Elon Musk in search of a patient for the introduction of artificial intelligence

Turan: Neuralink, Elon Musk's innovator company in the field of brain-computer interfaces (BCIS), received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to conduct clinical trials of implanting a Neuralink implant about six months ago. Now, the company is actively seeking a volunteer patient under the age of 40 who suffers from paralysis in their arms and legs. The aim of this groundbreaking operation is to demonstrate the device's ability to safely collect crucial data from the premotor cortex of the patient's brain. This milestone is pivotal in Neuralink's ambitious quest to translate human thoughts into actionable computer commands.

Neuralink's implant operates on the cutting-edge of brain-computer interface (BCI) technology, facilitating the exchange of information between the brain and external devices such as computers, smartphones, exoskeletons, prosthetics, and artificial sensory organs. While BCIs have a rich history dating back to the 1950s with devices like the Stimoceiver, it's only in recent years that they have shown significant promise for enhancing the lives of those with paralysis.

Neuralink's implant is a technological marvel with over 1,000 electrodes for collecting brain data, dwarfing the 16 electrodes found in competing devices. The hardware component of the implant includes data processing systems, a battery, and a wireless signal amplifier. Notably, Neuralink has developed its own robot surgeon capable of performing delicate operations that would be challenging for a human. This robot surgeon has already conducted numerous procedures on animals, demonstrating the precision required for implantation.

Elon Musk, known for setting audacious goals, envisions Neuralink as a means to enhance human capabilities and keep pace with the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence. While some speculate that humanity may eventually need to integrate with AI to remain competitive, others like Mikhail Lebedev, the scientific director of the Center for Bioelectric Interfaces at the Higher School of Economics, hold a more cautious view.

Musk has not been shy about his vision for the future of BCIs. He has suggested the possibility of clinics where individuals can undergo a short 15-minute surgical procedure to become hybrids of humans and machines. Neuralink's ambitious timeline includes plans for 11 human operations in 2024, 27 in 2025, and 79 in 2026, with a dramatic increase in the years following, reaching an estimated 22,204 operations by 2030, as outlined in documents provided to investors.

As Neuralink continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in the realm of brain-computer interfaces, the world watches with anticipation, curious about the potential of this technology to transform the lives of individuals with neurological conditions and potentially revolutionize the way humans interact with technology.