The technological race to seamlessly integrate smartphone capabilities into the human brain took a groundbreaking turn as Neuralink successfully implanted a chip into its first human brain.
In response to this transformative milestone, China swiftly announced its ambitious plans to develop a "brain-computer interface," setting a timeline that anticipates product launches as early as 2025.
China's Version of Neuralink
Neuralink has been a hot word in the eyes of activists who campaigned that animals should not be used as experiment dummies. Protesters previously urged Elon Musk to stop Neuralink testing on monkeys as there are safer ways to do it.
While many people believed that brain implants would not be allowed, the FDA gave Neuralink a green light to initiate testing among humans last year.
Recently, China identified the "brain-computer interface" as one of its "innovative iconic products," as outlined in a translated press release. The nation envisions making substantial breakthroughs in key technologies such as brain-computer fusion, brain-like chips, and brain-computing neural models. This strategic move positions the country as a formidable contender in such an area, and this might mean that it will be a hurdle for Neuralink's success.
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Anticipating the Decade's Greatest Tech Competition
The recent developments by Neuralink and China set the stage for a potential international technology battle that could define the next decade. The quest to seamlessly integrate smartphones into the human brain signals an unimaginable thing that we only see in sci-fi movies. This is where technology becomes an integral part of human cognition and daily life.
The Dystopian Vision of Brain-Integrated Smartphones
Envisioning a future where smartphones reside within the human brain raises profound questions about the intersection of technology and humanity. The prospect of scrolling through platforms like TikTok without moving a muscle challenges conventional notions of human-computer interaction, creating a dystopian reality that both China and Elon Musk have been actively pursuing, according to Gizmodo.
China's Strategic Focus on Brain-Interface Products
China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology expresses its intent to develop user-friendly brain-interface products with potential applications in driverless driving, virtual reality, and medical rehabilitation. The incorporation of "brain-inspired intelligence" or generative AI emerges as a key element that could seamlessly integrate with these evolving technologies.
Advancements in Chinese Brain-Machine Interface Research
Highlighting its commitment to advancements in brain-machine interfaces, China established a 60-person laboratory focused on this technology. The lab aims to translate research into practical applications, positioning itself as a formidable competitor to Neuralink.
Researchers in China have also pioneered a computer device connecting to the brain via the inner ear, providing full-bandwidth data streaming without chip implants.
Musk's Vision for Empowering Individuals with Disabilities
While Neuralink's recent achievement of implanting a chip into a human brain marks a significant leap forward, the technology remains in its early stages. Elon Musk's vision emphasizes the potential of brain-computer interfaces in assisting individuals with disabilities.
Neuralink's call for participants with paralysis, deafness, or vision loss could mean the company is exploring the transformative possibilities of brain chip implants.
The pursuit of brain-computer interfaces signifies a comprehensive quest by tech companies to access the data center within the human brain. Over the past two decades, social media algorithms and internet tracking mechanisms have gradually unraveled the intricacies of human motivations and preferences.
The race for brain technology intensifies as companies aim to decipher the complexities of human cognition.
To some, allowing brain implants is considered unethical not only to humans but also to animals. However, some people believe it should be done to treat neurological disorders and even improve human thinking skills. Either way, there are always two sides to a story we should always hear, especially for an unfinished business like Neuralink.
