A brief explanation of what a brain chip is and how it works....
Neuralink is a neurotechnology company founded in California in 2016 by Elon Musk and a group of engineers. Its main goal was to develop a brain-computer interface (BCI) that would directly connect the human brain and a computer. They named this device the Brain Chip.
Initially, the company focused on helping people suffering from serious neurological diseases such as paralysis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The initial goal was to enable them to control computers and smartphones with their thoughts. Before testing on humans, Neuralink conducted extensive experiments by implanting its chips in animals.
In 2020, Neuralink successfully implanted the chip in the brains of pigs. As part of this experiment, the company demonstrated that it could read signals in the brain and understand the movements of a pig. In 2021, the chip was implanted in the brain of a monkey named Pager. The chip recorded Pager playing a video game using a joystick. Later, after changing the joystick, Pager was able to play the game using only his thoughts, which made a big news story. This experiment gave great hope for the technology's potential. After extensive research and various types of approvals, Neuralink obtained permission to conduct human trials. In 2023, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Neuralink permission to conduct clinical trials in humans. In January 2024, the Neuralink chip was implanted in the brain of a 30-year-old paralyzed man named Noland Arbaugh. With this chip, Noland was able to control a computer mouse using only his thoughts, type using an on-screen keyboard, and play video games. Musk has named this technology 'Telepathy'. Noland shared his experience with the world as the most defining moment in Neuralink's history.
Noland has stated that more people have been implanted with the chip since Arbo, and they are showing good progress, Musk has stated. Neuralink aims to implant the chip in at least 20-30 people this year. Currently, it is estimated that this technology will help restore their independence to paralyzed people.
Neuralink has also announced projects such as 'Blindsight' to give sight to the blind in the future. This technology is expected to help enhance human abilities and treat more diseases. However, research on its safety and long-term effects is still in progress..
