Founded by Elon Musk, Neuralink has announced plans to scale up the production of brain-computer implants and introduce a fully automated surgical procedure for their installation starting in 2026.

Neuralink first introduced the technology of implanting special threads into the brain to read information in the summer of 2019. The development is aimed primarily at helping paralyzed people; the implants should allow them to control computers and smartphones with their minds, and in the future, according to Elon Musk’s plan, provide telepathic communication and even “download” foreign languages. After finalizing the security system and addressing the FDA’s concerns, Neuralink began human trials of the brain implant in 2024. As a reminder, in 2022, the FDA rejected the application for the trial.

Neuralink’s first patient used the implanted chip to play video games, browse the Internet, post on social media, and control the cursor on a laptop. At the same time, Elon Musk’s company declares much more ambitious plans: according to investor documents cited by Bloomberg, Neuralink expects to implant its chips in up to 20,000 people a year and reach annual revenues of more than one billion dollars by 2031. In addition, the company has previously announced its readiness to launch a new clinical trial in the near future, during which the branded implant will be “taught” to recognize the internal voice of people who have lost the ability to communicate by voice.

Thus, Neuralink’s plans indicate the transition of neuroimplants from experimental technology to large-scale commercial use. At the same time, the ambitions of Elon Musk’s company not only open up new opportunities for medicine and communication, but also raise serious ethical and security questions that have yet to be answered.