How does it feel if we can use our smartphone with our brain? It is more like operating the device without using hands, but with our mind. We are already familiar with Bluetooth and Infrared which makes wireless connectivity possible. Similarly, if the brain is connected to a machine, we can simply operate it with mere thoughts. Sounds amazing?
Brain-Machine Interface (BMI) which is being developed by the Neuralink Corporation of Elon Musk and team is putting forward such a novel concept. During the initial phase, the technology will be implemented in medical sector to be useful for the paralysed individuals. By connecting the brain with machines, the individual can operate it without external help.
As the world has realised the importance of the inclusiveness, more technologies and inventions that benefit physically challenged humans are underway. Instead of treating the paralysed individuals as a separate entity, technology can help them access the world as other people can, or may be in better ways. Neuralink also proposed this idea.
What is Neuralink?
Neuralink is a neurotechnology company that develops implantable brain-machine interface (BMI). It was founded by Elon Musk and a group of scientists. Primarily, BMI is being developed to treat neurological diseases by enabling the individual to regain their sensory and motor functions with the help of technology.
Functioning of Neuralink
Neuralink can be defined as engineering with brain. By linking the neurons in our brain with machines, the users will be able to control it with their brain.
Several micro threads which carries numerous electrodes are implanted into the brain segments which manages the senses and motor skills. The threads are connected to a chip. A Neuralink device called Link that works on a battery is attached outside of the head.
The signals produced in the brain are carried by the threads to the chip and this is passed to the external device via Bluetooth. So, the user will be able to operate it with the brain signals without any external help.
Beneficiaries
Neuralink scientists intend to first implement the technology in medical sector. By implanting BMI, the lives of people affected with neurological diseases like paralysis or spinal cord injuries can be made better.
They can avoid depending others to operate computer or mobile phones and regain sensory and motor skills with the help of technology. Communication is the major challenge faced by paralysed people. With BMI, they can overcome this state to an extent.
Experiments
Musk and team had demonstrated the functioning of Neuralink device last year. They displayed three pigs implanted with Neuralink device and showed how the signals from their brains were carried wirelessly to a computer nearby. Prior to this, Musk and team had exhibitted how Neuralink works with the help of some rats in 2019.
It is learnt that they are planning to start experiments with humans in future. Though Covid outbreak might have affected the project and related experiments, the company is gearing up to test the BMI in humans. It can be expensive and risky, but the technology will be developed further to reduce the chances of failure.
Challenges
Though hailed as groundbreaking invention, the BMI also has some challenges to deal with. One of the key issues is the resistance of body towards external objects.
Once any device are implanted, there are chances of the body rejecting them. Normally, major surgery is required for fixing implants in the body. This increases the risk of the process.
Concerns of safety are not completely resolved and the Neuralink team is trying to develop smaller and affordable technology which does not affect the brain cells but is able to handle more brain data.
The entire world hopes that, in future, Neuralink may succeed to develop an efficient BMI which can overcome the drawbacks and derive positive results. The lives of numerous people who are unable to lead an independent life due to neurological conditions can be changed with Neuralink's BMI.
Reference:https://neuralink.com/
Read more:
Neuralink - the groundbreaking initiative of Elon Musk and team - Mathrubhumi English
- Neurotechnology - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: June 17th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 17th, 2016]
- Biomimetic Underwater Robot Program [Last Updated On: June 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2016]
- SINAPSE - Singapore Institute for Neurotechnology [Last Updated On: July 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 25th, 2016]
- Systems-Based Neurotechnology for Emerging Therapies (SUBNETS) [Last Updated On: August 10th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 10th, 2016]
- Neurotechnology SDK's | Developer tools for integrating ... [Last Updated On: October 17th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 17th, 2016]
- Vaziri Lab | Laboratory of Neurotechnology and Biophysics [Last Updated On: October 20th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 20th, 2016]
- Neurotechnology - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: November 6th, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 6th, 2016]
- Neurotechnology Market Research and Data [Last Updated On: November 23rd, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 23rd, 2016]
- Neurotechnology and Society (20102060) - Lifeboat [Last Updated On: December 2nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 2nd, 2016]
- About Neurotechnology: company information and white paper [Last Updated On: January 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 14th, 2017]
- UTMB Researchers Discover Reason for Permanent Vision Loss After Head Injury - Galveston.com & Company (press release) (blog) [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Top 4 Underrated Technologies - The Merkle [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- SentiVeillance 5.0 software development kit (SDK) - Officer.com (press release) (registration) (blog) [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Memristor Research Highlights Neuromorphic Device Future - The Next Platform [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Global Fingerprint Biometrics in the VAR Market 2016 Fulcrum Biometrics, Neurotechnology, 360 Biometrics ... - Albanian Times [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Israel and Indiana: Why You're Getting an Invitation to the Holy Land ... - 93.1 WIBC Indianapolis [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]
- 3Q: US Patent Office's Ruling on CRISPR - Bioscience Technology [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- 5th Annual Big Idea Competition Nets Three Winners Colorado ... - Colorado College News [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- 7 reasons you must attend WIRED Health 2017 - Wired.co.uk [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- Edward Boyden | Big Think - Big Think [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- BioDirection to Participate in 12th World Congress on Brain Injury - Yahoo Finance [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2017]
- What Health Care Can Learn from Wal-Mart - Wall Street Journal (subscription) (blog) [Last Updated On: March 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 2nd, 2017]
- Stryker (NYSE:SYK) target price raised to $135.00, reported today ... - Breaking Finance News [Last Updated On: March 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 4th, 2017]
- A report released today by RBC Capital Markets about Stryker Corporation (NYSE:SYK) ups the target price to $135.00 - Breaking Finance News [Last Updated On: March 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 4th, 2017]
- How 'brain wearables' can address 21st century needs - IoT Tech News [Last Updated On: March 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 6th, 2017]
- Stryker's AVAflex Vertebral Balloon System Receives FDA 510(k) Clearance - OrthoSpineNews [Last Updated On: March 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 7th, 2017]
- Paralysis patients achieve fastest typing yet with new brain-computer interface - The Brown Daily Herald [Last Updated On: March 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 7th, 2017]
- RBC Capital Markets Boosts Stryker Co. (SYK) Price Target to $135.00 - Chaffey Breeze [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2017]
- Stryker's Spine Division To Feature Novel 3D-Printed Spinal Implants at AAOS Conference - OrthoSpineNews [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2017]
- Preview: MedX Future of Healthcare conference - The Mancunion [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2017]
- Stryker's Spine division to exhibit key technologies at AAOS 2017 - OrthoSpineNews [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2017]
- How to ensure future brain technologies will help and not harm society - USAPP American Politics and Policy (blog) [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2017]
- Stryker Corporation named one of Fortune Magazine's 100 Best Companies to Work For for seventh consecutive year - Yahoo Finance [Last Updated On: March 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 12th, 2017]
- This therapy may balance brain signals to reduce blood pressure, migraines - Knowridge Science Report [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2017]
- Several tech billionaires are openly or secretely funding broadband mind computer interfacing projects - Next Big Future [Last Updated On: March 19th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 19th, 2017]
- New SentiVeillance 6.0 Improves Speed and Accuracy for Biometric Identification Using Surveillance Cameras - PR Newswire (press release) [Last Updated On: March 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 21st, 2017]
- The FY2017 EPS Estimates for Stryker Co. (SYK) Increased by Leerink Swann - Petro Global News 24 [Last Updated On: March 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 23rd, 2017]
- Congress introducing legislation ahead of AIPAC week Jewish ... - Jewish Journal [Last Updated On: March 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 23rd, 2017]
- Senate resolution supports economic collaborations with Israel - The Albany Herald [Last Updated On: March 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 23rd, 2017]
- Neurotechnology releases new SentiVeillance SDK - Biometric Update [Last Updated On: March 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 23rd, 2017]
- 'Biggest Loser' Doctor Now Repped by Hulk's Winner - Courthouse News Service [Last Updated On: March 27th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 27th, 2017]
- Stryker Co. (SYK) to Issue Quarterly Dividend of $0.43 on April 28th - Chaffey Breeze [Last Updated On: March 27th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 27th, 2017]
- The Stryker Co. (SYK) to Issue Quarterly Dividend of $0.43 on April 28th - Petro Global News 24 [Last Updated On: March 29th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 29th, 2017]
- Neurotechnology Releases New Cloud-based Biometric Time and Attendance Service, Updates NCheck Bio Attendance - PR Web (press release) [Last Updated On: March 29th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 29th, 2017]
- Neurotechnology releases new biometric access solutions - Planet Biometrics [Last Updated On: March 29th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 29th, 2017]
- Neurotechnology releases new biometric time and attendance products - Biometric Update [Last Updated On: March 29th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 29th, 2017]
- Elon Musk wants to merge man and machine here's what he'll need to work out - The Conversation UK [Last Updated On: April 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 2nd, 2017]
- Elon Musk Wants to Merge Man and MachineHere's What He'll ... - Observer [Last Updated On: April 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 3rd, 2017]
- How Neurotechnology Is Helping The San Francisco Giants Train Better - PSFK (subscription) [Last Updated On: April 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 3rd, 2017]
- Synchron Inc. Secures $10 Million in Series A Financing Round - PR Newswire (press release) [Last Updated On: April 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 7th, 2017]
- Brain, the last frontier! - Huffington Post [Last Updated On: April 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 12th, 2017]
- Analyst Activity Jefferies Group LLC Reiterates Hold on Stryker (NYSE:SYK) - Market Exclusive [Last Updated On: April 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 15th, 2017]
- Academia, industry collaborate on solutions to neural disease, injury - Medical Xpress [Last Updated On: April 19th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 19th, 2017]
- Reduction of Post -Traumatic Stress Symptoms Associated with Non-Invasive Neurotechnology - Newswise (press release) [Last Updated On: April 19th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 19th, 2017]
- Academia, Industry Collaborate on Solutions to Neural Disease, Injury - Texas Medical Center (press release) [Last Updated On: April 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 25th, 2017]
- Stryker Co. Announces Quarterly Dividend of $0.43 (SYK) - The Cerbat Gem [Last Updated On: April 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 25th, 2017]
- PTSD Symptoms May Be Eased by Non-Invasive Neurotechnology - Psychiatry Advisor [Last Updated On: April 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 25th, 2017]
- A new category of human rights: neurorights - BMC Blogs Network (blog) [Last Updated On: April 27th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 27th, 2017]
- In a neuro-techno future, human rights laws will need to be revisited - Science Daily [Last Updated On: April 27th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 27th, 2017]
- New computers could delete thoughts without your knowledge ... - The Independent [Last Updated On: April 27th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 27th, 2017]
- Rise of Neurotechnology: Defend Against Brain Hackers Before It's Too Late - Sputnik International [Last Updated On: April 27th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 27th, 2017]
- Download - Neurotechnology [Last Updated On: April 27th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 27th, 2017]
- Researchers advocate neurorights to protect brain data - The Stack [Last Updated On: April 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 28th, 2017]
- Will your computer delete your thoughts? - TRUNEWS [Last Updated On: April 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 28th, 2017]
- Future tech could jeopardise 'freedom of mind', say experts - Daily News & Analysis [Last Updated On: April 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 30th, 2017]
- This Is Your Brain on Business - Fortune [Last Updated On: May 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 2nd, 2017]
- Future tech could jeopardise 'freedom of mind': experts - Outlook India - Outlook India [Last Updated On: May 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 2nd, 2017]
- Do We Have a Right to Mental Privacy and Cognitive Liberty? - Scientific American (blog) [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2017]
- Freedom of the mind under threat with new technology - BioEdge [Last Updated On: May 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 8th, 2017]
- Rythm Accelerates Sleep Research and Neurotechnology Efforts With a Prestigious Scientific Advisory Board and ... - PR Newswire (press release) [Last Updated On: May 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 13th, 2017]
- FAQ Neurotechnology Innovations Translator [Last Updated On: May 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 13th, 2017]
- $20000 ONtrepreneurs Pitch Challenge Winner Announced - Canada NewsWire (press release) [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2017]
- Stryker (SYK) Getting Positive News Coverage, Study Shows - Chaffey Breeze [Last Updated On: May 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 28th, 2017]
- Somewhat Positive Press Coverage Likely to Impact Stryker (SYK) Stock Price - The Cerbat Gem [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2017]
- The tiny cyborg dragonfly drones have taken flight - Mashable [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2017]
- Scientists remotely move a mouse's whiskers with electrodes outside its brain - The Verge [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2017]
- Stryker (SYK) Receives Media Impact Score of 0.15 - Chaffey Breeze [Last Updated On: June 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 3rd, 2017]
- Stryker (SYK) Earning Somewhat Favorable Media Coverage, Report Finds - Chaffey Breeze [Last Updated On: June 5th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 5th, 2017]
- Shoosmiths advises PD Neurotechnology on 1.34m investment - Scottish Legal News [Last Updated On: June 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 7th, 2017]
- Shoosmiths advises PD Neurotechnology on 1.34m (EUR) investment - Shoosmiths legal updates (press release) [Last Updated On: June 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 7th, 2017]