The last thing I want is to be chipped by Elon Musk. After receiving FDA approval for his microchip paralysis treatment in May, Neuralink – an Elon Musk company, is seeking humans for its first clinical trial involving people.

Neurolink has technology it claims will treat people suffering from paralysis. The technology is a brain-computer interface (BCI) that helps people control a computer. A robot will assist in the surgery to implant the BCI.

What Does Neuralink Do?

Neuralink helps paralyzed people control a computer by thoughts alone. Using the power of thought, they can control a computer’s mouse cursor to navigate programs and type directly from their thoughts.

The company sought FDA approval to implant Neuralink devices in 10 human beings for its clinical trial. The operation involves implanting the interface into the human brain and connecting threads on to a part of the brain that controls movement intention. The device is sends and receives signals across these connecting threads interpreting thoughts into action. The device is recharged wirelessly.

This device will be great for those suffering from ALS and other motion degenerative diseases.

Musk and Co. aren’t the first ones with BCI products in trials. Blackrock Neurotech has been in business since 2004. A Neuralink co-founder founded Precision Neurosciences which decodes people’s thoughts into speech helping them communicate.

The industry is still very new and undefined. Analysts are trying to figure out how Neuralink can differentiate themselves over Blackrock and Precision Neurosciences. Their major innovation is the brain assisted surgery and less on the technical ability of their BCI.

What I do know is this technology can be helpful for those suffering from ALS and lack movement. It just so happens to be an Elon Musk product.

If you think you or someone you know could use Neuralink technology you can apply to find out if you’re eligible.

-MJ