Elon Musk, founder of Neuralink, envisions a world where brain chips become commonplace, with hundreds of millions of people embracing the technology over the next 20 years. Neuralink’s groundbreaking journey began in 2024 with the successful implantation of its first medical devices, marking a new era of human-technology integration.
Musk shared his ambitious outlook on X, saying, “If all goes well, Neuralink could have hundreds of users within a few years, tens of thousands in five years, and millions within a decade.” His prediction reflects the transformative potential of brain chips in reshaping human interaction with technology and artificial intelligence.
Elon Musk: Hundreds of millions of people could have Neuralinks in the future.
Lex Fridman: “Do you think there will be a world in the next couple of decades where hundreds of millions of people have Neuralinks?”
Elon: “Yeah, I do. If it's extremely safe, and you can have… pic.twitter.com/PN7suBzMpn
— ELON CLIPS (@ElonClipsX) January 12, 2025
The driving force behind Musk’s optimism is the rapid advancement of AI and the necessity for humans to keep up. Neuralink’s chips aim to bridge the gap between human cognition and machine efficiency, creating a seamless connection that enhances capabilities.
One of the first patients to benefit from this innovation is Noland Arbaugh, who became paralyzed below the shoulders after a car accident. In January 2024, neurosurgeons implanted Neuralink’s device—a coin-sized chip with 64 hair-thin threads—into Arbaugh’s brain. Using the chip, Arbaugh was able to play chess and online video games without physical movement, describing the experience as similar to using “Force powers” from Star Wars.
https://x.com/apoorv03/status/1867317186567844309
Although Arbaugh initially faced some challenges as his performance declined, Neuralink’s team adjusted the algorithm, restoring his abilities within a month. Another patient, referred to as Alex, has since demonstrated the chip’s potential by designing 3D objects and engaging in computer-aided design (CAD) activities.
To improve outcomes, Neuralink has refined its surgical techniques, reducing brain movement during implantation and enhancing the stability of the device. These advancements are crucial for developing a high-performance interface that can empower individuals with disabilities, giving them greater independence and control over digital tools.
Musk predicts that within two years, chip recipients will outperform professional gamers and unlock new levels of brain functionality. He emphasized the importance of accelerating brain signal transmission speeds, likening the current human-computer relationship to trying to understand a plant’s needs. To strengthen this connection, Neuralink aims to increase data transmission rates by several orders of magnitude.
As Neuralink progresses, the possibilities for enhancing human potential seem limitless. Musk’s vision of a future where brain chips enable new levels of achievement and collaboration between humans and AI is closer than ever to becoming a reality.
