According to a recent report by Bloomberg, thousands of people have expressed interest in receiving brain implants from Neuralink, the startup founded by Elon Musk. The company aims to operate on 11 people next year and over 22,000 by 2030. Earlier this year, Neuralink received FDA approval to launch human trials for its device, which Musk has described as a “Fitbit in your skull.” The FDA had previously rejected the company’s bid for human testing due to safety concerns. In September, Neuralink began recruiting for its first human trial, looking for people with paralysis in all four limbs. The company hopes to eventually create a device that allows people to send messages or play games using only their thoughts. However, despite the interest from thousands of prospective patients, Neuralink is still searching for its first volunteer. The surgery involves removing a portion of the skull and inserting a series of electrodes and thin wires into the brain. The company has performed 155 implantation surgeries on animals, but Musk wants the process to be faster and performed without human help. Neuralink faces competition from other brain-computer startups like Synchron and Onward, which have already begun human trials. Musk has emphasized the need for urgency to keep up with AI advancements and the potential risks they pose. However, a Neuralink executive has cautioned against rushing the process.
Elon Musk’s Brain Chip Sparks Enthusiasm as Thousands Queue to Undergo Skull Surgery
