In recent years, Neuralink (a brain-computer interface startup founded by Elon Musk) has continuously made remarkable progress.
Recently, CEO Elon Musk said that Neuralink plans to start mass production of brain implant devices this year, marking an important shift from the testing phase to expanding the scale of practical application.
The information was announced by Musk on social network X (formerly Twitter). Accordingly, Neuralink not only accelerated production but also set a goal to comprehensively improve the surgical process.
Mr. Musk revealed that the company is aiming for a streamlined, almost completely automated implantation process by 2026, in order to shorten intervention time and reduce risks for patients.
Another notable point is the new design of the implant. According to Musk, Neuralink's brain chip will be able to penetrate through the hard membrane without removing this protective layer.
The hard membrane (dura mater) is the hard outer membrane that covers the brain, playing an important role in protecting the brain from infection and physical damage. Limiting the invasion of this membrane is expected to help the implantation process be safer and more effective.
Neuralink was developed with the aim of supporting people with serious diseases such as spinal cord damage or severe paralysis. Through the brain-computer interface, the device allows patients to use brain signals to control computers, play video games, browse the internet, post on social networks, and even operate household appliances without physical movement.
In November last year, Neuralink announced that it had implanted a brain chip for 12 patients with severe paralysis. Noland Arbaugh, the first person to be implanted, shared that the chip helped him play Mario Kart, control TVs and use household appliances just by thinking, bringing about a big change in daily life.
In another statement, Elon Musk expressed his belief that Neuralink's technology could go further, even restore the entire function of the body.
According to him, the implant has the ability to connect signals from the cerebral cortex, overcoming damaged points in the neck or spine, where nerves are no longer functioning normally.
Neuralink's core technology is the N1 chip, announced in 2022. This chip has 1,024 electrodes, connected to the brain through 64 superfine threads, allowing for recording and transmitting nerve signals with high accuracy.
If the mass production plans are successful, Neuralink could open a new chapter for neuromedicine and technology to support people with disabilities.
