In 2016, Elon Musk, known for his ambitious ventures, co-founded Neuralink with a team of seven scientists and engineers. The goal was to develop advanced brain-machine interface technology that could revolutionize the way humans interact with computers and treat neurological conditions.
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| The first Neuralink patient can move the cursor with his mind |
Musk’s interest in neurotechnology was driven by his vision of creating a symbiosis between humans and artificial intelligence. He believed that enhancing human cognitive abilities through direct brain-computer communication was crucial for the future. Neuralink was officially launched on June 21, 2016, and its existence was first publicly reported in March 2017.
The founding team included experts like Max Hodak, Benjamin Rapoport, Dongjin Seo, Paul Merolla, Philip Sabes, Tim Gardner, Tim Hanson, and Vanessa Tolosa. Together, they aimed to push the boundaries of neuroscience and technology. By July 2019, Neuralink had raised $158 million in funding, with $100 million coming from Musk himself.
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| The FDA finally approved Elon Musk’s Neuralink chip for human trials |
One of Neuralink’s early innovations was a “sewing machine-like” device capable of implanting ultra-thin threads into the brain. These threads, only 4 to 6 micrometers wide, could read and transmit neural signals with high precision. The company demonstrated this technology using a lab rat, showcasing the potential for future human applications.
Neuralink faced challenges, including ethical concerns and technical hurdles. However, the company continued to make progress, receiving approval for human trials in May 2023. In January 2024, Neuralink successfully implanted its device in a human patient, marking a significant milestone in its journey.
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| Elon Musk says first human patient implanted with a Neuralink brain |
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| Elon Musk's Neuralink uses wireless brain chip | Sushobhan Mahanty |
Source: Wikipedia.org, neuralink.com, bbc.com, thepapaer.cn, builtin.com, stuff.tv