San Francisco: Neuralink has marked its 10th anniversary with founder Elon Musk hinting that the company’s next major goal could be direct brain-to-brain communication, describing it as a possible milestone later this year.
Founded in 2016 with an initial investment of $100 million from Musk, Neuralink is developing brain-computer interface technology designed to help people with severe neurological conditions. Its N1 Implant, a coin-sized device placed inside the skull, is currently being tested in patients with spinal cord injuries and neurodegenerative diseases to enable them to control computers or other devices using only their thoughts.
Responding to a social media post discussing high-bandwidth communication between humans and artificial intelligence, Musk wrote that Neuralink’s “first attempt” at direct brain-to-brain communication may come later this year. He also reshared posts outlining the company’s long-term vision of enabling faster communication between humans, AI systems and eventually between people themselves.
Neuralink believes current human communication is limited because complex thoughts must first be converted into language before being understood by others. According to the company, future brain interfaces could significantly increase the speed of information exchange by allowing ideas to be transmitted more directly.
While Neuralink has previously sought trademarks for names such as Telepathy and Telekinesis, those applications were rejected due to existing trademark claims. Despite that setback, Musk has continued to describe brain-to-brain communication as part of the company’s long-term ambitions.
Although the technology remains experimental and subject to extensive testing and regulatory approvals, Neuralink says its broader goal is to improve communication between humans and artificial intelligence while developing treatments for neurological disorders.
