Neuralink, a corporation founded by Elon Musk in 2016, is trying to develop an implantable brain chip so that people with paralysis can use computers and other devices simply by using neural activity. This device may even help people with paralysis walk again.

On April 9, 2021, Musk released a video of a monkey playing a video game using the technology. There were multiple chips implanted on each side of the monkey’s brain in order for it to work properly.

The game that the monkey was playing was ping pong. In the video, it showed the monkey using a joystick, but it was actually unplugged. The monkey was previously trained using the joystick, and later on, the monkey was only thinking about moving his hand up or down.

Musk’s dream to finally test Neuralink on humans was halted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2022. This was due to the agency claiming that there were several issues that Neuralink had to address before the product could be approved.

There are three main problems with the device. First, there is an issue regarding whether or not the device can be removed without damaging the brain. Next, the lithium battery is known to be a fire hazard. Lastly, there is a possibility of the wires moving to other areas of the brain.

On Nov. 30, 2022, Musk said that in six months, they would start to run clinical trials, and he even said that it will restore eyesight. Musk stated they are being very careful and are certain that it will work before placing it inside a person.

If the technology that Musk is trying to put out works, it could be very useful for humankind and has the potential to change the world forever.