Thoughts re: Neuralink presentation

First, an overview for people who didn’t watch:

Neuralink has a prototype implant Musk is calling version 0.9:
• 1024 electrodes implanted 3-4mm into brain surface
• simultaneous read/write (detect/stimulate electronic pulses) on each

• Bluetooth low-energy; they’re exploring use of less congested frequencies
• Requires nightly inductive charging
• Device replaces a section of skull the size of a coin

• Onboard chips interpret neuron signal patterns into “spikes” which is what is transmitted over wireless currently
• Interpretation of “spikes” depends on which part of the brain is implanted, and is done by software external to device (like a phone app)

• They showed off interpretation of motor neuron spikes to approximate joint positions
• Currently only tested on pigs
• Device can be removed without apparent adverse effects

• They are also working on the robot to perform the surgery although currently it only handles insertion of electrodes

So, thoughts. Musk is always overly optimistic about timelines and his own expertise. In this case he didn’t get specific about timelines, which is good. It is still very early days. My guess is we’re still 20+ years away from a general, widely available brain machine interface.

This thread provides some good context. https://twitter.com/benckinney/status/1299703923004055552

In the same way Musk believed fully autonomous driving was definitely going to be available by now, we can’t just believe his claims on faith. I still think he’s wrong about autonomous cars even being reasonable without LIDAR, but I digress.

I kept wondering about the inductive changing. Seems like sticking an electromagnet on your head at night, right on top of some wires stuck in your brain would be... a strange experience, at the very least.

Overall I think the Neuralink presentation was interesting and promising. If I didn’t know what a slave driver Musk is, I’d consider applying. It does have the potential to really improve people’s lives, eventually... IF

IF we even manage to survive the coming ecological apocalypse with the spare resources and attention to devote to something like this.

IF we can move beyond uncontrolled capitalism, so it doesn’t turn the idea to shit, like it does with so many things it touches.

If our failed state can recover from... everything.

TL;DR Neuralink is a cool backstory for a future we will likely never see.