**Elon Musk’s Neuralink aims to connect brain and machine with surgical implant**.
**London, UK – January 13, 2023** – Elon Musk’s Neuralink Corporation is developing a new implantable brain-computer interface (BCI) that aims to establish a direct communication channel between the human brain and computers. The device, known as the N1 Link, is designed to be surgically implanted into the skull and connect to the brain’s motor cortex, the area responsible for controlling movement..
**Neuralink’s mission**.
Neuralink’s stated goal is to develop a safe and effective BCI that can help people with severe neurological conditions, such as paralysis or blindness, regain lost function. The N1 Link is the first device in development that aims to achieve this goal. The company hopes that the device will allow people to control computers and other devices directly with their thoughts, bypassing traditional input methods such as keyboards and mice..
**How N1 Link works**.
The N1 Link is a small, coin-sized device that is implanted into the skull over the motor cortex. The device contains an array of tiny electrodes that connect to neurons in the brain. These electrodes can both record neural activity and stimulate neurons, allowing the device to both read and send signals to the brain..
**Current status of research**.
Neuralink has been conducting extensive research and testing of the N1 Link in animals, including monkeys and pigs. The company has demonstrated that the device can allow animals to control computer cursors and other devices with their thoughts. Neuralink is also planning to begin clinical trials of the N1 Link in humans in the near future..
**Potential applications**.
If the N1 Link is successful in human trials, it could have a wide range of potential applications. The device could be used to help people with paralysis regain control of their limbs, or to allow people with blindness to see again. Neuralink also envisions the device being used to enhance human capabilities, such as allowing people to learn new languages or skills more quickly..
**Ethical concerns**.
The development of BCIs like the N1 Link raises important ethical concerns. One concern is the potential for the devices to be used to manipulate or control people’s thoughts and actions. Another concern is the potential for the devices to cause harm to the brain. Neuralink has stated that it is committed to developing the N1 Link in a safe and responsible manner, and that the company will work with ethicists and regulators to address these concerns..
**Conclusion**.
Elon Musk’s Neuralink Corporation is developing a new implantable brain-computer interface (BCI) that aims to establish a direct communication channel between the human brain and computers. The device, known as the N1 Link, is designed to be surgically implanted into the skull and connect to the brain’s motor cortex, the area responsible for controlling movement. Neuralink hopes that the device will allow people with severe neurological conditions to regain lost function, and that it could also be used to enhance human capabilities. However, the development of BCIs raises important ethical concerns, which Neuralink says it is committed to addressing..
