What is the goal of Neuralink? How does Neuralink work scientifically?

Neuralink is a company founded by Elon Musk in 2016 that aims to create a generalized brain-computer interface (BCI) that can restore autonomy and unlock human potential. A BCI is a device that connects the brain to a computer or other external device, allowing bidirectional communication of information.

The goal of Neuralink is to develop a BCI that is fully implantable, cosmetically invisible, and designed to let users control a computer or mobile device anywhere they go. The company also hopes to use its BCI to treat serious brain diseases and disorders, such as paralysis, blindness, deafness, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

Eventually, Neuralink envisions a future where humans can enhance their cognitive abilities and merge with artificial intelligence. How does Neuralink work scientifically?

The core technology of Neuralink is a device called “the Link”, which is a coin-sized chip that is surgically inserted into the skull and connected to the brain through over a thousand thin wires called “threads”. Each thread contains 192 electrodes that can record and stimulate the electrical activity of neurons, the cells that process and transmit information in the brain.

The Link communicates wirelessly with a wearable device called “the Pod”, which acts as a battery and a controller for the chip. The Pod can also connect to a smartphone app that allows users to configure their settings and access various features. The Link can read information from the brain by detecting the electrical signals that neurons produce when they fire.

These signals are then converted into digital data and sent to the Pod, which can process them or transmit them to other devices. For example, the Link could read the user’s intention to move a cursor on a screen or type a text message, and send it to a computer or a phone.

The Link can also write information to the brain by sending electrical pulses to specific neurons, causing them to fire. These pulses can modulate the activity of neural circuits and influence the user’s perception or behavior. For example, the Link could write sensory feedback to the brain, such as touch or vision, or stimulate regions involved in memory or mood.