Elon Musks mysterious Neuralink startup is working on a brain-computer interface that will allow wearers to stream music directly to their brain, the technology entrepreneur has claimed.

Mr Musk, who also heads SpaceX and Tesla, is set to reveal new information about the mysterious startup next month but has been slowly releasing details over Twitter in recent days.

Responding to computer scientist Austin Howard, Mr Musk confirmed that Neuralinks technology would allow people to listen to music directly from our chips.

Sharing the full story, not just the headlines

He also said that Neuralink could help control hormone levels and use them to our advantage (enhanced abilities and reasoning, anxiety relief, etc.).

Since its founding in 2016, Neuralink has only held one major public presentation about how the technology will work.

Speaking at the 2019 event, Mr Musk said the firm was working on a sewing machine-like device that would provide a direct connection between a computer and a chip inserted within the brain.

The technology could will first be used to help people suffering from brain diseases like Parkinsons, but the ultimate aim of Neuralink is to allow humans to compete with advanced artificial intelligence, he said.

The process of having the chip fitted will be similar to Lasik laser eye surgery, according to Mr Musk.

A robot designed by Neuralink would insert the 'threads' into the brain using a needle

Neuralink

A fully implantable neural interface connects to the brain through tiny threads

Neuralink

Trials of Neuralink's fully implantable neural interface system will begin in 2021

Neuralink

Neuralink says learning to use the device is 'like learning to touch type or play the piano'

Neuralink

A robot designed by Neuralink would insert the 'threads' into the brain using a needle

Neuralink

A fully implantable neural interface connects to the brain through tiny threads

Neuralink

Trials of Neuralink's fully implantable neural interface system will begin in 2021

Neuralink

Neuralink says learning to use the device is 'like learning to touch type or play the piano'

Neuralink

One part of it will involve a neurosurgical robot, which fits flexible threads into the brain connected to a tiny implantable computer chip.

A research paper detailing the device claims that a single USB-C cable will provide full-bandwidth data streaming to the brain.

Neuralink has 11 job postings listed on its website, offering roles for a mechanical engineer, a robotics software engineer, and a histology technician.

Over the weekend, Mr Musk made a request for people with specific expertise in wearables.

If youve solved hard problems with phones/ wearables (sealing, signal processing, inductive charging, power management, etc.), please consider working at [Neuralink], he tweeted.

Neuralink says learning to use the device is like learning to touch type or play the piano (Neuralink)

Earlier this month, Mr Musk hinted that Neuralinks chip will be able to cure depression and addiction by retraining the parts of the brain responsible for these afflictions.

Trials have already been carried out on animals and human trials were originally scheduled to take place this year, though details are yet to be made public.

More information is set to be announced on 28 August.

See more here:

Elon Musk claims his Neuralink chip will allow you to stream music directly to your brain - The Independent