Bringing Mind-Reading Technology Out of Science Fiction and into Reality With Neuralink.

B.I Benson
2 min readJan 11, 2023

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Neuralink Corporation is a neurotechnology company that is working towards developing brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) in order to create a symbiotic relationship between humans and artificial intelligence. Founded by Elon Musk in 2016, the company is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

One of the main goals of Neuralink is to develop implantable devices that can be used to treat a wide range of neurological conditions, such as brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and neurodegenerative diseases. These devices, known as brain-machine interfaces (BMIs), would allow doctors to monitor the activity of individual neurons and provide targeted stimulation to specific areas of the brain.

But Neuralink does not stop here, it aims at using this technology to enhance human cognitive and physical abilities. The company envisions a future where people will be able to upload and download thoughts, control technology with their mind, and even improve memory and intelligence.

So far, Neuralink has made significant progress in developing its BMI technology. In August 2020, the company unveiled its first BMI device, called the “Link”, which is a small coin-shaped device that can be implanted in the skull. The Link contains thousands of electrodes that can record the activity of individual neurons, providing high-resolution brain activity data.

Moreover, in 2021, Neuralink showed off a new version of its Link device that is inserted into the brain via a robot surgeon which is able to insert the link much faster, precisely and with much less invasiveness. In addition to this, they also showcased a demo of a monkey controlling a computer with its brain through the link.

While the technology is still in the early stages of development, the potential applications of BMIs are vast. In addition to treating neurological conditions, BMIs could also be used to improve cognitive abilities such as memory, attention, and intelligence. It could also enable people to control prosthetic limbs or other assistive devices with their minds, allowing people with physical disabilities to regain their independence.

Despite all of this, there are also a number of ethical concerns surrounding the development of BMIs. For example, there are worries about the potential misuse of the technology, such as using BMIs to control people’s minds against their will. Additionally, there are concerns about the long-term safety of implantable devices and the potential risks associated with brain surgery.

In conclusion, Neuralink’s goal of creating a symbiotic relationship between humans and artificial intelligence is an ambitious one, and the technology is still in its early stages. However, the company’s progress so far has been impressive, and the potential applications of BMIs are vast. It will be interesting to see how this technology develops in the coming years, and how it could change the way we think about our relationship with technology.

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B.I Benson
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