Elon Musk's Neuralink is about to begin its first human trial with the approval of an independent review board. The company aims to control computers with thoughts through brain implants in its trial with paralyzed patients. This step is important for the future of brain-computer interface technology, but it is also said to raise ethical and security questions.
Founded by Elon Musk, Neuralink is a neurotechnology company that aims to increase neural interaction by connecting the human brain to computers. Neuralink is working to develop implantable brain-computer interfaces (BCI). In addition to helping people with paralysis or neurological disorders for medical purposes, this technology could also allow the brain to interact directly with a computer in the future. However, this technology is likely to bring about discussions about ethics, privacy and security.
Elon Musk's initiative Neuralink is about to start its first human trial with the approval it received from an independent review board. After six years of studies, the company is seeking stroke patients to test an experimental device.
Neuralink stands out as one of the few pioneering companies in developing a brain-computer interface (BCI) that can collect and analyze brain signals. But Elon Musk's pledge to develop a brain computer to help humans keep up with artificial intelligence has raised doubts and raised ethical concerns among neuroscientists and other experts.
Last year, the Food and Drug Administration rejected the company's request to expedite human testing; but in May, Neuralink managed to gain approval for an investigational device exemption (IDE), which allows a device to be used in clinical studies. The Food and Drug Administration did not say how its concerns were resolved.
Neuralink plans to use quadriplegic patients for reasons such as vertical spinal cord injury, or ALS, in the trials. Participants will be placed in a movement control region of their brain that allows them to control a computer cursor or keyboard using only their thoughts. In the study, the security and functionality of the technology will be evaluated.
Previous animal trials have been criticized due to reports that the trials caused unnecessary suffering. However, Neuralink has not yet provided information about when and where the trial will be held or how many participants will take part. If the device is proven safe for human use, the approval process could take decades.