Key Takeaways
1. Elon Musk’s Neuralink aims to implant a brain-computer interface (BCI) called Blindsight in a blind person by the end of 2025 to enable low-resolution vision.
2. Neuralink has secured patents for Blindsight, as well as for initial implants named Telepathy and a trademark called Telekinesis.
3. The Blindsight BCI uses tiny electrodes in the visual cortex to activate neurons, generating visuals that the brain interprets as sight, initially in low resolution.
4. The visuals provided by Blindsight will be similar to 8-bit graphics, with future potential enhancements for better imagery and additional wavelengths like infrared and ultraviolet.
5. Human trials for the Telepathy chip are ongoing, and 2025 could mark the first instance of the Blindsight implant restoring vision for a person.
Elon Musk has assured his supporters that by the end of 2025, his brain-computer interface (BCI) company Neuralink will implant a chip in a blind person, enabling them to see, albeit in low resolution.
Blindsight and Patents
The new BCI is named Blindsight, and Neuralink has already secured a patent for this name. They also have patents for their initial implant designed for paraplegics, called Telepathy, and a new trademark known as Telekinesis. The patent for the term Telekinesis seems to be used similarly to Telepathy, based on the details outlined in the USPTO filing.
How It Works
The Blindsight BCI functions by placing a patented array of tiny electrodes in the visual cortex area, activating neurons to generate visuals that the brain interprets as sight, although it’s in low resolution at the beginning.
Graphics Quality
So, how low are these visuals? Musk has said that Blindsight will provide images akin to 8-bit graphics, resembling those from classic Atari games available on Amazon. However, Neuralink aims to enhance the imagery in the future. Musk emphasized, “To manage expectations, the initial vision will be low resolution, similar to Atari graphics, but it has the potential to surpass natural vision and allow you to see in infrared, ultraviolet, or even radar wavelengths.” This statement was made when the FDA awarded the Blindsight implant a Breakthrough Device Designation in September, which clears the way for human trials.
Progress with Monkeys
On stage, Musk confirmed that Blindsight has been successfully implanted in monkeys for several years. He reiterated that this new brain chip could ultimately provide “superhuman” vision.
Human Trials
The Telepathy chip is currently being tested on three human subjects with spinal cord injuries or ALS. The year 2025 might be significant as it could be the first instance when the Blindsight BCI implant restores some level of vision for a person.
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