Not keen on goggles? What about implanting a computer chip directly into your brain? That could be the reality for participants in newly FDA-approved human trials for Neuralink. The brain-child of Elon Musk, Neuralink’s brain-computer interface (BCI) is designed to be sewn into the surface of the brain and connect to external electronics. Neuralink claims its device could be used to treat blindness, paralysis and depression. Although other tech companies have their eyes on the same market, Musk’s version is also attempting to connect minds with supercomputers to keep up with AI and bring its uses to the mass market. A warning: Neuralink’s initial bids for FDA approval stumbled over “dozens of deficiencies” and the company has faced allegations of animal cruelty after deaths in testing. Despite its long road to market (don’t expect it on shelves before 2030), Neuralink still has an estimated value of $5 billion.
Elon Musk wants to connect brains to supercomputers