The technology of neurochips, or neurointerfaces (BCI - Brain-Computer Interface), has long existed only on the pages of science fiction novels. However, today it is becoming a reality, promising revolutionary changes in medicine and, perhaps, in the future, in everyday life. Undoubtedly, the loudest name in this field is Elon Musk's Neuralink. However, despite all the media attention, this company is just one of the players in the field, where other, no less important, startups are also operating.
Neuralink: From monkeys to the first human
Founded by Elon Musk in 2016, Neuralink has quickly become the most prominent developer of neurochips. Its mission is to create a high-throughput interface capable of connecting the human brain to a computer to treat neurological diseases and, in the long term, to empower humans.
Early animal testing. In 2020, Neuralink demonstrated a working version of the chip implanted in a pig named Gertrude. This showed that the device could safely remain in the brain and transmit data. Even more impressive was a video in 2021, where a monkey named Pager played the video game Pong using the chip, controlling the cursor with the power of thought.
First human implant. In early 2024, the company took its most significant step by implanting the chip into a human, 29-year-old Noland Arbo. Noland, who was paralyzed after an accident, was able to control a computer mouse and later play games using only his mind. The achievement was a powerful demonstration of the technology’s potential.
How does it work? The core technology of Neuralink is the Link implant, a small disk that is surgically placed in the opening of the skull. From it extend ultra-thin and flexible threads with electrodes, which a specialized robotic surgeon carefully implants directly into the tissue of the cerebral cortex. These electrodes read nerve impulses, and the chip processes them and transmits them wirelessly to the outside. This is an invasive procedure that allows you to receive very accurate and high-quality signals.
Future plans: Neuralink is focused on scaling up its production and further clinical trials. The company aims to help people with paralysis and other neurological disorders regain lost functions, including the ability to move and communicate.
Other players in the market: One step ahead?
While Neuralink is getting the most media attention, other startups working on similar technologies have achieved significant success, sometimes even beating Elon Musk's company to human clinical trials.
Synchron: This startup is a direct competitor to Neuralink, but with a radically different approach. Synchron has developed a device called the Stentrode that is implanted into the brain through a blood vessel in the neck, making the procedure much less invasive than the surgery required for the Neuralink chip.
Achievements: Synchron has already received approval from the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) to conduct clinical trials on humans and has already successfully implanted its device in several patients in the US and Australia, helping them control a computer and send text messages with the power of their thoughts.
How does it work? Synchron’s technology is much less invasive. The Stentrode is a small, flexible, mesh structure with electrodes that is delivered to the brain via a catheter through the jugular vein, similar to how a stent is placed in the heart. Once in a blood vessel near the motor cortex, the device deploys and records neuronal activity. This is an endovascular approach that avoids open brain surgery.
Blackrock Neurotech: This company can be considered a veteran in the neurotechnology market. It has been developing its technology for over 20 years. Its system, which uses microelectrodes, has been implanted in patients for many years as part of research.
Achievements: Blackrock Neurotech has helped paralyzed patients regain their sense of touch, control robotic prosthetics, and even eat independently. Their technology was one of the first to receive commercial approval, allowing it to be deployed in hospitals and rehabilitation centers.
How does it work? The core of Blackrock’s technology is the Utah Array – a tiny silicon wafer with a large number (up to 100) of rigid microneedle electrodes. This chip is surgically implanted directly into the patient’s cerebral cortex to monitor the electrical activity of neurons. The signals are transmitted via a cable to the outside, where they are processed by a computer. Although this approach is invasive, it is proven and provides very stable and high-quality data readings.
Precision Neuroscience: This startup is focused on developing a less invasive implant that doesn't require deep penetration into the brain, potentially making the procedure safer and more affordable.
Achievements: The company is conducting its own clinical trials on humans, demonstrating successful brain signal reading using its unique technology. They are focused on creating a highly accurate yet minimally invasive system.
How does it work? Unlike Neuralink’s electrodes, which are embedded in brain tissue, Precision Neuroscience’s technology, known as the Layer 7 Cortical Interface, consists of a thin, flexible film with electrodes. This film can be carefully deployed onto the surface of the cerebral cortex through a small incision in the skull. This approach allows for high-quality signal reading without the risk of damaging deeper layers of the brain, which is a significant safety advantage.
Technology prospects
Neurochips are one of the most promising and complex technologies of our time. While Neuralink has garnered the most attention, its competitors, such as Synchron and Blackrock Neurotech, are already making significant strides in clinical trials, demonstrating real-world results for patients.
In addition to those mentioned, other ambitious companies are working on this technology, striving to achieve progress in various areas:
BrainGate: This research organization is one of the pioneers in the field of BCI. Their research has become the basis for many of today's commercial developments. They develop systems that help patients with severe motor impairments communicate and control devices.
Kernel: This startup focuses on creating non-invasive BCI systems that can be used to monitor brain activity. Their technology could be useful for research, improving learning, and medical diagnostics without the need for surgery.
Paradromics: The company is working on a high-speed neural interface that aims to provide unprecedented data transfer speeds, which is critical for restoring speech or working with prosthetics.
Neurable: Develops BCI technologies for the gaming industry and VR/AR systems to allow users to interact with the virtual world through thoughts and emotions.
Neurochips have the potential to revolutionize treatments for paralysis, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and other neurological disorders. In the long term, as the technology becomes less invasive, they could be used to improve memory, learning, and communication.
It is worth noting that the development of neurochips raises important ethical questions about privacy, security, and access to technology. However, current advances are a powerful incentive for further research that could significantly improve the quality of life for millions of people around the world.