Monkey learns to type with thoughts, Musk's latest demonstration of brain-computer interface, human trials expected within 6 months

In the field of brain-computer interface, Neuralink founded by Musk has always been at the forefront. As early as 2019, Musk claimed that "monkeys can already control computers with only their brains by implanting a brain-computer interface." In August 2020, Neuralink demonstrated the implantation of a brain-computer interface device in a pig's brain. In April 2021, Neuralink successfully implanted a brain-computer interface in a monkey’s brain and demonstrated operations such as playing table tennis video games.

Today, Neuralink held a Show & Tell demonstration event to show the world the latest progress in brain-computer interfaces. Musk took to the stage and without missing a minute, first stated the goal of Neuralink, which is committed to making a universal I/O interface for the brain to help people with frail health.

Musk said that going from prototype to production is very difficult and faces many challenges. Neuralink has been working hard to initiate human trials and has submitted all the necessary documentation to the FDA to begin human trials. Musk estimates that the first Neuralink device could be in the human brain within 5-6 months.

Monkey implanted with brain-computer interface learns to type with thoughts

Before the official demonstration began, Ma Schneider emphasized that Neuralink respects animal subjects and that BCI devices undergo extensive benchmark testing before being implanted in animals.

Following Pager last year, another monkey subject appeared, named Sake, demonstrating the ability to type with thoughts. Sake used the slogan "welcome to show and tell" for today's Neuralink event.

Subsequently, Musk showed other words typed by Sake, "can i please have snacks" (Can you give me some snacks?)

The staff asked Sake to choose what to eat, and he chose "grapes" on his own initiative.

Finally, Sake got its grapes.

Currently

Two monkeys, Pager and Sake, have been successfully implanted with Neuralink’s upgrade equipment. Musk said that upgradability is very important. Just like Apple upgraded from iPhone 1 to iPhone 14, Neuralink will definitely continue to be upgraded from the first mass-produced device.

As for applications, Musk believes that Neuralink’s brain-computer interface device will help brain-injured patients by bridging the gap between computers and the human brain. He believes the company will successfully solve many brain and spinal injury problems in the future.

Neural Connectivity Implants and Surgical Robots

This was followed by a presentation by a researcher from Neuralink. He started from three aspects and introduced the three pillars of high-bandwidth universal interfaces, namely security, scalability and access to brain regions.

The researcher then introduced the Neuralink implant: N1, which is about the size of a quarter. It has 1024 channels that can be used to record and stimulate signals.

In addition, Neuralink’s surgical robot (R1 robot) was also unveiled at the conference, which will help Neuralink implant devices into the brain.

#At the meeting, Neuralink also played a video on the screen: they conducted a demonstration experiment of the R1 robot on a simulated patient Alpha.

Currently, Neuralink has a dual operating room (OR) in Austin. The company plans to build its own clinics in the future.

Neuralink N1 Implant Details

Following a demonstration of the brain-computer interface device, Neuralink researchers shared a series of details related to the N1 implant. First up is the Neuralink software, which Neuralink has been working on to improve cursor speed and accuracy, including the mouse and keyboard interface used with the N1.

Neuralink has been improving the charging system for the N1 implant. The new charger will use an aluminum battery base with a 6.78 MHz drive circuit that can double battery life. Neuralink also enables wireless charging for the N1.

Currently, Neuralink is developing a third-generation charger with two-way near-field communication.

Regarding the development of the N1 implant, it contains a microprocessor. Neuralink conducted the testing and created a new system that enables rapid testing of new hardware within the N1 implant, significantly speeding up development. Neuralink also develops its own systems to rigorously test implant designs.

In addition, Neuralink’s R1 robot (R1robot) will help neurosurgeons implant N1 chips and perform more surgeries in the future, while also making N1 implant surgeries more Affordable.

Introducing Neuralink’s next-generation applications, company researchers explained Neuralink’s potential ability to restore vision. Neuralink implanted N1 into the visual cortex of two monkeys to record the receptive fields of their visual fields.

Neuralink says its goal is to bring light back to those who have lived in darkness for decades.

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