How Neuralink Will Cure Blindness

Technology Overview - Neuralink claims its brain implant technology can cure blindness, even for those born blind, and aims to achieve this within a few years[1] - Neuralink is an invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) that connects directly to brain tissue through surgical implants, providing high bandwidth access to neural signals[1][2] - The N1 implant device consists of 64 tiny wires with 1024 channels that can record and stimulate neural activity, functioning similarly to a smartwatch[2][3] Vision Restoration Mechanism - The visual cortex, located at the back of the brain, is the target area for restoring vision, as it remains intact even when the eye is damaged or dysfunctional[2] - Neuralink plans to bypass the eye by using a digital camera to convert visual data into neural signals, which are then transmitted to the visual cortex[3] - Experiments with test monkeys have shown that specific neurons in the visual cortex correspond to parts of the visual field, allowing Neuralink to create visual images by stimulating these neurons[4] Current Capabilities and Future Developments - Current capabilities allow Neuralink to produce basic black and white images, but achieving color vision will require more electrodes and advanced technology[4][5] - Future upgrades to the R1 surgical robot and N1 implant are necessary to increase electrode density and reach deeper into the brain's folds[5] Market Accessibility and Vision Augmentation - Neuralink aims to scale production of these implants to make them as accessible as laser eye surgery, with the potential to enhance human vision beyond natural capabilities[6] - Elon Musk envisions a future where Neuralink not only restores vision but also augments it, likening it to having a high-quality VR headset integrated into the brain[6]