Elon Musk predicts Neuralink brain implant could cost around $1,000-$2,000, with a surgical procedure of 10 minutes.

Elon Musk predicts Neuralink brain implant could cost around $1,000-$2,000, with a surgical procedure of 10 minutes.

Elon Musk, the renowned entrepreneur and CEO of SpaceX, Tesla, and Neuralink, recently announced the successful implementation of the first human trial for Neuralink's groundbreaking brain implant technology. This innovative device, designed to facilitate wireless brain-computer interaction, is predicted to cost between $1,000 and $2,000, with a surgical procedure expected to last just 10 minutes [1].

Neuralink, founded in 2016, has been working diligently to develop this advanced technology, which aims to enhance human capabilities by allowing individuals to control computers and smartphones through their thoughts alone. The company's clinical trial, called PRIME (Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface), utilizes a robot during surgery to insert the wires of the implant into a specific region of the brain responsible for movement [1].

The procedure, which employs custom-made microscopic needles, is designed to minimize damage to the cortex. The implant itself is small enough to be compared to the size of a coin and consists of threads that connect to the brain [1]. These threads are responsible for interpreting neural activity, enabling the user to control devices without the need for wires or physical movement.

Neuralink's initial human trial participant, who remains anonymous, underwent the surgery successfully and is currently recovering well. Preliminary results indicate promising neuron spike detection, a critical component of the technology's functionality [1].

This announcement comes following Neuralink's recruitment of potential human test subjects for its clinical trial, which received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval last May [1]. The trial aims to enroll individuals aged 22 and above who are living with quadriplegia due to a spinal cord injury or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) [1].

As Musk continues to pioneer this revolutionary technology, the potential implications for healthcare, communication, and even the way we interact with the world are truly exciting. With a projected cost of $1,000-$2,000 and a minimally invasive surgical procedure, Neuralink's brain implant is poised to make a significant impact on the future of human connectivity.

[1] NPR. (2024, January 30). Elon Musk: First Human Has Received Neuralink Brain Implant. https://www.npr.org/2024/01/30/1227850900/elon-musk-neuralink-implant-clinical-trial