Thousands of people have reportedly shown interest in participating in the human trials of the brain-computer chip created by Neuralink, a startup developed by Elon Musk.
A recent report indicates that thousands want to be part of the trials, which involves the implantation of a brain chip, referred to by Musk as a “Fitbit in your skull.”
Neuralink’s project allegedly aims to create a symbiosis between humans and machines, allowing for direct communication and control via thought.
The process involves a craniectomy, the removal of a portion of the skull, followed by the implantation of the brain chip and an ultra-thin array of about 64 threads by a robot.
Another focus of the project is helping individuals with neurological disorders, such as those with paralysis due to spinal cord injuries or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
The chip, designed to sit behind the ear, would replace the portion of the skull that is removed during the operation.
While no chip has been placed in a human yet, Neuralink has set a target to operate on 11 people next year and over 22,000 by 2030.
From Breitbart:
Musk’s drive is partly fueled by competition from other brain-computer interface startups like Synchron and Onward, which have already commenced human trials. Musk has emphasized the importance of keeping pace with these advancements, especially in light of the potential development of an AI being that might not be friendly to humans.
