Elon Musk Foresees Neuralink Implants Overtaking Smartphones

Elon Musk, the head of Tesla and Neuralink, predicts that brain implants will eventually replace smartphones. He envisions a future where people can use their thoughts to connect to the internet and control devices, eliminating the need for screens or keyboards. Neuralink achieved a milestone in January 2024 when it implanted its device in a human for the first time. Noland Arbaugh, a 29-year-old quadriplegic, received the Neuralink implant, called "Telepathy" which allowed him to control a computer cursor and play games like chess using only his thoughts. Musk believes that as Neuralink technology advances, these implants will become more widely adopted, potentially making smartphones obsolete. While the technology is still in its early stages, Neuralink is currently seeking a second participant for clinical trials. The company aims to develop brain-computer interfaces that can restore a variety of brain-related issues, including restoring eyesight and limb functionality, solving memory loss, and even curing depression via a brain chip implant.