Neuralink — Brain Implant Helps the Blind See

Elon Musk has made a startling announcement. Neuralink, a technology company developed by the world-renowned brainiac, is forging ahead. “We’re hoping later this year to do our first device implant for humans,” Musk explained, “enabling someone who is completely blind to see.”

Known as Blindsight, this revolutionary technology involves a short medical procedure (approximately one hour) during which a doctor will use surgical robotics to implant a microelectrode into the brain of a visually impaired patient. It should provide low-resolution vision at first, according to Musk. “[B]ut then, over time, I think, eventually the implant would enable vision that is like superhuman. So, that’ll be pretty cool.”

This transformative medical technology is also slated to allow those with paralysis to walk again eventually. On April 2, a Neuralink post on X read: “If you have quadriplegia and are interested in exploring groundbreaking ways to control a computer using your thoughts, you can now sign up from anywhere in the world.”

Neuralink Poised to Change the Future

In September 2024, the Food and Drug Administration granted “breakthrough” status to Blindsight. This means that those with life-threatening conditions are able to access treatment in the development stages. TCE Technologies explains how Neuralink works. The so-called link is implanted in the brain and connects to several electrodes that sit behind the ear. These electrodes pick up electrical signals from the brain. The chip connects wirelessly to an external device like a smartphone or a computer. Next, the Artificial Intelligence (AI) software decodes the brain signals.

Many medical applications are anticipated, including helping those with neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s and epilepsy, as well as assisting speech-impaired stroke victims to learn how to talk again. In short, these brain chips being quietly created behind the scenes have the capacity to change the lives of millions of people suffering from a wide range of debilitating illnesses.

Ethical Concerns and Pitfalls

With great promise also comes a plethora of concerns regarding how Neuralink technology should be used and whether it can be manipulated for ill as well as for good. In the moral category, many worry about who will gain access to such life-altering medicine. Some fear it will only be parsed out to those who can afford it.

Then, there are issues of security and privacy. What if someone hacks into your brain chip or, worse, gains access to medical storage devices and sends a virus that wreaks havoc with the software?

It could be said this groundbreaking medical device essentially merges AI with the human body. Humanity can only hope that such mind-altering medical breakthroughs will be only used for good.

1. Elon Musk’s medical technology company Neuralink has created Blindsight, in which a microelectrode inserted into the brain of a visually impaired patient can produce low-resolution vision.
2. In the same way, this medical technology is slated to allow those with paralysis to walk again using the implanted electrode and brainwaves.
3. This groundbreaking technology essentially merges AI with the human body.