Thousands queue up to have Elon Musk’s robot insert wires inside their skulls
NEW YORK, BRONX (ORDO News) — Elon Musk‘s ambitious venture, Neuralink, is set to embark on a groundbreaking six-year clinical trial for its revolutionary brain microchip.
With the green light received in September, Musk aims to recruit tens of thousands of volunteers, marking a significant leap toward merging technology with the human brain.
The trial’s focus is on developing a ‘brain-computer interface’ (BCI) that holds promise for individuals suffering from paralysis due to spinal column injuries or conditions like motor neuron disease ALS.
Neuralink’s mission, as stated on their website, is to bring the potential of brain-computer interfaces from the confines of laboratories into the daily lives of individuals.
Ashlee Vance, a biographer closely associated with Musk, reports an overwhelming response from “thousands of prospective patients” eager to be the pioneers of this transformative technology.
The company aims to operate on 11 individuals in the upcoming year, with an ambitious long-term goal of reaching 22,000 participants by 2030.
The primary objective of Neuralink’s initial phase is to empower people with quadriplegia, offering them the ability to control computers and mobile devices solely through their thoughts.
This groundbreaking technology holds the potential to revolutionize the lives of those affected by paralysis below the neck, providing newfound independence in navigating the digital realm.
However, the aspirations of Neuralink extend far beyond this initial phase. The BCI developed by Neuralink aims to extend its impact to a broader spectrum of health issues, addressing challenges related to motor function, vision, and even speech.
In their scientific paper titled “Brain-Computer Interfaces in Medicine,” experts highlight the overarching goal of BCIs – to replace or restore useful function for individuals facing neuromuscular disorders like ALS, cerebral palsy, stroke, or spinal cord injury.
Neuralink’s far-reaching vision is not confined to addressing health-related challenges alone. The company envisions expanding the human experience, suggesting that the technology could potentially be beneficial for individuals without health issues or disabilities.
Neuroscientist Philip Sabes, who collaborated with Musk in founding Neuralink, has proposed the chip’s potential for mood enhancement, hinting at the possibility of treating mental health issues like depression.
As Neuralink pushes the boundaries of innovation, it raises profound questions about the intersection of technology and humanity.
The journey from a surge of volunteer interest to actualizing the transformative potential of brain-computer interfaces unfolds as a testament to the relentless pursuit of advancing human capabilities and improving lives.
The landscape of Neuralink’s impact promises to be a dynamic one, shaping not only the future of healthcare but also our collective understanding of the symbiosis between humans and technology.
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News agencies contributed to this report, edited and published by ORDO News editors.
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