I’m sure at some point, each one of us has daydreamed about living in The Matrix. In case you haven’t, let me quickly walk you through the plot. In the movie, the protagonist, Neo, had to plug himself into a machine to enter the simulated world of the Matrix, and that was how he could access the virtual reality of this world. He could manipulate the simulation and gain abilities far beyond normal human limits.
That’s pretty mind blowing, isn’t it?
But what if I told you that in real life, we’re getting closer to having that machine plugged inside us?
Before you ask, “Drashti, what are you on?”—let me stop you right there. I’m serious!
I know, I know it might sound like something straight out of a cyberpunk novel, but humans merging with technology isn’t just some wild sci-fi fantasy. It’s actually been in the works for decades. Flashback to the '90s, when the first human microchip implants were used primarily for medical purposes, like tracking health data or helping people with disabilities.
But beyond that, the real vision was always bigger.
…what if we could actually use technology to enhance our minds?
Stumbled across Neuralink yet?
Founded in 2016, turning this once wild, almost outlandish dream into reality, Elon Musk’s Neuralink was created with the ambitious vision of merging the human brain with advanced technology to help solve neurological disorders and eventually enhance human capabilities. And it has been making some serious waves.
A recent survey states that Neuralink has a total of 61 patents globally, with 18 granted so far. Over 80% of these patents are still active, providing the company with ongoing protection for its innovations. (Source)
Now that we've had a glimpse of this groundbreaking innovation, it's time to dive into the who, what, where, and how of it all.
The Mind-Machine Integration
Think of it this way: Over 86 billion neurons make up your brain's complex and intricate network and above all, your brain never catches a break. For seamless operations, these neurons process information continuously and send and receive signals to and from many bodily sections.
However, it's a monumental effort to maintain such a multifaceted and nuanced data system around-the-clock without interruption. Imagine you are driving a car in an unfamiliar location with no map or GPS and numerous paths. One can easily veer off course or lose their way entirely. In a similar way, confusion can occasionally overwhelm your brain. If only there was a smart GPS in your brain– a system that could efficiently and precisely direct those brain signals.
This is where the concept of microchipping comes into play.
By creating a direct interface between your brain and external devices, the Neuralink microchip helps re-establish lost connections or enhance existing ones. For instance, in the case of someone with a spinal injury, the chip could act as a conduit, helping signals from the brain bypass the damaged area and restore mobility.
Decoding the ‘How’
The N1 chipset, a coin-sized device with a diameter of only 8 mm that is implanted straight into the skull, is the brains behind Neuralink's breakthrough. It blends perfectly with the neurons in the brain by using incredibly fine wires—thinner than a human hair strand. The operation is done by a robotic surgeon who steers clear of the arteries and veins in that particular area of the brain. Multiple chips can be inserted for complex circumstances, offering even more coverage and functionality.
Now I'm not saying that you could just plug in the microchip and learn kung fu in a few seconds like in the mind-blowing movie but think of it as the Matrix-lite version–no cables hanging out of your head, just a sleek, implantable device.
Following successful implantation, Neuralink records brain impulses, transforms them into digital data, and sends that data to external devices such as computers and prosthetic limbs,
Neuralink eliminates the need for large, obtrusive equipment by using wireless technology to transmit data between the brain and computers. Each of the 1,024 electrodes on the chip can record or stimulate impulses. These electrodes are set up in 64-thread layouts, with 200 microns separating each electrode and 16 electrodes per thread. The robotic surgeon makes an incision in the skull that is just a little bit bigger than the chip itself, then meticulously sews the electrodes into the brain. (Umm honestly, now that I think I’ll take back the idea of implanting a chip and listening to spotify)
The Neural Timeline
But how exactly did this Einsteinian moment come about? How did this bizarre idea take shape?
Let's rewind back to the pre-covid era of 2017 when Neuralink submitted its first patent application for "Neural Lace," a state-of-the-art technology. Neural Lace consisted of incredibly small electrodes that possessed the ability to monitor brain activity. It might sound a little surreal, but the chef-d'œuvre extraordinaire advancements that have followed were made possible by this foundational research.
Two years later in 2019, Musk and his team unveiled the groundbreaking Brain-Computer Interface technology, which involved inserting flexible, ultra-thin electrodes into the human brain. Theoretically, these electrodes could allow individuals to control external devices such as computers or prosthetic limbs—using nothing but their thoughts.
As a proof of concept, a demonstration was organized, streamed live from Neuralink’s headquarters, where the team introduced Gertrude, a pig implanted with Neuralink. This tracking of her neural signals during movement showcased the device’s impressive functionality and immense potential.
“The public's reaction was mixed. Some were captivated by the potential of this technology, envisioning future applications in medicine and human augmentation. However, others expressed skepticism and concern, questioning the ethical implications and the feasibility of such advancements. Critics also noted that while the demonstration was impressive, it primarily showcased existing neuroscience capabilities rather than groundbreaking innovations. -BBC”
Fast forward to 2021, the burning question was finally going through its trials;
Could Neuralink chips be implanted into humans?
Among the first experiments, the objective was clear: to utilize the brain-computer interface to restore mobility in patients with severe spinal cord injuries and neurological disorders. As part of Neuralink's PRIME (Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface) project, a wireless brain implant was tested on quadriplegic individuals, offering a glimmer of hope and giving a glimpse of the endless possibilities that could be unlocked.
Monkey MindPong
Neuralink gained international acclaim in April 2021 for an intriguing experiment involving the macaque monkey, Pager. The N1 chip was positioned in the parts of Pager's brain in charge of hand and arm movements. The electrical signals his brain sent to control those motions were picked up by these small electrodes. Here’s where it gets interesting! Pager was initially taught to use a joystick to play a basic video game. The Neuralink device continued to record his brain activity while he played, learning to decipher the signals associated with his hand movements.
Once the team had enough data, they took away the joystick. But Pager kept playing the game, this time controlling the action on the screen purely with his mind. The chip translated patterns of his brain activity into real-time commands for the game. By the end, Pager was successfully playing a pong-like video game, proving that Neuralink’s technology could interpret neural signals and control external devices seamlessly.
Allow me to amuse you even more—checkout this YouTube video posted by Neuralink.
Monkey MindPong
This remarkable demonstration displayed the potential of Neuralink to help people with paralysis or other motor impairments regain control over devices and, perhaps one day, parts of their own bodies. Technology sure has a way of blurring the lines between reality and the kind of futuristic worlds we usually only see in sci-fi movies.
The Now and The Next
Presently, Neuralink is diving into the medical world with groundbreaking applications—like treating neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s, epilepsy, and Alzheimer’s. It’s also exploring ways to restore movement for those affected by paralysis and working on enhancing both hearing and vision.
So, what is Neuralink's final aim?
It’s to make it possible for humans to connect directly with AI, effortlessly exchanging thoughts and commands in real-time through a brain-computer interface. This vision stems from Mr. Musk’s belief in the urgent need for humans to stay ahead of the curve, especially given the rapid, exponential evolution of artificial intelligence. Its goal is to close the gap between the human mind and machines, ensuring that people don’t just keep up with AI but play an active role in shaping the future it creates.
Imagine a world where telepathy is a reality, thoughts are transferred directly between minds, and communication transcends linguistic barriers.
Although, let’s not give in to the temptations of dystopia just yet.
Behind the Breakthrough
Have I been praising Neuralink a little too much? Well then, time to flip the coin.
Neuralink has a great deal of technical and medical hazards that should be carefully assessed. This technology requires an unpleasant operation that involves making an incision in the skull. While the process is designed to be precise with robotic assistance, complications such as infection, inflammation, or thread retraction remain possibilities.
The electrodes may eventually disrupt the brain's normal functioning. Moreover, problems like device malfunction, battery failure, or disturbances in communication signals might reduce the implant's performance and prompt additional surgeries for repair.
Privacy and security are also pressing concerns. The way Neuralink devices capture and transmit cerebral activity naturally begs the question-- who controls this extremely private information and how secure it is.
On a broader scale, the long-term effects of such a device remain unknown.
Could prolonged use of N1 chips lead to neurodegeneration or cognitive decline?
What about the psychological impact of using technology to even think, move, and communicate?
What would happen if someone who has become accustomed to using Neuralink for routine tasks faced device malfunction?
As Neuralink moves forward, these questions demand further research and open discourse. These risks serve as a reminder that striking a balance between the potential to transform medicine and advance human potential while ensuring safety and ethical conduct is no easy task.
Epilogue
This fine line between risk and reward raises profound questions about the kind of future we want to create. Mr. Musk, the visionary behind this creation, has often shared his thoughts on achieving AI alignment—a concept where humans can merge with AI in a controlled, harmonious way, ensuring that this integration remains beneficial and safe for society. In the long run, he sees Neuralink as a way to foster a symbiotic relationship where both humans and machines can enhance each other’s abilities.
Microchipping pushes the boundaries of what it means to be human, merging technology with the brain in ways that were once pure science fiction. It’s a step into a future where the line between man and machine begins to blur—a world where our thoughts could control devices, and technology in turn, could enhance our abilities. But with such innovation come big questions.
Will this lead to incredible advancements that improve our lives and understanding of each other? Or could it take us further from what makes us human in the first place?
The boundary between man and machine continues to fade, and maybe, in the end, the Matrix doesn’t close with a plug-in, but with the seamless integration of the mind and machine.
