While it might seem like something featured in a science fiction film, neural implants enabling people to perform tasks on the computer or phone by merely thinking about it may be a reality sooner than you think. Arguably, the most well-known is Elon Musk’s Neuralink, which aims to interface the human brain with computer and mobile devices by translating electrical synapses into code, which then interacts with the electronic device. This technology would eliminate the need for a touchscreen, as tasks on the phone or tablet could be done in your mind.
Obviously, serious ethical and legal issues surround the controversial new technology; however, some argue that it could have legitimate positive applications for those suffering from brain injuries and other impairments.
Animal trials for the tech have been performed for years and have come under intense scrutiny by animal rights activists and critics. According to some estimates, Neuralink has already killed over 1,500 animals in trials, and according to Wired reporting, monkeys that had the Neuralink implant surgically installed suffered from various side effects ranging from partial paralysis and cerebral edema to infections.
The most recent reporting for the device from Reuters reports that an independent review board approved recruitment for human trials for paralysis patients and that these trials would take around six years to complete. Should the trials be considered a success, it’s much more realistic that a consumer-focused Neuralink implant might be around the corner.
