Elon Musk Shows Off Coin-Sized Neuralink Brain Implant in Live Pig Demo
Elon Musk demonstrates a wireless, coin-sized brain implant from Neuralink on live pigs, showcasing real-time neural signals. The company aims to eventually treat neurological conditions and merge humans with artificial intelligence.
Elon Musk showcases a wireless, coin-sized brain implant developed by his startup Neuralink during a live demonstration featuring pigs. The audience views real-time neural signals firing from a pig named Gertrude, who has worn the device for two months. Musk describes the implant as a Fitbit for the skull that requires less than an hour to install.
The device uses tiny flexible threads that are ten times thinner than a human hair to read brain activity. Neuralink focuses on using this technology to treat serious medical conditions such as paralysis, blindness, memory loss, and Parkinson's disease. The surgical process does not require general anesthesia and leaves only a tiny scar, according to Musk.
The company's long-term vision extends far beyond medical treatments to achieve a symbiotic relationship between humans and artificial intelligence. Founded in 2016, Neuralink tests these robotic implants on animals with a high success rate. Musk expresses hope to begin human trials by the end of 2020 as the technology continues to evolve.