Neuralink Belongs to Elon Musk, What Have They Done So Far?

Neuralink is building a brain chip interface that can be implanted in the skull. (photo: twitter @neuralink)

JAKARTA - Neuralink, a technology company owned by Elon Musk that Reuters reported on Monday, December 5  is the target of a US federal government investigation into its animal testing program, has tried to develop a brain chip that would enable paralyzed people to walk and blind people to see.

What has Neuralink actually done so far?

Founded in 2016 by Musk and a group of engineers, Neuralink is building a brain chip interface that can be implanted inside the skull that, they say, could eventually help disabled patients to move and communicate again, and even restore vision.

First @Neuralink product will enable someone with paralysis to use a smartphone with their mind faster than someone using thumbs

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 9, 2021

Neuralink devices have chips that process and transmit nerve signals that can be transmitted to devices such as computers or telephones.

The company hopes that someone can potentially control the mouse, keyboard or other computer functions like text messages with their mind.

"The first @Neuralink product will allow someone with paralysis to use a smartphone with their minds faster than someone with a thumb," Musk said in April 2021.

Neuralink also believes his device will eventually be able to restore nerve activity in the body, allowing those with spinal injuries to move their limbs. The San Francisco and Austin-based company also aspires to cure neurological conditions such as those with Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

Neuralink itself has produced several successful examples of testing aspects of its technology in animals, including a video in 2021 showing a monkey playing a simple video game after being implanted with a brain chip. In a webcast presentation last week, the company showcased improvements in the chip's speed and capabilities.