NeuraLink and its connection with us and the future
Authored By: Cristina Martinez, Editorial Co-Director, NexStudent Network
NeuraLink is a company that focuses on a brain-computer interface also referred to as BCI. It was founded by the well-known billionaire Elon Musk in 2016. Its technology and possible capabilities have led people both to question and to wonder about the future. If it comes out a success, it would change how we would interact with technology and it would help push us into something new. Something different.
What is Neuralink?
The concept behind it is to implant a tiny chip into the brain. The chip is around the size of a coin with threads thinner than a human hair.,spreading across the brain of the patient. Ultimately, this chip will help establish a connection between the brain and a computer. Their mission is to “create a generalized brain interface to restore autonomy to those with unmet medical needs today and unlock human potential tomorrow” (Neuralink). Technology such as this would benefit many of those who carry a disability that limits their autonomy. This would allow for more opportunities and information to be accessed by such individuals. And as mentioned in the statement, it helps unlock the human potential that we all have.
Current Applications and Trials
The inability to use all four limbs, or paralysis, has prevented many people from accessing mobile devices and computers. Currently, the focus group is people with quadriplegia. The inserted chip would allow an individual to access mobile devices and their computer through thought alone. This is extremely beneficial for those with paralysis, as they don’t have to worry about moving the cursor or receiving additional assistance.
The advancements in the BCI were first noted during the Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface (PRIME) study. The study demonstrated the effectiveness of the BCI and its safety for the participants. The surgical robot used during the process enables precise placement of the implant, further enhancing the safety of the procedure. However, it’s important to note that despite its initial success, an issue arose when the chip slipped out and had to be fixed by Neuralink staff. Despite this setback, the first test participant, Mr. Arbaugh, advocates for the product, believing it can help many people.
Future Possibilities
There can be benefits in addition to restoring movement to an individual. There’s the potential to treat neurological conditions and enhance our capabilities. There is much to be discovered with BCIs. Details below.
- Neurological Conditions: Stimulating the brain could help treat epilepsy, depression, and so on.
- Enhance capabilities: It could enhance current technologies such as prosthetics. It can help with the way we communicate and perceive.
Ethical Concerns
Even though it offers great benefits, its technology does raise some questions. The main four being about privacy, safety, fairness, and equity. To start, some worry about the technology possibly allowing people’s thoughts to be read. The concern is likely to have originated from the connection between the individual and an external device. The external device is capable of being used simply through the thoughts of the user. This is due to the BCI’s capability to store data about the user’s brain activity. Hence, giving reason to worry about one’s privacy of thought.
In addition, there are other concerns that the company must address before the product can be distributed to the public. Safety is one of them as the chip needs to be implanted into the brain, a sensitive area, and there are regulations in place to prevent misuse of a person’s body. Such regulations help ensure the continuation of proper ethics and safety while using medical devices. When talking about Neuralink’s chip, it would be inserted by a surgical robot. The robot would surgically insert the chip in the brain which can be considered dangerous. It can be dangerous as the brain will become more susceptible to physical and psychological side effects.
Furthermore, fairness and equity need to be taken into account for this product. The availability of the product may be limited to certain socioeconomic groups, potentially limiting who can benefit from the technology. After all, according to The Economic Times, the BCI chip is estimated to cost ~$10,500. This estimate includes getting all the parts, labor, and tests for the chip. The high price may slow the progression toward Neuralink’s goal of making the product available to everyone suffering from a lack of autonomy. This relatively new and advanced technology leaves us wondering how it will be integrated.
Road Ahead
Overall, the product is still in its initial phases of development as it is still testing the viability of it. There are various hurdles to overcome as they become available. It is important to consider both the benefits and concerns, as our decisions will help guide us into a new era of technology. The human-computer interaction could redefine our society.
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