What is Elon Musk up to these days? When he’s not digging tunnels under Los Angeles, or flying rockets into space, he’s probably conjuring up new ideas that will change our perception of this world.

Let’s talk about Neuralink and where it’s at in 2020. We’ll discuss it’s evolution and where it’s headed. Strap in, this one’s going to send you into a new dimension.

Catching up

I first started writing about Neuralink back in 2018 (Check it out here: Linking Our Brains ). If you’re not into reading up on Musk’s latest project, no problem, I’ll fill you in.

Neuralink is a device that will be surgically implanted into your brain, and once integrated, you’ll be able to communicate through a network using it’s technology. It’s basically like tethering aspects of the internet into your brain. Are you thinking about The Matrix yet?

Neuralink is about 100 times better than the next best consumer device that’s available

Elon Musk

Elon Musk founded the company back in 2016 and today, the company has had incredible breakthroughs which could lead to changing the way we look at life itself.

How does it work?

It’s all about electrical signals being sent throughout your brain to control these machines that have been implanted into your brain. It all sounds terrifying on paper, but it’s truly supposed to be a breakthrough within the science and medicine world.

During the early stages, Neuralink has mentioned that you’ll be able to control basic devices such as your phone and computer using only your mind. Impressive right?

But how does it work? Well, your brain naturally uses neurons to communicate with itself. The neurons form a large network and ultimately communicate using neurotransmitters. This is where Neuralink comes in ( hence the name). The reactions produced by neurotransmitters generates an electric field, these can then be recorded using nearby placed electrodes.

Installation

The procedure will be done entirely using an advanced robot. The more I’m seeing what I’m writing, the more I’m realizing we truly are living in the future.

A dime sized hole will be cut within the skull and the Nueralink robot will insert the module into your brain, and over 10,000 electrodes will be integrated within your brain. Don’t worry, the robot is state of the art. It’s designed to ensure complete safety, bypassing arteries and blood vessels.

It’s purpose

Elon Musk has stated that it’s main purpose is to focus on aiding the healthcare industry foremost. Paraplegics will finally be able to operate phones and even computers. There’s also been talk of helping people regain their eyesight.

I’m confident that, long term, it will be possible to restore somebody’s full body motion

Elon Musk

Ideally, the goal is to fix everything that’s wrong with the brain. Restore memory, and even movement in a paralyzed person. Ultimately these technological breakthroughs could even lead to the birth of reading people’s minds! All of this sounds like Star Trek talk for now and time will tell how all of this will unfold. Let’s hope it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands…

Concerns

A lot of things come to mind ( no pun intended ) when you’re thinking about robots plugging wires into your brain, right? Whether you’re envisioning a terminator style take over, or a completely new reality based around The Matrix, not everyone is convinced of Neuralink.

For now the only trials have been on animals. The trials have been successful, with a monkey being able to control parts of a computer using it’s brain but no human trials have started yet.

If we’re connected to the internet, how will we be protected from ordinary hackers stealing our thoughts? What about spying on your ideas, these are things that people are worried about today.

Musk has confirmed not too long ago that should you ever choose to remove the device, you can do so and it’s just as simple as the installation process.

The latest update

Not to long ago (August 28th,2020 to be exact) Elon Musk held a conference updating us with the latest information about Neuralink. Here’s what we found out.

Musk’s deep fascination with Artificial Intelligence and where it’s headed has led to this moment. An AI symbiosis between machine and the human brain. In this case, there have been no human trials done yet but we were presented with a pig named Gertrude that was fitted with the device.

The audience was met with an array of monitors showcasing Gertrudes every movement. Neurons and dots being displayed meant the device was integrated properly.

Besides the pig, the robot responsible for implementing the device was introduced as well. The idea was to make it as non-intimidating as possible and with a sleek and aesthetic look, the company did a great job of doing just that.

No limit potential

With confidence the team has mentioned that there will be no limit as to the potential of this technology. Ultimately, the device could even replace speech, Musk added.

Video Games was another hot topic during the day’s conference. Immersive video games that could take the player into world’s never imagined. Far beyond today’s virtual reality advancements.

The goal is to coexist with advanced AI and create a new reality for the people ready to take the red pill.

Neuralink and Marketing

How will this advancement in technology affect our digital marketing strategies? One thing is for sure, Neuralink is going to change the way people communicate with each other. This will mean reinventing your marketing strategy on a grand scale.

Because we weren’t presented with an actual timeline as to when everything will start becoming an actual part of our reality, we can’t tell you what to change up first. However, what we can do is prepare you for the fact that changes are coming.

Imagine a world where thought is integrated within human culture on a grand scale. Think Blade Runner fused with The Matrix and I think you’re starting to get the picture.

Conclusion

In the end, Elon Musk and his team didn’t specify as to when human trials would begin. Nor did we receive a timeline of when the devices would start to be produced on a mass scale. Just like with Musk’s other projects, our interest is high.

I’m hoping that a year’s time, I’ll be able to come back here with another update and share ground breaking news involving technology and the human potential.

One thing is for sure, the advancements that technology companies are making within the last decade have been profound and only time will tell if we’re ready for it.