashlee |date=2020-08-29 |title=Elon Musk unveils brain computer implanted in pigs |url=https://www.smh.com.au/technology/elon-musk-unveils-brain-computer-implanted-in-pigs-20200830-p55ql5.html |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Elon Musk's neuroscience startup unveils pig with computer chip in its brain - National {{!}} Globalnews.ca |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/7304984/elon-musk-neuroscience-pig-computer-chip/ |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=Global News |language=en-US}}</ref> It was for comparison to show the similarity in health and behavior of implanted and non-implanted pigs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Elon Musk shows Neuralink brain implant working in a pig |url=https://www.cnet.com/science/elon-musk-shows-neuralink-brain-implant-working-in-a-pig/ |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=CNET |language=en}}</ref><ref>https://www.reuters.com/article/world/three-little-pigs-musks-neuralink-puts-computer-chips-in-animal-brains-idUSKBN25P022/</ref>


From 2017 to 2020, Neuralink's experiments on monkeys were conducted in partnership with ]. At the end of their partnership, UC Davis transferred seven monkeys to Neuralink. In 2022, the ] (PCRM), an animal welfare advocacy group, alleged that Neuralink and UC Davis had mistreated several monkeys, subjecting them to psychological distress, extreme suffering, and chronic infections due to surgeries.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-11 |title=Neuralink shows what happens when you bring "move fast and break things" to animal research |url=https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/2022/12/11/23500157/neuralink-animal-testing-elon-musk-usda-probe |access-date=2023-05-29 |website=www.vox.com |language=en}}</ref> Experiments conducted by Neuralink and UC Davis have involved at least 23 monkeys, and the PCRM believes that 15 of those monkeys died or were ] as a result of the experiments. Furthermore, the PCRM alleged that UC Davis withheld photographic and video evidence of the mistreatment.<ref name="Vanian 2022">{{cite web |last1=Vanian |first1=Jonathan |title=Elon Musk's brain-implant startup has a new legal headache—allegations that it abuses its monkeys |url=https://fortune.com/2022/02/09/elon-musks-neuralink-brain-implant-startup-monkeys-animal-mistreatment-complaint/ |website=Fortune |access-date=10 February 2022 |date=9 February 2022 |archive-date=March 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220320204016/https://fortune.com/2022/02/09/elon-musks-neuralink-brain-implant-startup-monkeys-animal-mistreatment-complaint/ |url-status=live }}</ref> From 2017 to 2020, Neuralink's experiments on monkeys were conducted in partnership with ]. At the end of the partnership, UC Davis transferred seven monkeys to Neuralink. In 2022, the ] (PCRM), an animal welfare advocacy group, alleged that Neuralink and UC Davis had mistreated several monkeys, subjecting them to psychological distress, extreme suffering, and chronic infections due to surgeries.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-11 |title=Neuralink shows what happens when you bring "move fast and break things" to animal research |url=https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/2022/12/11/23500157/neuralink-animal-testing-elon-musk-usda-probe |access-date=2023-05-29 |website=www.vox.com |language=en}}</ref> Experiments conducted by Neuralink and UC Davis have involved at least 23 monkeys, and the PCRM believes that 15 of those died or were euthanized as a result of the experiments. The PCRM also alleged that UC Davis withheld photographic and video evidence of the mistreatment.<ref name="Vanian 2022">{{cite web |last1=Vanian |first1=Jonathan |title=Elon Musk's brain-implant startup has a new legal headache—allegations that it abuses its monkeys |url=https://fortune.com/2022/02/09/elon-musks-neuralink-brain-implant-startup-monkeys-animal-mistreatment-complaint/ |website=Fortune |access-date=10 February 2022 |date=9 February 2022 |archive-date=March 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220320204016/https://fortune.com/2022/02/09/elon-musks-neuralink-brain-implant-startup-monkeys-animal-mistreatment-complaint/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


In February 2022, Neuralink said that ] monkeys died and were euthanized after experimentation, denying that any animal abuse had occurred.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ryan |first=Hannah |date=February 17, 2022 |title=Elon Musk's Neuralink confirms monkeys died in project, denies animal cruelty claims |website=CNN |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2022/02/17/business/elon-musk-neuralink-animal-cruelty-intl-scli/index.html |access-date=February 17, 2022 |archive-date=February 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217142221/https://edition.cnn.com/2022/02/17/business/elon-musk-neuralink-animal-cruelty-intl-scli/index.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Levy>{{cite web |last=Levy |first=Rachel |date=December 6, 2022 |url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/musks-neuralink-faces-federal-probe-employee-backlash-over-animal-tests-2022-12-05/ |title=Exclusive: Musk's Neuralink faces federal probe, employee backlash over animal tests |publisher=Reuters |access-date=December 6, 2022 |archive-date=December 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206012000/https://www.reuters.com/technology/musks-neuralink-faces-federal-probe-employee-backlash-over-animal-tests-2022-12-05/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2022, it was reported that Neuralink was under federal investigation by the ] (USDA) regarding ]. Additionally, a report by ] cited claims from several Neuralink employees that testing was being rushed due to Musk's demands for fast results, which was leading to needless suffering and deaths among the animals.<ref name=Levy/><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Levy |first1=Rachael |last2=Lynch |first2=Sarah |last3=Taylor |first3=Marisa |date=2022-12-20 |title=Investigation of Musk's Neuralink targets federal oversight of animal testing |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/dec/20/neuralink-animal-testing-musk-investigation |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221085520/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/dec/20/neuralink-animal-testing-musk-investigation |archive-date=December 21, 2022 |access-date=2022-12-21 |website=the Guardian |language=en}}</ref> A September 2023 exposé by '']'' provided additional details on the primate deaths based on public records and confidential interviews with a former Neuralink employee and a current researcher at the ].<ref name=":4">{{Cite magazine |last1=Mehrotra |first1=Dhruv |last2=Cameron |first2=Dell |date=September 20, 2023 |title=The Gruesome Story of How Neuralink's Monkeys Actually Died |magazine=] |url=https://www.wired.com/story/elon-musk-pcrm-neuralink-monkey-deaths/ |access-date=2023-09-21 |issn=1059-1028}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Terrible Things Happened to Monkeys After Getting Neuralink Implants, According to Veterinary Records |url=https://futurism.com/neoscope/terrible-things-monkeys-neuralink-implants |access-date=2023-09-23 |website=Futurism}}</ref> Those records showed complications with the installation of electrodes, including partial ], bloody diarrhea, lost fingers and ].<ref name=":4" /> In February 2022, Neuralink said that ] monkeys died and were euthanized after experimentation, denying that any animal abuse had occurred.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ryan |first=Hannah |date=February 17, 2022 |title=Elon Musk's Neuralink confirms monkeys died in project, denies animal cruelty claims |website=CNN |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2022/02/17/business/elon-musk-neuralink-animal-cruelty-intl-scli/index.html |access-date=February 17, 2022 |archive-date=February 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217142221/https://edition.cnn.com/2022/02/17/business/elon-musk-neuralink-animal-cruelty-intl-scli/index.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Levy>{{cite web |last=Levy |first=Rachel |date=December 6, 2022 |url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/musks-neuralink-faces-federal-probe-employee-backlash-over-animal-tests-2022-12-05/ |title=Exclusive: Musk's Neuralink faces federal probe, employee backlash over animal tests |publisher=Reuters |access-date=December 6, 2022 |archive-date=December 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206012000/https://www.reuters.com/technology/musks-neuralink-faces-federal-probe-employee-backlash-over-animal-tests-2022-12-05/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2022, it was reported that Neuralink was under federal investigation by the ] (USDA) for ]. Additionally, a ] report cited claims by several Neuralink employees that testing was being rushed due to Musk's demands for fast results, which was leading to needless suffering and deaths among the animals.<ref name=Levy/><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Levy |first1=Rachael |last2=Lynch |first2=Sarah |last3=Taylor |first3=Marisa |date=2022-12-20 |title=Investigation of Musk's Neuralink targets federal oversight of animal testing |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/dec/20/neuralink-animal-testing-musk-investigation |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221085520/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/dec/20/neuralink-animal-testing-musk-investigation |archive-date=December 21, 2022 |access-date=2022-12-21 |website=the Guardian |language=en}}</ref> A September 2023 exposé by '']'' provided additional details on the primate deaths based on public records and confidential interviews with a former Neuralink employee and a researcher at the ].<ref name=":4">{{Cite magazine |last1=Mehrotra |first1=Dhruv |last2=Cameron |first2=Dell |date=September 20, 2023 |title=The Gruesome Story of How Neuralink's Monkeys Actually Died |magazine=] |url=https://www.wired.com/story/elon-musk-pcrm-neuralink-monkey-deaths/ |access-date=2023-09-21 |issn=1059-1028}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Terrible Things Happened to Monkeys After Getting Neuralink Implants, According to Veterinary Records |url=https://futurism.com/neoscope/terrible-things-monkeys-neuralink-implants |access-date=2023-09-23 |website=Futurism|date=September 22, 2023 }}</ref> Those records showed complications with the installation of electrodes, including partial ], bloody diarrhea, lost fingers, and ].<ref name=":4" />


In 2022, {{Explain|reason=No specific date|date=November 2024}} after being rejected for human clinical trials by the FDA, Neuralink performed further tests on pigs, in order to address further safety concerns. Certain subsets of these pig subjects were observed to have developed ], or inflammatory tissues, in the brain. Neuralink was unable to determine the cause of the granulomas, but made official statements declaring that the Neuralink implant and it's associated threads were not the cause. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Levy |first=Rachael |date=May 15, 2024 |title=Exclusive: Musk's Neuralink has faced issues with its tiny wires for years, sources say |url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/musks-neuralink-has-faced-issues-with-its-tiny-wires-years-sources-say-2024-05-15/#:~:text=The%20company%20found%20that%20a,and%20records%20seen%20by%20Reuters. |access-date=November 11, 2024 |website=Reuters}}</ref> In 2022,{{Explain|reason=No specific date|date=November 2024}} after being rejected for human clinical trials by the FDA, Neuralink performed more tests on pigs to address safety concerns. Some of these pigs were observed to have developed ], or inflammatory tissues, in their brains. Neuralink could not determine the cause of the granulomas, but made official statements declaring that the Neuralink implant and its associated threads were not the cause. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Levy |first=Rachael |date=May 15, 2024 |title=Exclusive: Musk's Neuralink has faced issues with its tiny wires for years, sources say |url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/musks-neuralink-has-faced-issues-with-its-tiny-wires-years-sources-say-2024-05-15/#:~:text=The%20company%20found%20that%20a,and%20records%20seen%20by%20Reuters. |access-date=November 11, 2024 |website=Reuters}}</ref>


In July 2023, an investigation by the United States Department of Agriculture found no evidence of animal welfare breaches in the trials other than a previous, self reported incident from 2019.<ref>{{Cite news |agency=Reuters |date=July 19, 2023 |title=Regulator says found no animal welfare breaches at Elon Musk firm beyond 2019 incident |work=] |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/regulator-says-found-no-animal-welfare-breaches-at-elon-musk-firm-beyond-2019-incident/articleshow/101965058.cms |access-date=2023-11-14 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230719164959/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/regulator-says-found-no-animal-welfare-breaches-at-elon-musk-firm-beyond-2019-incident/articleshow/101965058.cms |archive-date=2023-07-19}}</ref> The PCRM disputed the results of the investigation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Elon Musk Company Neuralink Given Free Pass for Animal Welfare Act Violations, USDA Reveals in Letter to Congress |website=PCRM |url=https://www.pcrm.org/news/news-releases/elon-musk-company-neuralink-given-free-pass-animal-welfare-act-violations-usda#:~:text=WASHINGTON%2C%20D.C.—Elon%20Musk's%20brain,sent%20in%20December%20and%20May|access-date=2023-11-14}}</ref> In July 2023, an investigation by the United States Department of Agriculture found no evidence of animal welfare breaches in the trials other than a self-reported incident from 2019.<ref>{{Cite news |agency=Reuters |date=July 19, 2023 |title=Regulator says found no animal welfare breaches at Elon Musk firm beyond 2019 incident |work=] |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/regulator-says-found-no-animal-welfare-breaches-at-elon-musk-firm-beyond-2019-incident/articleshow/101965058.cms |access-date=2023-11-14 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230719164959/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/regulator-says-found-no-animal-welfare-breaches-at-elon-musk-firm-beyond-2019-incident/articleshow/101965058.cms |archive-date=2023-07-19}}</ref> The PCRM disputed the investigation's result.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Elon Musk Company Neuralink Given Free Pass for Animal Welfare Act Violations, USDA Reveals in Letter to Congress |website=PCRM |url=https://www.pcrm.org/news/news-releases/elon-musk-company-neuralink-given-free-pass-animal-welfare-act-violations-usda#:~:text=WASHINGTON%2C%20D.C.—Elon%20Musk's%20brain,sent%20in%20December%20and%20May|access-date=2023-11-14}}</ref>


In October 2023, '']'' reported that Neuralink worked to keep details of animal suffering and death hidden from the public.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cameraon |first1=Dell |last2=Mehrotra |first2=Dhruv |title=How Neuralink Keeps Dead Monkey Photos Secret |url=https://www.wired.com/story/neuralink-uc-davis-monkey-photos-videos-secret/ |publisher=Wired |access-date=30 November 2023 |date=Oct 4, 2023}}</ref> In November 2023, U.S. lawmakers asked the ] to investigate whether Neuralink deceived investors by omitting details about possible animal deaths.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/story/elon-musk-nerualink-congress-sec-letter/|title=US Lawmakers Ask SEC to Launch Fraud Investigation Into Elon Musk|magazine=WIRED |last1=Mehrotra |first1=Dhruv }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/fda-finds-problems-animal-lab-run-by-musks-brain-implant-company-2024-02-29/|title=Exclusive: Musk's Neuralink brain implant company cited by FDA over animal lab issues|publisher=Reuters}}</ref> In October 2023, '']'' reported that Neuralink worked to keep details of animal suffering and death hidden from the public.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cameraon |first1=Dell |last2=Mehrotra |first2=Dhruv |title=How Neuralink Keeps Dead Monkey Photos Secret |url=https://www.wired.com/story/neuralink-uc-davis-monkey-photos-videos-secret/ |publisher=Wired |access-date=30 November 2023 |date=Oct 4, 2023}}</ref> In November 2023, U.S. lawmakers asked the ] to investigate whether Neuralink deceived investors by omitting details about possible animal deaths.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/story/elon-musk-nerualink-congress-sec-letter/|title=US Lawmakers Ask SEC to Launch Fraud Investigation Into Elon Musk|magazine=WIRED |last1=Mehrotra |first1=Dhruv }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/fda-finds-problems-animal-lab-run-by-musks-brain-implant-company-2024-02-29/|title=Exclusive: Musk's Neuralink brain implant company cited by FDA over animal lab issues|publisher=Reuters}}</ref>


On March 21, 2024, Musk stated that the company's second product would be called ] and was already working in animal trials with monkeys. He noted it operates at low resolution that is expected to improve and also stated that no monkey has died due to or been seriously injured by a Neuralink device, in contradiction with earlier reports.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/elon-musk-neuralinks-next-implant-will-focus-on-curing-blindness|title=Elon Musk: Neuralink's Next Implant Will Focus on Curing Blindness|author=Kan, Michael|date=March 22, 2024|access-date=March 22, 2024}}</ref> On March 21, 2024, Musk said that Neuralink's second product would be called ] and was already working in trials with monkeys. He said it operates at low resolution that is expected to improve and that no monkey had died due to or been seriously injured by a Neuralink device, contradicting earlier reports.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/elon-musk-neuralinks-next-implant-will-focus-on-curing-blindness|title=Elon Musk: Neuralink's Next Implant Will Focus on Curing Blindness|author=Kan, Michael|date=March 22, 2024|access-date=March 22, 2024}}</ref>


== Human testing == == Human testing ==
Neuralink received FDA approval for human clinical trials in May 2023.<ref>{{Cite tweet|number=1661857379460468736|user=neuralink|title=We are excited to share that we have received the FDA's approval to launch our first-in-human clinical study! is the result of incredible work by the Neuralink team in close collaboration with the FDA and represents an important first step that will one day allow our technology to help many people. Recruitment is not yet open for our clinical trial. We'll announce more information on this soon!|author=Neuralink|date=2023-05-25}}</ref> The FDA had previously rejected a 2022 application to pursue human clinical trials citing "major safety concerns involving the device's lithium battery; the potential for the implant's tiny wires to migrate to other areas of the brain; and questions over whether and how the device can be removed without damaging brain tissue."<ref>{{Cite news |title=U.S. regulators rejected Elon Musk's bid to test brain chips in humans |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/neuralink-musk-fda/ |access-date=2023-03-02 |archive-date=March 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302213931/https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/neuralink-musk-fda/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Neuralink received FDA approval for human clinical trials in May 2023.<ref>{{Cite tweet|number=1661857379460468736|user=neuralink|title=We are excited to share that we have received the FDA's approval to launch our first-in-human clinical study! is the result of incredible work by the Neuralink team in close collaboration with the FDA and represents an important first step that will one day allow our technology to help many people. Recruitment is not yet open for our clinical trial. We'll announce more information on this soon!|author=Neuralink|date=2023-05-25}}</ref> The FDA had rejected a 2022 application to pursue human clinical trials, citing "major safety concerns involving the device's lithium battery; the potential for the implant's tiny wires to migrate to other areas of the brain; and questions over whether and how the device can be removed without damaging brain tissue."<ref>{{Cite news |title=U.S. regulators rejected Elon Musk's bid to test brain chips in humans |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/neuralink-musk-fda/ |access-date=2023-03-02 |archive-date=March 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302213931/https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/neuralink-musk-fda/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


In September 2023, Neuralink opened its first human trials. It recruited people with ] due to cervical ] or ]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Porciello |first=Loris |date=2024-02-26 |title=Elon Musk e Neuralink, cos'è in realtà il chip impiantato nel cervello di un paziente e a cosa serve: la spiegazione |url=https://www.mrinformatico.it/elon-musk-e-neuralink-cose-in-realta-il-chip-impiantato-nel-cervello-di-un-paziente-e-a-cosa-serve-la-spiegazione/ |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=Mr. Informatico |language=it-IT}}</ref> under an ] by the FDA.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Singh |first=Maanvi |date=September 19, 2023 |title=Elon Musk's Neuralink approved to recruit humans for brain-implant trial |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/sep/19/elon-musk-neuralink-human-trials-brain-implant |work=The Guardian}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Studio |first=Play |title=Neuralink's First-in-Human Clinical Trial is Open for Recruitment {{!}} Blog |url=https://neuralink.com/blog/first-clinical-trial-open-for-recruitment?202308049001 |access-date=2023-09-22 |website=Neuralink |language=en}}</ref> In September 2023, Neuralink began its first human trials. It recruited people with ] due to cervical ] or ]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Porciello |first=Loris |date=2024-02-26 |title=Elon Musk e Neuralink, cos'è in realtà il chip impiantato nel cervello di un paziente e a cosa serve: la spiegazione |url=https://www.mrinformatico.it/elon-musk-e-neuralink-cose-in-realta-il-chip-impiantato-nel-cervello-di-un-paziente-e-a-cosa-serve-la-spiegazione/ |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=Mr. Informatico |language=it-IT}}</ref> under an ] by the FDA.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Singh |first=Maanvi |date=September 19, 2023 |title=Elon Musk's Neuralink approved to recruit humans for brain-implant trial |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/sep/19/elon-musk-neuralink-human-trials-brain-implant |work=The Guardian}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Studio |first=Play |title=Neuralink's First-in-Human Clinical Trial is Open for Recruitment {{!}} Blog |url=https://neuralink.com/blog/first-clinical-trial-open-for-recruitment?202308049001 |access-date=2023-09-22 |website=Neuralink |date=September 19, 2023 |language=en}}</ref>


On January 29, 2024, Musk said that Neuralink had successfully implanted a ] (BCI) device the company named Telepathy in a human on the day prior, and that the patient was recovering from the surgery.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=2024-01-30 |title=Elon Musk says Neuralink has implanted first brain chip in a human |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/jan/29/elon-musk-neuralink-first-human-brain-chip-implant |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=The Guardian}}</ref> As it was a "first in human" and "early feasibility" trial to develop a concept, the company was not obligated to disclose details about the procedure or to prove safety or efficacy.<ref name="Taylor 2024 h962">{{cite web | last=Taylor | first=Marisa | title=Want details on Elon Musk's brain implant trial? You'll have to ask him | website=Reuters | date=2024-02-02 | url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/want-details-elon-musks-brain-implant-trial-youll-have-ask-him-2024-02-02/ | access-date=2024-02-15}}</ref> Neuralink provided a few details in February on the implant in a recruitment brochure for the Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface (PRIME) study.<ref name="Ko Jecker 2024 x880">{{cite web |last1=Ko |first1=Andrew |last2=Jecker |first2=Nancy S. |date=2024-02-14 |title=Several companies are testing brain implants – why is there so much attention swirling around Neuralink? Two professors unpack the ethical issues |url=https://theconversation.com/several-companies-are-testing-brain-implants-why-is-there-so-much-attention-swirling-around-neuralink-two-professors-unpack-the-ethical-issues-222556 |access-date=2024-02-15 |website=The Conversation}}</ref> On February 20, Musk stated that Neuralink's first human trial participant had been able to control a computer mouse through thought.<ref name=fortune20240221>{{Cite web |title=Elon Musk claims Neuralink's first patient implanted with brain chip can already move computer mouse with their mind |url=https://fortune.com/2024/02/21/elon-musk-neuralink-brain-chip-implant-patient/ |access-date=2024-02-21 |website=Fortune |language=en}}</ref><ref name=cnn20240220>{{Cite web |last=Duffy |first=Clare |date=2024-02-20 |title=First Neuralink human trial subject can control a computer mouse with brain implant, Elon Musk says {{!}} CNN Business |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/20/tech/first-neuralink-human-subject-computer-mouse-elon-musk/index.html |access-date=2024-02-21 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref> On January 29, 2024, Musk said that Neuralink had successfully implanted a ] (BCI) device the company named Telepathy in a human on the previous day and that the patient was recovering from the surgery.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=2024-01-30 |title=Elon Musk says Neuralink has implanted first brain chip in a human |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/jan/29/elon-musk-neuralink-first-human-brain-chip-implant |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=The Guardian}}</ref> As it was a "first in human" and "early feasibility" trial to develop a concept, the company was not obligated to disclose details about the procedure or to prove safety or efficacy.<ref name="Taylor 2024 h962">{{cite web | last=Taylor | first=Marisa | title=Want details on Elon Musk's brain implant trial? You'll have to ask him | website=Reuters | date=2024-02-02 | url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/want-details-elon-musks-brain-implant-trial-youll-have-ask-him-2024-02-02/ | access-date=2024-02-15}}</ref> Neuralink provided a few details in February on the implant in a recruitment brochure for the Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface (PRIME) study.<ref name="Ko Jecker 2024 x880">{{cite web |last1=Ko |first1=Andrew |last2=Jecker |first2=Nancy S. |date=2024-02-14 |title=Several companies are testing brain implants – why is there so much attention swirling around Neuralink? Two professors unpack the ethical issues |url=https://theconversation.com/several-companies-are-testing-brain-implants-why-is-there-so-much-attention-swirling-around-neuralink-two-professors-unpack-the-ethical-issues-222556 |access-date=2024-02-15 |website=The Conversation}}</ref> On February 20, Musk said that Neuralink's first human trial participant had been able to control a computer mouse by thought.<ref name=fortune20240221>{{Cite web |title=Elon Musk claims Neuralink's first patient implanted with brain chip can already move computer mouse with their mind |url=https://fortune.com/2024/02/21/elon-musk-neuralink-brain-chip-implant-patient/ |access-date=2024-02-21 |website=Fortune |language=en}}</ref><ref name=cnn20240220>{{Cite web |last=Duffy |first=Clare |date=2024-02-20 |title=First Neuralink human trial subject can control a computer mouse with brain implant, Elon Musk says {{!}} CNN Business |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/20/tech/first-neuralink-human-subject-computer-mouse-elon-musk/index.html |access-date=2024-02-21 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref>


On March 20, 2024, Neuralink introduced the person who had received the first Neuralink implant in the clinical trial as 29-year-old ] through a livestream on X. Arbaugh had become a ] after experiencing a diving accident; dislocating his ]. Later in the livestream, Noland demonstrated his ability to move a cursor on a computer screen to allow him to control music and play games such as chess. Noland expressed support for the implant in dramatically improving his quality of life.<ref name=bloomberg20240323>{{Cite web | date=2024-03-20 |title=Musk's Neuralink Shows Quadriplegic Patient Able to Play Online Chess With His Mind |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-03-20/musk-s-neuralink-gives-update-on-first-brain-implant-patient |access-date=2024-03-20 |website=Bloomberg |language=en}}</ref> He acknowledged that the device is not perfect yet but he is excited about the future and believes it has changed his life significantly.<ref name=wired20240320>{{Cite magazine |last=Mullin|first=Emily |title=Watch Neuralink's First Human Subject Demonstrate His Brain-Computer Interface |url=https://www.wired.com/story/neuralink-implant-first-human-patient-demonstration/ |date=2024-03-20 |access-date=2024-03-26 |magazine=Wired |issn=1059-1028}}</ref> Arbaugh later stated in an interview with ''The Wall Street Journal'' that 85% of the implant threads from the device had completely detached while his brain has shifted approximately three times the amount of what the company expected.<ref name=":6" /> Since then, however, Arbaugh's threads have reportedly stabilized and he has regained performance regarding his link.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Neuralink |date=2024-08-21 |title=PRIME Study Progress Update — Second Participant |url=https://neuralink.com/blog/prime-study-progress-update-second-participant/ |access-date=2024-11-20 |website=Neuralink Blog |language=en}}</ref> On March 20, 2024, Neuralink introduced the person who had received the first Neuralink implant in the clinical trial as 29-year-old ] through a livestream on X. Arbaugh had become a ] after experiencing a diving accident dislocated his ]. Later in the livestream, Noland demonstrated his ability to move a cursor on a computer screen to allow him to control music and play games such as chess. He expressed support for the implant in dramatically improving his quality of life.<ref name=bloomberg20240323>{{Cite web | date=2024-03-20 |title=Musk's Neuralink Shows Quadriplegic Patient Able to Play Online Chess With His Mind |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-03-20/musk-s-neuralink-gives-update-on-first-brain-implant-patient |access-date=2024-03-20 |website=Bloomberg |language=en}}</ref> He acknowledged that the device was not perfect but said he was excited about the future.<ref name=wired20240320>{{Cite magazine |last=Mullin|first=Emily |title=Watch Neuralink's First Human Subject Demonstrate His Brain-Computer Interface |url=https://www.wired.com/story/neuralink-implant-first-human-patient-demonstration/ |date=2024-03-20 |access-date=2024-03-26 |magazine=Wired |issn=1059-1028}}</ref> Arbaugh later said in an interview that 85% of the device's implant threads had completely detached while his brain had shifted approximately three times as much as Neuralink expected.<ref name=":6" /> Since then, Arbaugh's threads have reportedly stabilized and he has regained performance with his link.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Neuralink |date=2024-08-21 |title=PRIME Study Progress Update — Second Participant |url=https://neuralink.com/blog/prime-study-progress-update-second-participant/ |access-date=2024-11-20 |website=Neuralink Blog |language=en}}</ref>


The Wall Street Journal also reported that Neuralink would proceed with a second trial participant<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Mole |first=Beth |date=2024-05-20 |title=Neuralink to implant 2nd human with brain chip as 85% of threads retract in 1st |url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2024/05/neuralink-to-implant-2nd-human-with-brain-chip-as-75-of-threads-retract-in-1st/ |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=Ars Technica |language=en-us}}</ref> with the FDA signing off on the company's proposed fixes for a problem that occurred in the first test participant.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Winkler |first=Rolfe |date=May 20, 2024 |title=Elon Musk's Neuralink Gets FDA Green Light for Second Patient, as First Describes His Emotional Journey |url=https://www.wsj.com/tech/neuralink-gets-fda-green-light-for-second-patient-as-first-describes-his-emotional-journey-a2707584 |access-date=July 29, 2024 |work=The Wall Street Journal}}</ref> In August 2024, the second trial participant was reportedly successfully implanted.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-05 |title=Elon Musk's Neuralink implants second patient with brain chip |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/tech/neuralink-second-patient-elon-musk-b2591154.html |access-date=2024-08-13 |website=The Independent |language=en}}</ref> The Wall Street Journal reported that Neuralink would proceed with a second trial participant,<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Mole |first=Beth |date=2024-05-20 |title=Neuralink to implant 2nd human with brain chip as 85% of threads retract in 1st |url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2024/05/neuralink-to-implant-2nd-human-with-brain-chip-as-75-of-threads-retract-in-1st/ |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=Ars Technica |language=en-us}}</ref> with the FDA signing off on the company's proposed fixes for a problem that occurred with Arbaugh.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Winkler |first=Rolfe |date=May 20, 2024 |title=Elon Musk's Neuralink Gets FDA Green Light for Second Patient, as First Describes His Emotional Journey |url=https://www.wsj.com/tech/neuralink-gets-fda-green-light-for-second-patient-as-first-describes-his-emotional-journey-a2707584 |access-date=July 29, 2024 |work=The Wall Street Journal}}</ref> In August 2024, the second trial participant was reportedly successfully implanted.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-05 |title=Elon Musk's Neuralink implants second patient with brain chip |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/tech/neuralink-second-patient-elon-musk-b2591154.html |access-date=2024-08-13 |website=The Independent |language=en}}</ref>


The second trial participant, pseudonym "Alex," was reportedly able to create 3D designs by using the CAD software, Fusion 360. Alex has been said to have created a custom mount for his Neuralink charger through this process. Additional accounts of Alex's Link show that he has been able to play first person shooter games at a level above what was possible for him previously. Unlike Arbaugh, Alex's implantation procedure reduced brain motion during the surgery and placed the implant closer to the surface of the brain in an attempt to mitigate thread retraction. Since the initial operation, Alex has been reported to not have experienced any thread retraction.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Neuralink |date=2024-08-21 |title=PRIME Study Progress Update — Second Participant |url=https://neuralink.com/blog/prime-study-progress-update-second-participant/ |access-date=2024-11-20 |website=Neuralink Blog |language=en}}</ref> Alex stated in the article "The Link is a big step on the path of regaining freedom and independence for myself." The second trial participant, pseudonym "Alex", was reportedly able to create 3D designs by using the CAD software Fusion 360. Alex has been said to have created a custom mount for his Neuralink charger through this process. Additional accounts of Alex's Link show that he has been able to play first-person shooter games at a higher level than he could previously. Unlike Arbaugh, Alex's implantation procedure reduced brain motion during the surgery and placed the implant closer to the brain's surface in an attempt to mitigate thread retraction. Since the initial operation, Alex has been reported to not have experienced any thread retraction.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Neuralink |date=2024-08-21 |title=PRIME Study Progress Update — Second Participant |url=https://neuralink.com/blog/prime-study-progress-update-second-participant/ |access-date=2024-11-20 |website=Neuralink Blog |language=en}}</ref> Alex said, "The Link is a big step on the path of regaining freedom and independence for myself."


In November 2024, Neuralink received approval from Health Canada for their first clinical trial in the country.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 20, 2024 |title=Neuralink on X |url=https://x.com/neuralink/status/1859321866944401727}}</ref> The name of the trial is CAN-PRIME.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Neuralink |date=2024-11-20 |title=CAN-PRIME Study Launch |url=https://neuralink.com/blog/can-prime-study-launch/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=Neuralink Blog |language=en}}</ref> In November 2024, Neuralink received approval from Health Canada for its first clinical trial in the country.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 20, 2024 |title=Neuralink on X |url=https://x.com/neuralink/status/1859321866944401727}}</ref> The name of the trial is CAN-PRIME.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Neuralink |date=2024-11-20 |title=CAN-PRIME Study Launch |url=https://neuralink.com/blog/can-prime-study-launch/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=Neuralink Blog |language=en}}</ref>


== Reception == == Reception ==
Scientists have cited technical challenges for Neuralink. In 2017, a journalist at the ] had asked for comments from five researchers that had been working on BCI implants, including ]. Oxley described the Neuralink developments as “exciting”, but expected there to be no real results in the foreseeable future.{{Explain|reason=what were their comments? per citation, their feedback was based on when the implants required injecting them through the jugular vein, not the cranium, as it's done now. so are their comments still applicable?|date=March 2023}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Full Page Reload |url=https://spectrum.ieee.org/5-neuroscience-experts-weigh-in-on-elon-musks-mysterious-neural-lace-company |access-date=26 October 2019 |work=IEEE Spectrum: Technology, Engineering, and Science News |language=en |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112024406/https://spectrum.ieee.org/the-human-os/biomedical/devices/5-neuroscience-experts-weigh-in-on-elon-musks-mysterious-neural-lace-company |url-status=live }}</ref> At a live demonstration in August 2020, Musk described their device as "a ] in your skull". Several neuroscientists and publications criticized these claims.<ref name="mit" /><ref name="cjrory">{{cite news |last=Cellan-Jones|first=Rory|date=September 1, 2020|title=Is Elon Musk over-hyping his brain-hacking Neuralink tech?|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-53987919|work=BBC News|access-date=September 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200912010226/https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-53987919|archive-date=September 12, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last=Rogers|first=Adam|date=September 4, 2020|title=Neuralink Is Impressive Tech, Wrapped in Musk Hype |url=https://www.wired.com/story/neuralink-is-impressive-tech-wrapped-in-musk-hype/|magazine=Wired|access-date=September 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200906074207/https://www.wired.com/story/neuralink-is-impressive-tech-wrapped-in-musk-hype/|archive-date=September 6, 2020}}</ref> '']'' accused the demonstration of having the main objective to "stir excitement", adding that "Neuralink has provided no evidence that it can (or has even tried to) treat depression, insomnia, or a dozen other diseases that Musk mentioned in a slide".<ref name="mit">{{cite news |last=Regalado|first=Antonio|date=August 30, 2020|title=Elon Musk's Neuralink is neuroscience theater|url=https://www.technologyreview.com/2020/08/30/1007786/elon-musks-neuralink-demo-update-neuroscience-theater/|work=MIT Technology Review|access-date=September 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118052441/https://www.technologyreview.com/2020/08/30/1007786/elon-musks-neuralink-demo-update-neuroscience-theater|archive-date=January 18, 2022}}</ref> Andrew Jackson, professor of neural interfaces at ], also commented on the presentation to the ]. To Musk's statement that he found Neuralink's advancements to be "profound", Jackson responded, "I don't think there was anything revolutionary in the presentation."<ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-09-01|title=Is Elon Musk over-hyping his brain-hacking Neuralink tech?|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-53987919|access-date=2021-07-15|archive-date=September 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200912010226/https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-53987919|url-status=live}}</ref> Scientists have cited technical challenges for Neuralink. In 2017, a journalist at the ] asked for comments from five researchers who had worked on BCI implants, including ]. Oxley called the Neuralink developments "exciting" but expected no real results in the foreseeable future.{{Explain|reason=what were their comments? per citation, their feedback was based on when the implants required injecting them through the jugular vein, not the cranium, as it's done now. so are their comments still applicable?|date=March 2023}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Full Page Reload |url=https://spectrum.ieee.org/5-neuroscience-experts-weigh-in-on-elon-musks-mysterious-neural-lace-company |access-date=26 October 2019 |work=IEEE Spectrum: Technology, Engineering, and Science News |language=en |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112024406/https://spectrum.ieee.org/the-human-os/biomedical/devices/5-neuroscience-experts-weigh-in-on-elon-musks-mysterious-neural-lace-company |url-status=live }}</ref> At a live demonstration in August 2020, Musk described the device as "a ] in your skull". Several neuroscientists and publications criticized these claims.<ref name="mit" /><ref name="cjrory">{{cite news |last=Cellan-Jones|first=Rory|date=September 1, 2020|title=Is Elon Musk over-hyping his brain-hacking Neuralink tech?|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-53987919|work=BBC News|access-date=September 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200912010226/https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-53987919|archive-date=September 12, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last=Rogers|first=Adam|date=September 4, 2020|title=Neuralink Is Impressive Tech, Wrapped in Musk Hype |url=https://www.wired.com/story/neuralink-is-impressive-tech-wrapped-in-musk-hype/|magazine=Wired|access-date=September 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200906074207/https://www.wired.com/story/neuralink-is-impressive-tech-wrapped-in-musk-hype/|archive-date=September 6, 2020}}</ref> '']'' accused the demonstration of having the main objective to "stir excitement", adding, "Neuralink has provided no evidence that it can (or has even tried to) treat depression, insomnia, or a dozen other diseases that Musk mentioned in a slide".<ref name="mit">{{cite news |last=Regalado|first=Antonio|date=August 30, 2020|title=Elon Musk's Neuralink is neuroscience theater|url=https://www.technologyreview.com/2020/08/30/1007786/elon-musks-neuralink-demo-update-neuroscience-theater/|work=MIT Technology Review|access-date=September 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118052441/https://www.technologyreview.com/2020/08/30/1007786/elon-musks-neuralink-demo-update-neuroscience-theater|archive-date=January 18, 2022}}</ref> In response to Musk's description of Neuralink's advancements as "profound", Andrew Jackson, a professor of neural interfaces at ], said, "I don't think there was anything revolutionary in the presentation."<ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-09-01|title=Is Elon Musk over-hyping his brain-hacking Neuralink tech?|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-53987919|access-date=2021-07-15|archive-date=September 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200912010226/https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-53987919|url-status=live}}</ref>


Thiago Arzua of the ] argued that Neuralink's functions are not novel and that ideas for a ] (BMI) are at least 50 years old.<ref name=":2" /> He cited successful control of a robotic prosthetic arm by a man that gave him ], which he used in 2016 to give President Obama a ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hurley |first=Billy |publisher=SAE Media Group |title=What a Feeling: A Look Back at a High-Tech Presidential Handshake |url=https://www.techbriefs.com/component/content/article/tb/stories/blog/45405 |access-date=2022-05-22 |website=Tech Briefs |date=March 9, 2022 |archive-date=March 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220313054626/https://www.techbriefs.com/component/content/article/tb/stories/blog/45405 |url-status=live}}</ref> Arzua said that the 2020 Neuralink presentation "showed little more than a flashy new design for a BMI with more ]".<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last=Arzua|first=Thiago|date=2020-08-29|title=Despite a flashy design, Elon Musk's Neuralink has little substance |url=https://massivesci.com/notes/neuralink-brain-machine-interface-fda-breakthrough-device/|access-date=2022-02-13 |archive-date=January 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118050609/https://massivesci.com/notes/neuralink-brain-machine-interface-fda-breakthrough-device/|url-status=live|website=Massive Science}}</ref> Similar criticism is made by the ] researcher ], stating that most of what Neuralink claims as "novelty" was already performed by his lab in the early 2000s; that there are ethical concerns regarding how the company markets and uses this technology; and that most patients don't want to perform any surgery to recover their movements, and so his team developed non-invasive techniques for BMI, as demonstrated in the ] of the ], in the context of the '']''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yarlagadda |first=Tara |date=2024-02-20 |title=Elon Musk's Neuralink is "bad science fiction," brain science pioneer says |url=https://www.inverse.com/science/neuralink-bad-sci-fi |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=Inverse |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Redação |date=2024-03-14 |title="Criei há 25 anos o que Musk fez agora", diz Miguel Nicolelis |url=https://forbes.com.br/forbes-tech/2024/03/criei-ha-25-anos-o-que-musk-fez-agora-diz-miguel-nicolelis/ |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=Forbes Brasil |language=pt-br}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-10-08 |title=The story of an impossible kick: Miguel Nicolelis at TEDGlobal 2014 {{!}} TED Blog |url=https://blog.ted.com/the-story-of-an-impossible-kick-miguel-nicolelis-live-at-tedglobal-2014/ |access-date=2024-05-10 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Séneca |first=Hugo |last2=Delfim |first2=Tómas |date=2024-04-16 |title="A Neuralink de Elon Musk é quase uma piada de mau gosto", diz pioneiro dos implantes cerebrais Miguel Nicolelis |url=https://expresso.pt/podcasts/o-futuro-do-futuro/2024-04-16-a-neuralink-de-elon-musk-e-quase-uma-piada-de-mau-gosto-diz-pioneiro-dos-implantes-cerebrais-miguel-nicolelis-65d177b9 |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=Expresso |language=pt}}</ref> Thiago Arzua of the ] argued that Neuralink's functions are not novel and that ideas for a ] (BMI) are at least 50 years old.<ref name=":2" /> He cited successful control of a robotic prosthetic arm by a man that gave him ], which he used in 2016 to give President Obama a ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hurley |first=Billy |publisher=SAE Media Group |title=What a Feeling: A Look Back at a High-Tech Presidential Handshake |url=https://www.techbriefs.com/component/content/article/tb/stories/blog/45405 |access-date=2022-05-22 |website=Tech Briefs |date=March 9, 2022 |archive-date=March 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220313054626/https://www.techbriefs.com/component/content/article/tb/stories/blog/45405 |url-status=live}}</ref> Arzua said that the 2020 Neuralink presentation "showed little more than a flashy new design for a BMI with more ]".<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last=Arzua|first=Thiago|date=2020-08-29|title=Despite a flashy design, Elon Musk's Neuralink has little substance |url=https://massivesci.com/notes/neuralink-brain-machine-interface-fda-breakthrough-device/|access-date=2022-02-13 |archive-date=January 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118050609/https://massivesci.com/notes/neuralink-brain-machine-interface-fda-breakthrough-device/|url-status=live|website=Massive Science}}</ref> ] researcher ] made similar criticism, saying that most of what Neuralink claims as "novelty" was already performed by his lab in the early 2000s; that there are ethical concerns about how the company markets and uses this technology; and that most patients don't want to undergo surgery to recover their movements, and so his team developed non-invasive techniques for BMI, as demonstrated in the ] of the ], in the context of the '']''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yarlagadda |first=Tara |date=2024-02-20 |title=Elon Musk's Neuralink is "bad science fiction," brain science pioneer says |url=https://www.inverse.com/science/neuralink-bad-sci-fi |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=Inverse |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Redação |date=2024-03-14 |title="Criei há 25 anos o que Musk fez agora", diz Miguel Nicolelis |url=https://forbes.com.br/forbes-tech/2024/03/criei-ha-25-anos-o-que-musk-fez-agora-diz-miguel-nicolelis/ |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=Forbes Brasil |language=pt-br}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-10-08 |title=The story of an impossible kick: Miguel Nicolelis at TEDGlobal 2014 {{!}} TED Blog |url=https://blog.ted.com/the-story-of-an-impossible-kick-miguel-nicolelis-live-at-tedglobal-2014/ |access-date=2024-05-10 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Séneca |first1=Hugo |last2=Delfim |first2=Tómas |date=2024-04-16 |title="A Neuralink de Elon Musk é quase uma piada de mau gosto", diz pioneiro dos implantes cerebrais Miguel Nicolelis |url=https://expresso.pt/podcasts/o-futuro-do-futuro/2024-04-16-a-neuralink-de-elon-musk-e-quase-uma-piada-de-mau-gosto-diz-pioneiro-dos-implantes-cerebrais-miguel-nicolelis-65d177b9 |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=Expresso |language=pt}}</ref>


== See also == == See also ==
Line 112: Line 113:
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* ]
** ] <!--This indentation is spectrally sorted from most virtual to least, see ]-->
** ]
** ]
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
Line 118: Line 123:
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* ]
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* '']''
* ]
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
Line 131: Line 139:


== External links == == External links ==
* {{Official website|https://neuralink.com/}} * {{Official website}}
* {{youTube|r-vbh3t7WVI}} of Neuralink's presentation on July 16, 2019 * {{youTube|r-vbh3t7WVI}} of Neuralink's presentation on July 16, 2019
* {{youTube|YreDYmXTYi4}} of Neuralink's presentation on December 1, 2022 * {{youTube|YreDYmXTYi4}} of Neuralink's presentation on December 1, 2022

Latest revision as of 23:24, 25 December 2024

American neurotechnology company

Neuralink Corp.
Company typePrivate
IndustryNeurotechnology
FoundedJune 21, 2016; 8 years ago (2016-06-21)
FounderElon Musk
HeadquartersFremont, California, United States
Key peopleJared Birchall (CEO)
Products
OwnerElon Musk
Number of employeesc. 300 (2022)
Websiteneuralink.com
This article is part of
a series aboutElon Musk
Personal
Companies
Politics
In popular culture
Related
Elon Musk's signature

Neuralink Corp. is an American neurotechnology company that has developed, as of 2024, implantable brain–computer interfaces (BCIs). It was founded by Elon Musk and a team of eight scientists and engineers. Neuralink was launched in 2016 and was first publicly reported in March 2017.

In January 2017, Musk approached Pedram Mohseni and Randolph Nudo, who owned the rights to the name "NeuraLink". These two neuroscientists strove to create an electronic brain chip to treat traumatic brain injury. They made significant progress and completed preliminary testing but did not receive enough funding or support from investors to continue. Musk approached them and offered tens of thousands of dollars for the company’s name.

The company is based in Fremont, California, with plans to build a three-story building with office and manufacturing space near Austin, Texas, in Del Valle, about 10 miles east of Tesla's headquarters and manufacturing plant that opened in 2022.

Since its founding, the company has hired several high-profile neuroscientists from various universities. By 2019, it had received $158 million in funding (of which $100 million was from Musk) and had 90 employees. At that time, Neuralink announced that it was working on a "sewing machine-like" device capable of implanting very thin (4 to 6 μm in width) threads into the brain, and demonstrated a system that reads information from a lab rat via 1,500 electrodes. It anticipated starting experiments with humans in 2020, but since moved that projection to 2023. As of May 2023, it has been approved for human trials in the United States. On January 29, 2024, Musk announced that Neuralink had successfully implanted a Neuralink device in a human and that the patient was recovering.

The company has faced criticism for a large amount of euthanization of primates that underwent medical trials. Veterinary records of the monkeys showed a number of complications with electrodes being surgically implanted.

In September 2024, the company announced that its latest development effort, Blindsight, will allow those who would otherwise be blind to regain some level of vision, provided the visual cortex is undamaged. The development received "breakthrough" status from the federal government, which will accelerate development.

Company

History

The Pioneer Building in San Francisco, formerly housing the offices of Neuralink and OpenAI

Neuralink was founded in 2016 by Elon Musk and a founding team of eight scientists and engineers: Max Hodak, Benjamin Rapoport, Dongjin Seo, Paul Merolla, Philip Sabes, Tim Gardner, Tim Hanson, and Vanessa Tolosa. The group of initial hires consisted of experts in areas such as neuroscience, biochemistry, and robotics. The trademark "Neuralink" was purchased from its previous owners in January 2017.

In April 2017, Neuralink announced that it was aiming to make devices to treat serious brain diseases in the short term, with the eventual goal of human enhancement, sometimes called transhumanism. Musk said his interest in the idea partly stemmed from the concept of "neural lace" in the fictional universe in The Culture, a series of 10 novels by Iain M. Banks.

Musk defined the neural lace as a "digital layer above the cortex" that would not necessarily require extensive surgical insertion but could be implanted through a vein or artery. He said the long-term goal is to achieve "symbiosis with artificial intelligence", which he perceives as an existential threat to humanity if it goes unchecked. He believes the device will be "something analogous to a video game, like a saved game situation, where you are able to resume and upload your last state" and "address brain injuries or spinal injuries and make up for whatever lost capacity somebody has with a chip."

Jared Birchall, the head of Musk's family office, was listed as Neuralink's CEO, CFO, and president in 2018. As of September 2018, Musk was its majority owner but did not hold an executive position. By August 2020, only three of the eight founding scientists remained at the company, according to an article by Stat News that reported that Neuralink had seen "years of internal conflict in which rushed timelines have clashed with the slow and incremental pace of science." As of 2020, Neuralink was headquartered in San Francisco's Mission District, sharing the Pioneer building with OpenAI, another company Musk co-founded. As of 2022, Neuralink's headquarters were in Fremont, California.

In April 2021, Neuralink demonstrated a monkey playing the game "Pong" using the Neuralink implant. While similar technology has existed since 2002, when a research group first demonstrated a monkey moving a computer cursor with neural signals, scientists acknowledged the engineering progress in making the implant wireless and increasing the number of implanted electrodes.

In May 2021, co-founder and president Max Hodak announced that he no longer worked with the company. Co-founder Benjamin Rapoport cited safety concerns as a major influence on his decision to leave Neuralink in 2018. Rapoport subsequently founded Precision Neuroscience, emphasizing the use of surface electrodes as opposed to the penetrating electrodes of Neuralink, in order to address brain damage and other safety concerns caused by Neuralink's devices. Only two of the eight co-founders remained at the company by January 2022.

On February 8, 2024, Musk changed the location of Neuralink's business incorporation from Delaware to Nevada after Delaware Chancery Court Chief Judge Kathaleen St. J. McCormick voided Musk’s $55 billion pay package at Tesla.

Technology

In 2018, Gizmodo reported that Neuralink "remained highly secretive about its work", although public records showed that it had sought to open an animal testing facility in San Francisco; it subsequently began doing research at the University of California, Davis. In 2019, during a live presentation at the California Academy of Sciences, the Neuralink team revealed to the public the technology of the first prototype it had been working on. It is a system that involves ultra-thin probes inserted into the brain, a neurosurgical robot to perform the operations, and a high-density electronic system capable of processing information from neurons. It is based on technology developed at University of California, San Francisco and University of California, Berkeley.

Probes

The probes, made mostly of polyimide, a biocompatible material, with a thin gold or platinum conductor, are inserted into the brain through an automated process performed by a surgical robot. Each probe consists of an area of wires that contains electrodes capable of locating electrical signals in the brain and a sensory area where the wire interacts with an electronic system that allows amplification and acquisition of the brain signal. Each probe contains 48 or 96 wires, each of which contains 32 independent electrodes, making a system of up to 3,072 electrodes per formation.

Robot

Neuralink says it has engineered a surgical robot capable of rapidly inserting many flexible probes into the brain, which may avoid the tissue damage and longevity problems associated with larger, more rigid probes. This surgical robot has an insertion head with a 25 μm diameter needle made of tungsten-rhenium designed to attach to the insertion loops, inject individual probes, and penetrate the meninges and cerebral tissue; it can insert up to six wires (192 electrodes) per minute. A linear motor powers the needle, enabling fast retraction acceleration and varying insertion speeds. A 50-μm tungsten wire that has been bent at the tip and is driven both axially and rotationally makes up the pincher. An imaging stack is also included in the inserter head for needle guidance, real-time insertion viewing, and verification.

Electronics

Elon Musk discussing the Neuralink

Neuralink has developed an application-specific integrated circuit to create a 1,536-channel recording system. This system consists of 256 amplifiers that can be individually programmed, analog-to-digital converters within the chip, and peripheral circuit control to serialize the digitized information obtained. It aims to convert information obtained from neurons into an understandable binary code in order to achieve greater understanding of brain function and the ability to stimulate these neurons back. So far, Neuralink's electrodes are too big to record the firing of individual neurons, so they can record only the firing of a group of neurons; Neuralink representatives believe this issue may be mitigated algorithmically, but it is computationally expensive and does not produce exact results.

In July 2020, according to Musk, Neuralink obtained a FDA breakthrough device designation which allows limited human testing under the FDA guidelines for medical devices.

Public compression challenge

On May 29, 2024, Musk issued a request for public input on a challenge facing Neuralink. He suggested that due to the size of the data in need of transmission, a compression rate of more than 200x was needed for proper function. The challenge also specified that compression needed to be lossless, work under low power, and compress data in real time. Software consultant Roy van Rijn called the prospect of 200x lossless compression "just outlandish."

Animal testing and alleged harm

Neuralink tests its devices by surgically implanting them in the brains of live monkeys, pigs, and other animals. This has been criticized by groups such as PETA.

In August 2020, Neuralink conducted a live demo in which the brain activity of a pig, Gertrude, was displayed in real time. A removable device the size of a coin (23 millimeters) implanted in Gertrude's brain recorded signals from the neurons connected to her snout as it interacted with its environment, such as when it sniffed or touched things. The data showed that the technology could read and interpret brain signals, which is key to developing applications that could treat neurological conditions, enable brain-to-machine communication, or enhance human cognition.

The demonstration also had two other pigs. One had had a Neuralink chip implanted in its brain and subsequently removed to demonstrate that the chip can be safely removed without damaging the pigs' health. The third pig had never had a chip implanted in its brain. It was for comparison to show the similarity in health and behavior of implanted and non-implanted pigs.

From 2017 to 2020, Neuralink's experiments on monkeys were conducted in partnership with University of California, Davis. At the end of the partnership, UC Davis transferred seven monkeys to Neuralink. In 2022, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), an animal welfare advocacy group, alleged that Neuralink and UC Davis had mistreated several monkeys, subjecting them to psychological distress, extreme suffering, and chronic infections due to surgeries. Experiments conducted by Neuralink and UC Davis have involved at least 23 monkeys, and the PCRM believes that 15 of those died or were euthanized as a result of the experiments. The PCRM also alleged that UC Davis withheld photographic and video evidence of the mistreatment.

In February 2022, Neuralink said that macaque monkeys died and were euthanized after experimentation, denying that any animal abuse had occurred. In December 2022, it was reported that Neuralink was under federal investigation by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for animal welfare violations. Additionally, a Reuters report cited claims by several Neuralink employees that testing was being rushed due to Musk's demands for fast results, which was leading to needless suffering and deaths among the animals. A September 2023 exposé by Wired provided additional details on the primate deaths based on public records and confidential interviews with a former Neuralink employee and a researcher at the California National Primate Research Center. Those records showed complications with the installation of electrodes, including partial paralysis, bloody diarrhea, lost fingers, and brain swelling.

In 2022, after being rejected for human clinical trials by the FDA, Neuralink performed more tests on pigs to address safety concerns. Some of these pigs were observed to have developed granulomas, or inflammatory tissues, in their brains. Neuralink could not determine the cause of the granulomas, but made official statements declaring that the Neuralink implant and its associated threads were not the cause.

In July 2023, an investigation by the United States Department of Agriculture found no evidence of animal welfare breaches in the trials other than a self-reported incident from 2019. The PCRM disputed the investigation's result.

In October 2023, Wired reported that Neuralink worked to keep details of animal suffering and death hidden from the public. In November 2023, U.S. lawmakers asked the Securities and Exchange Commission to investigate whether Neuralink deceived investors by omitting details about possible animal deaths.

On March 21, 2024, Musk said that Neuralink's second product would be called Blindsight and was already working in trials with monkeys. He said it operates at low resolution that is expected to improve and that no monkey had died due to or been seriously injured by a Neuralink device, contradicting earlier reports.

Human testing

Neuralink received FDA approval for human clinical trials in May 2023. The FDA had rejected a 2022 application to pursue human clinical trials, citing "major safety concerns involving the device's lithium battery; the potential for the implant's tiny wires to migrate to other areas of the brain; and questions over whether and how the device can be removed without damaging brain tissue."

In September 2023, Neuralink began its first human trials. It recruited people with quadriplegia due to cervical spinal cord injury or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis under an investigational device exemption by the FDA.

On January 29, 2024, Musk said that Neuralink had successfully implanted a brain computer interface (BCI) device the company named Telepathy in a human on the previous day and that the patient was recovering from the surgery. As it was a "first in human" and "early feasibility" trial to develop a concept, the company was not obligated to disclose details about the procedure or to prove safety or efficacy. Neuralink provided a few details in February on the implant in a recruitment brochure for the Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface (PRIME) study. On February 20, Musk said that Neuralink's first human trial participant had been able to control a computer mouse by thought.

On March 20, 2024, Neuralink introduced the person who had received the first Neuralink implant in the clinical trial as 29-year-old Noland Arbaugh through a livestream on X. Arbaugh had become a quadriplegic after experiencing a diving accident dislocated his C4 and C5 spinal vertebrae. Later in the livestream, Noland demonstrated his ability to move a cursor on a computer screen to allow him to control music and play games such as chess. He expressed support for the implant in dramatically improving his quality of life. He acknowledged that the device was not perfect but said he was excited about the future. Arbaugh later said in an interview that 85% of the device's implant threads had completely detached while his brain had shifted approximately three times as much as Neuralink expected. Since then, Arbaugh's threads have reportedly stabilized and he has regained performance with his link.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Neuralink would proceed with a second trial participant, with the FDA signing off on the company's proposed fixes for a problem that occurred with Arbaugh. In August 2024, the second trial participant was reportedly successfully implanted.

The second trial participant, pseudonym "Alex", was reportedly able to create 3D designs by using the CAD software Fusion 360. Alex has been said to have created a custom mount for his Neuralink charger through this process. Additional accounts of Alex's Link show that he has been able to play first-person shooter games at a higher level than he could previously. Unlike Arbaugh, Alex's implantation procedure reduced brain motion during the surgery and placed the implant closer to the brain's surface in an attempt to mitigate thread retraction. Since the initial operation, Alex has been reported to not have experienced any thread retraction. Alex said, "The Link is a big step on the path of regaining freedom and independence for myself."

In November 2024, Neuralink received approval from Health Canada for its first clinical trial in the country. The name of the trial is CAN-PRIME.

Reception

Scientists have cited technical challenges for Neuralink. In 2017, a journalist at the IEEE Spectrum magazine asked for comments from five researchers who had worked on BCI implants, including Thomas Oxley. Oxley called the Neuralink developments "exciting" but expected no real results in the foreseeable future. At a live demonstration in August 2020, Musk described the device as "a Fitbit in your skull". Several neuroscientists and publications criticized these claims. MIT Technology Review accused the demonstration of having the main objective to "stir excitement", adding, "Neuralink has provided no evidence that it can (or has even tried to) treat depression, insomnia, or a dozen other diseases that Musk mentioned in a slide". In response to Musk's description of Neuralink's advancements as "profound", Andrew Jackson, a professor of neural interfaces at Newcastle University, said, "I don't think there was anything revolutionary in the presentation."

Thiago Arzua of the Medical College of Wisconsin argued that Neuralink's functions are not novel and that ideas for a brain–machine interface (BMI) are at least 50 years old. He cited successful control of a robotic prosthetic arm by a man that gave him haptic feedback, which he used in 2016 to give President Obama a fist bump. Arzua said that the 2020 Neuralink presentation "showed little more than a flashy new design for a BMI with more electrodes". Duke University researcher Miguel Nicolelis made similar criticism, saying that most of what Neuralink claims as "novelty" was already performed by his lab in the early 2000s; that there are ethical concerns about how the company markets and uses this technology; and that most patients don't want to undergo surgery to recover their movements, and so his team developed non-invasive techniques for BMI, as demonstrated in the opening ceremony of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, in the context of the Walk Again Project.

See also

References

  1. ^ Falconer, Rebecca (December 1, 2022). "Elon Musk highlights monkey "telepathic typing" at Neuralink event". Axios. Archived from the original on December 15, 2022. Retrieved December 15, 2022.
  2. "Elon Musk's Inner Circle Rocked by Fight Over His $230 Billion Fortune". Wall Street Journal. July 18, 2022. Archived from the original on May 5, 2017. Retrieved May 4, 2017.
  3. Levy, Rachael (July 19, 2022). "Neuralink co-founder departs Musk-backed startup". Reuters. Archived from the original on July 19, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  4. ^ "NEURALINK CORP". OpenCorporates. June 21, 2016. Retrieved August 2, 2023.
  5. ^ Rohit, Parimal M. (July 11, 2024). "Elon Musk's Neuralink Building Plans in Austin Extend Area's Tech Hub Status". CoStar. Retrieved July 29, 2024.
  6. ^ Sharma, Akriti; Levy, Rachel (May 25, 2023). "Elon Musk's Neuralink says has FDA approval for study of brain implants in humans". Reuters.
  7. ^ Kolodny, Lora (May 2, 2021). "Neuralink co-founder Max Hodak leaves Elon Musk's brain implant company". CNBC. Archived from the original on May 7, 2021. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  8. Winkler, Rolfe (March 27, 2017). "Elon Musk Launches Neuralink to Connect Brains With Computers". Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on May 5, 2017. Retrieved May 4, 2017.
  9. ^ "Meet the Guys Who Sold "Neuralink" to Elon Musk without Even Realizing It". MIT Technology Review. Archived from the original on February 19, 2021. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  10. ^ Masunaga, Samantha (April 21, 2017). "A quick guide to Elon Musk's new brain-implant company, Neuralink". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on May 5, 2017. Retrieved May 4, 2017.
  11. Statt, Nick (March 27, 2017). "Elon Musk launches Neuralink, a venture to merge the human brain with AI". The Verge. Archived from the original on February 6, 2018. Retrieved September 6, 2017.
  12. "Meet the Guys Who Sold "Neuralink" to Elon Musk without Even Realizing It". MIT Technology Review. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
  13. "Elon Musk's Brain Tech Startup Is Raising More Cash". May 11, 2019. Archived from the original on May 11, 2019. Retrieved May 12, 2019. The company has hired away several high-profile neuroscientists
  14. ^ Markoff, John (July 16, 2019). "Elon Musk's Company Takes Baby Steps to Wiring Brains to the Internet". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on July 17, 2019. Retrieved July 17, 2019.
  15. ^ Elizabeth Lopatto. Elon Musk unveils Neuralink's plans for brain-reading 'threads' and a robot to insert them. Archived July 17, 2019, at the Wayback Machine. The Verge. 16 July 2019.
  16. ^ "Elon Musk says Neuralink has implanted first brain chip in a human". The Guardian. January 30, 2024. Retrieved January 30, 2024.
  17. ^ Mehrotra, Dhruv; Cameron, Dell (September 20, 2023). "The Gruesome Story of How Neuralink's Monkeys Actually Died". Wired. ISSN 1059-1028. Retrieved September 21, 2023.
  18. Thompson, David (September 18, 2024). "Elon Musk Touts New Neuralink Brain Chip to Treat Blindness". The Daily Beast. Retrieved September 18, 2024.
  19. "Neuralink co-founder departs Musk-backed startup -sources". Reuters. July 19, 2022. Archived from the original on March 4, 2023. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  20. Vanian, Jeremy Kahn,Jonathan. "Inside Neuralink, Elon Musk's mysterious brain chip startup: A culture of blame, impossible deadlines, and a missing CEO". Fortune. Retrieved November 18, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  21. Levy, Rachael (December 1, 2022). "Elon Musk expects Neuralink's brain chip to begin human trials in 6 months". Reuters. Archived from the original on December 2, 2022. Retrieved December 2, 2022.
  22. Urban, Tim (April 20, 2017). "Neuralink and the Brain's Magical Future". Wait But Why. Archived from the original on May 4, 2017. Retrieved May 4, 2017.
  23. ^ Newitz, Annalee (March 27, 2017). "Elon Musk is setting up a company that will link brains and computers". Ars Technica. Archived from the original on May 19, 2017. Retrieved May 4, 2017.
  24. Cross, Tim (March 31, 2017). "The novelist who inspired Elon Musk". The Economist. 1843 Magazine. Archived from the original on May 21, 2017. Retrieved May 4, 2017.
  25. Elon Musk thinks we will have to use AI this way to avoid a catastrophic future Archived February 13, 2019, at the Wayback Machine. Robert Ferris, CNBC News. 31 January 2017.
  26. ^ Elon Musk believes AI could turn humans into an endangered species like the mountain gorilla Archived December 4, 2018, at the Wayback Machine. Isobel Asher Hamilton, Business Insider. 26 November 2018.
  27. Everything you need to know about Neuralink: Elon Musk's brainy new venture Archived December 6, 2018, at the Wayback Machine. Tyler Lacoma, Digital Trends. 7 November 2017.
  28. "Clubhouse Elon Musk interview transcript". Zamesin Ivan—from product to entrepreneur. February 7, 2021. Archived from the original on January 27, 2022. Retrieved January 27, 2022.
  29. Glaser, April; Mak, Aaron; Oremus, Will (August 17, 2018). "Why Elon Musk's Companies Aren't Melting Down, Even If He Is". Slate Magazine. Archived from the original on July 20, 2019. Retrieved July 20, 2019.
  30. ^ Conger, Kate. "Elon Musk's Neuralink Sought to Open an Animal Testing Facility in San Francisco". Gizmodo. Archived from the original on September 24, 2018. Retrieved October 11, 2018.
  31. No-Action Letter: Neuralink Corp Archived July 20, 2019, at the Wayback Machine. U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), October 16, 2018
  32. "Ahead of Neuralink event, ex-employees detail research timeline clashes". STAT. August 25, 2020. Archived from the original on August 27, 2020. Retrieved September 6, 2020.
  33. Hao, Karen (February 17, 2020). "The messy, secretive reality behind OpenAI's bid to save the world". MIT Technology Review. Retrieved March 9, 2020.
  34. Guy, Jack (April 9, 2021). "Elon Musk's Neuralink claims monkeys can play Pong using just their minds". CNN. Archived from the original on April 9, 2021. Retrieved April 9, 2021.
  35. "Neuralink's Monkey Experiment Raises Questions From Scientists and Tech Ethicist". Observer. April 13, 2021. Archived from the original on April 14, 2021. Retrieved April 14, 2021.
  36. Paul, Andrew (April 9, 2021). "Elon Musk really wants to impress you with his Neuralink monkey". Input. Archived from the original on April 14, 2021. Retrieved April 14, 2021.
  37. "Private money will really push the field forward". The Psychologist. April 14, 2021. Archived from the original on April 19, 2021.
  38. Richard, Isaiah (May 6, 2024). "Neuralink Co-Founder Reveals 'Safety' Concerns as the Reason for Leaving Elon Musk, the Company". Tech Times. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
  39. Gizmodo, Matt Novak / (May 7, 2024). "A Neuralink co-founder on why he left Elon Musk's brain chip startup". Quartz. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
  40. "Inside Neuralink, Elon Musk's mysterious brain chip startup: A culture of blame, impossible deadlines, and a missing CEO". Fortune. Archived from the original on September 25, 2022. Retrieved January 31, 2022.
  41. "Musk's Neuralink Ditches Delaware, Reincorporates in Nevada". Bloomberg.com. February 9, 2024. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
  42. "Musk's $55 Billion Pay Package Voided, Threatening World's Biggest Fortune". Bloomberg.com. January 30, 2024. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
  43. US application 20180296243, Timothy L. Hanson, Michel M. Maharbiz, Philip N. Sabes, "Methods, Compositions, and Systems for Device Implantation."  Archived January 31, 2022, at the Wayback Machine
  44. Elon Musk's Neuralink Aims to Merge Human Brain With A.I. Archived July 29, 2019, at the Wayback Machine Dinker, TechBrackets. 18 July 2019.
  45. ^ Musk, Elon; Neuralink (October 2019). "An integrated brain-machine interface platform with thousands of channels". J Med Internet Res. 21 (10). e16194. bioRxiv 10.1101/703801. doi:10.2196/16194. ISSN 1438-8871. PMC 6914248. PMID 31642810. S2CID 201192799.
  46. Biran, Roy; Martin, David C.; Tresco, Patrick A. (September 1, 2005). "Neuronal cell loss accompanies the brain tissue response to chronically implanted silicon microelectrode arrays". Experimental Neurology. 195 (1): 115–126. doi:10.1016/j.expneurol.2005.04.020. ISSN 0014-4886. PMID 16045910. S2CID 14077903.
  47. Hanson, Timothy L.; Diaz-Botia, Camilo A.; Kharazia, Viktor; Maharbiz, Michel M.; Sabes, Philip N. (March 14, 2019). "The "sewing machine" for minimally invasive neural recording". bioRxiv: 578542. doi:10.1101/578542. S2CID 92316726. Archived from the original on November 21, 2020. Retrieved December 10, 2020.
  48. Levett, Jordan J.; Elkaim, Lior M.; Niazi, Farbod; Weber, Michael H.; Iorio-Morin, Christian; Bonizzato, Marco; Weil, Alexander G. (November 8, 2023). "Invasive Brain Computer Interface for Motor Restoration in Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review". Neuromodulation: Journal of the International Neuromodulation Society. 27 (4): S1094–7159(23)00754–7. doi:10.1016/j.neurom.2023.10.006. ISSN 1525-1403. PMID 37943244. S2CID 265064893.
  49. Valle, Giacomo (November 6, 2019). "The Connection Between the Nervous System and Machines: Commentary". Journal of Medical Internet Research. 21 (11): e16344. doi:10.2196/16344. ISSN 1438-8871. PMC 6868503. PMID 31692449.
  50. Wiggers, Kyle (August 28, 2020). "Neuralink demonstrates its next-generation brain-machine interface". VentureBeat.
  51. "Neuralink Paper Review - Numenta Research Meeting". Numenta, Inc. July 17, 2019. Archived from the original on July 24, 2019. Retrieved July 27, 2019 – via YouTube.
  52. Metz, Rachel (August 28, 2020). "Elon Musk shows off a working brain implant—in pigs". CNN. Archived from the original on October 4, 2020. Retrieved October 4, 2020.
  53. Neuralink Progress Update, Summer 2020 Archived February 17, 2022, at the Wayback Machine, Neuralink, 28 August 2020, accessed 4 October 2020.
  54. Pearson, Jordan (May 28, 2024). "Neuralink looks to the public to solve a seemingly impossible problem". CBC.
  55. Neuralink Compression Challenge.
  56. Shead, Sam (February 1, 2021). "Elon Musk says his start-up Neuralink has wired up a monkey to play video games using its mind". CNBC. Archived from the original on February 1, 2021. Retrieved February 1, 2021.
  57. Linder, Courtney (September 9, 2020). "Why Is Elon Musk Testing His Brain Implant on Pigs?". Popular Mechanics. Archived from the original on January 25, 2021. Retrieved January 26, 2021.
  58. Goud, Naveen (September 1, 2020). "Elon Musk Neuralink puts AI chip in a Pig". Cybersecurity Insiders. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  59. "Elon Musk Unveils Brain Computer Implanted in Pigs". Bloomberg.com. August 28, 2020. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  60. Wong, Julia Carrie (August 29, 2020). "Neuralink: Elon Musk unveils pig he claims has computer implant in brain". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  61. "expert reaction to Elon Musk's Neuralink demonstration involving pigs | Science Media Centre". Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  62. Lewis, Tanya (November 1, 2020). "Elon Musk's Pig-Brain Implant Is Still a Long Way from 'Solving Paralysis'". Scientific American. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  63. "'Three little pigs': Elon Musk's Neuralink puts computer chips in pigs' brains". NBC News. August 29, 2020. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  64. Metz, Rachel (August 29, 2020). "Elon Musk shows off a working brain implant — in pigs | CNN Business". CNN. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  65. "Elon Musk: We've already implanted Neuralink in live pigs". Futurism. August 31, 2020. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  66. "Elon Musk demonstrated a Neuralink brain implant in a live pig". New Scientist. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  67. "Elon Musk uses pigs to demo brain implants".
  68. "Elon Musk's Neuralink puts computer chips in pigs' brains". Sky News. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  69. "Neuralink: Elon Musk unveils pig with chip in its brain". August 29, 2020. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  70. Farr, Lori Ioannou,Christina (August 28, 2020). "Elon Musk demonstrates brain-computer tech Neuralink in live pigs". CNBC. Retrieved November 13, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  71. "Elon Musk's Neuralink puts computer chips in pig's brain". www.thepigsite.com. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  72. Wetsman, Nicole (August 28, 2020). "Elon Musk trots out pigs in demo of Neuralink brain implants". The Verge. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  73. Vance, Ashlee (August 29, 2020). "Elon Musk unveils brain computer implanted in pigs". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  74. "Elon Musk's neuroscience startup unveils pig with computer chip in its brain - National | Globalnews.ca". Global News. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  75. "Elon Musk shows Neuralink brain implant working in a pig". CNET. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  76. https://www.reuters.com/article/world/three-little-pigs-musks-neuralink-puts-computer-chips-in-animal-brains-idUSKBN25P022/
  77. "Neuralink shows what happens when you bring "move fast and break things" to animal research". www.vox.com. December 11, 2022. Retrieved May 29, 2023.
  78. Vanian, Jonathan (February 9, 2022). "Elon Musk's brain-implant startup has a new legal headache—allegations that it abuses its monkeys". Fortune. Archived from the original on March 20, 2022. Retrieved February 10, 2022.
  79. Ryan, Hannah (February 17, 2022). "Elon Musk's Neuralink confirms monkeys died in project, denies animal cruelty claims". CNN. Archived from the original on February 17, 2022. Retrieved February 17, 2022.
  80. ^ Levy, Rachel (December 6, 2022). "Exclusive: Musk's Neuralink faces federal probe, employee backlash over animal tests". Reuters. Archived from the original on December 6, 2022. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
  81. Levy, Rachael; Lynch, Sarah; Taylor, Marisa (December 20, 2022). "Investigation of Musk's Neuralink targets federal oversight of animal testing". the Guardian. Archived from the original on December 21, 2022. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
  82. "Terrible Things Happened to Monkeys After Getting Neuralink Implants, According to Veterinary Records". Futurism. September 22, 2023. Retrieved September 23, 2023.
  83. Levy, Rachael (May 15, 2024). "Exclusive: Musk's Neuralink has faced issues with its tiny wires for years, sources say". Reuters. Retrieved November 11, 2024.
  84. "Regulator says found no animal welfare breaches at Elon Musk firm beyond 2019 incident". The Economic Times. Reuters. July 19, 2023. Archived from the original on July 19, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
  85. "Elon Musk Company Neuralink Given Free Pass for Animal Welfare Act Violations, USDA Reveals in Letter to Congress". PCRM. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
  86. Cameraon, Dell; Mehrotra, Dhruv (October 4, 2023). "How Neuralink Keeps Dead Monkey Photos Secret". Wired. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
  87. Mehrotra, Dhruv. "US Lawmakers Ask SEC to Launch Fraud Investigation Into Elon Musk". WIRED.
  88. "Exclusive: Musk's Neuralink brain implant company cited by FDA over animal lab issues". Reuters.
  89. Kan, Michael (March 22, 2024). "Elon Musk: Neuralink's Next Implant Will Focus on Curing Blindness". Retrieved March 22, 2024.
  90. Neuralink (May 25, 2023). "We are excited to share that we have received the FDA's approval to launch our first-in-human clinical study! is the result of incredible work by the Neuralink team in close collaboration with the FDA and represents an important first step that will one day allow our technology to help many people. Recruitment is not yet open for our clinical trial. We'll announce more information on this soon!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  91. "U.S. regulators rejected Elon Musk's bid to test brain chips in humans". Reuters. Archived from the original on March 2, 2023. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  92. Porciello, Loris (February 26, 2024). "Elon Musk e Neuralink, cos'è in realtà il chip impiantato nel cervello di un paziente e a cosa serve: la spiegazione". Mr. Informatico (in Italian). Retrieved March 2, 2024.
  93. Singh, Maanvi (September 19, 2023). "Elon Musk's Neuralink approved to recruit humans for brain-implant trial". The Guardian.
  94. Studio, Play (September 19, 2023). "Neuralink's First-in-Human Clinical Trial is Open for Recruitment | Blog". Neuralink. Retrieved September 22, 2023.
  95. Taylor, Marisa (February 2, 2024). "Want details on Elon Musk's brain implant trial? You'll have to ask him". Reuters. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  96. Ko, Andrew; Jecker, Nancy S. (February 14, 2024). "Several companies are testing brain implants – why is there so much attention swirling around Neuralink? Two professors unpack the ethical issues". The Conversation. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  97. "Elon Musk claims Neuralink's first patient implanted with brain chip can already move computer mouse with their mind". Fortune. Retrieved February 21, 2024.
  98. Duffy, Clare (February 20, 2024). "First Neuralink human trial subject can control a computer mouse with brain implant, Elon Musk says | CNN Business". CNN. Retrieved February 21, 2024.
  99. "Musk's Neuralink Shows Quadriplegic Patient Able to Play Online Chess With His Mind". Bloomberg. March 20, 2024. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
  100. Mullin, Emily (March 20, 2024). "Watch Neuralink's First Human Subject Demonstrate His Brain-Computer Interface". Wired. ISSN 1059-1028. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
  101. ^ Mole, Beth (May 20, 2024). "Neuralink to implant 2nd human with brain chip as 85% of threads retract in 1st". Ars Technica. Retrieved May 21, 2024.
  102. Neuralink (August 21, 2024). "PRIME Study Progress Update — Second Participant". Neuralink Blog. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
  103. Winkler, Rolfe (May 20, 2024). "Elon Musk's Neuralink Gets FDA Green Light for Second Patient, as First Describes His Emotional Journey". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved July 29, 2024.
  104. "Elon Musk's Neuralink implants second patient with brain chip". The Independent. August 5, 2024. Retrieved August 13, 2024.
  105. Neuralink (August 21, 2024). "PRIME Study Progress Update — Second Participant". Neuralink Blog. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
  106. "Neuralink on X". November 20, 2024.
  107. Neuralink (November 20, 2024). "CAN-PRIME Study Launch". Neuralink Blog. Retrieved November 25, 2024.
  108. "Full Page Reload". IEEE Spectrum: Technology, Engineering, and Science News. Archived from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved October 26, 2019.
  109. ^ Regalado, Antonio (August 30, 2020). "Elon Musk's Neuralink is neuroscience theater". MIT Technology Review. Archived from the original on January 18, 2022. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  110. Cellan-Jones, Rory (September 1, 2020). "Is Elon Musk over-hyping his brain-hacking Neuralink tech?". BBC News. Archived from the original on September 12, 2020. Retrieved September 14, 2020.
  111. Rogers, Adam (September 4, 2020). "Neuralink Is Impressive Tech, Wrapped in Musk Hype". Wired. Archived from the original on September 6, 2020. Retrieved September 14, 2020.
  112. "Is Elon Musk over-hyping his brain-hacking Neuralink tech?". BBC News. September 1, 2020. Archived from the original on September 12, 2020. Retrieved July 15, 2021.
  113. ^ Arzua, Thiago (August 29, 2020). "Despite a flashy design, Elon Musk's Neuralink has little substance". Massive Science. Archived from the original on January 18, 2022. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
  114. Hurley, Billy (March 9, 2022). "What a Feeling: A Look Back at a High-Tech Presidential Handshake". Tech Briefs. SAE Media Group. Archived from the original on March 13, 2022. Retrieved May 22, 2022.
  115. Yarlagadda, Tara (February 20, 2024). "Elon Musk's Neuralink is "bad science fiction," brain science pioneer says". Inverse. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  116. Redação (March 14, 2024). ""Criei há 25 anos o que Musk fez agora", diz Miguel Nicolelis". Forbes Brasil (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  117. "The story of an impossible kick: Miguel Nicolelis at TEDGlobal 2014 | TED Blog". October 8, 2014. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  118. Séneca, Hugo; Delfim, Tómas (April 16, 2024). ""A Neuralink de Elon Musk é quase uma piada de mau gosto", diz pioneiro dos implantes cerebrais Miguel Nicolelis". Expresso (in Portuguese). Retrieved May 10, 2024.

Further reading

  • Neuralink; Musk, Elon (August 2, 2019). "An integrated brain-machine interface platform with thousands of channels". bioRxiv 10.1101/703801. (whitepaper)

External links

Brain–computer interface
Technologies
Scientific phenomena
Disciplines
Speculative
People
Other
Elon Musk
Main
Companies
Depictions
People
Related
Categories: