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==History== | ==History== | ||
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The first brain-computer interface was installed in a human in 2004, known as the Utah Array. This allowed the paralyzed man to control a computer cursor with their neural impulses. Created by Richard Normann, this device was attached to the skill through an opening in the skin flap. | The first brain-computer interface was installed in a human in 2004, known as the Utah Array. This allowed the paralyzed man to control a computer cursor with their neural impulses. Created by Richard Normann, this device was attached to the skill through an opening in the skin flap. | ||
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In 2035, Neuralink became publicly available for the general population. Device availability was scarce. Only 1000 devices were created annually, citing resource management as the main reason for a decrease in supply. Additionally, costs for implementation were around $500,000 USD, as implanting could only be done at the one Neuralink facility in California. | In 2035, Neuralink became publicly available for the general population. Device availability was scarce. Only 1000 devices were created annually, citing resource management as the main reason for a decrease in supply. Additionally, costs for implementation were around $500,000 USD, as implanting could only be done at the one Neuralink facility in California. | ||
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In 2050, prices for Neuralink decreased, citing a sudden mass availability of resources, specifically the gold, required to build the motherboard units of the devices. Prices fell to $100,000 USD, and implanting sites also expanded, as countries such as Canada, The United Kingdom, and China opened locations. This rapidly expanded the user base, with China alone adding around 500,000 users in the first year of international release. | In 2050, prices for Neuralink decreased, citing a sudden mass availability of resources, specifically the gold, required to build the motherboard units of the devices. Prices fell to $100,000 USD, and implanting sites also expanded, as countries such as Canada, The United Kingdom, and China opened locations. This rapidly expanded the user base, with China alone adding around 500,000 users in the first year of international release. | ||
Revision as of 09:37, 1 December 2024
Introduction
History
The first brain-computer interface was installed in a human in 2004, known as the Utah Array. This allowed the paralyzed man to control a computer cursor with their neural impulses. Created by Richard Normann, this device was attached to the skill through an opening in the skin flap.
Neuralink was founded by Elon Musk, Max Hodak, Tim Hanson, Ben Rapoport, and Dongjin Seo in June 2016, with the goal of creating implantable devices that could be inserted into a human’s brain to enhance certain abilities, such as cognitive and neurological conditions.
Timeline
In 2017, Neuralink was mentioned for the first time in the public eye at the World Government Summit in Dubai. Musk’s goal was to create a symbiosis between humans and technology.
in 2019 Neuralink made its first debut, showing the implant live in a pig. This highlighted the company’s ability to physically install the chip into live beings and was a proof of concept for future applications.
In 2021, human trials for Neuralink began. Certain people were selected based on artificial criteria, as well as people from a large range of ethnicities.
In 2025, Neuralink mass trials began, with sign-ups possible for those with brain-related disorders such as adhd, bi-polar disorder, and depression. The government approved the installation of the devices into persons for medical purposes.
In 2035, Neuralink became publicly available for the general population. Device availability was scarce. Only 1000 devices were created annually, citing resource management as the main reason for a decrease in supply. Additionally, costs for implementation were around $500,000 USD, as implanting could only be done at the one Neuralink facility in California.
In 2050, prices for Neuralink decreased, citing a sudden mass availability of resources, specifically the gold, required to build the motherboard units of the devices. Prices fell to $100,000 USD, and implanting sites also expanded, as countries such as Canada, The United Kingdom, and China opened locations. This rapidly expanded the user base, with China alone adding around 500,000 users in the first year of international release.
In 2065, prices continued to drop, as cheaper alternatives were found to create the motherboard and other components of the device. Implanting sites opened internationally, with every continent receiving at least 3 implant centers. Device price lowered to $10,000 USD, and surgical complications from the implantation process had all but vanished, most stress from individuals about getting the device.
As of 2070, more than 15 percent of the average global population, approximately 150,000,000 people has installed the device. Creation of special centers for Neuralink only members have created communities where members only interact with one another. Neuralink had worked to remove barriers to entry in recent years, however the easy implementation and low price of the new models have installation percentages rising.
Economical Impacts
Geographical Impacts
Ethical Issues
Legal
Animal Welfare
Neuralink had been tested on animals extensively prior to 2030, with multiple reports of animals implanted with the early versions of the device suffering brain bleeds and chemical poisoning from material waste. Elon Musk denied all wrongdoings and animal welfare was discontinued in 2030 when human implementations became mainstream.
Privacy Issues
Neuralink is given kernel level access to the various senses of the individual. Neuralink in the past had been accused of selling customer’s data during 2060 to international third parties. This raised concerns on how much data Neuralink collects from individuals and to what degree do users have a right to privacy when interfaced with Neuralink. Consent forms are signed upon installation of devices; however, users report more information than agreed upon are given to third-parties, citing advertisements as a large source of information leaks.
Healthcare
There has been a significant issue with early versions of the Neuralink that resulted in the battery leaking corrosive and toxic materials into subjects’ brains, causing neurological damage resulting in loss of motor functions and a decline in cognitive capabilities. The battery was changed in Version 5 to alert the user as to a possible leakage earlier, allowing them to receive medical treatment in a timely manner.
Replacing the Neuralink also requires specific surgeons not available in every metropolitan area. Canada currently has three surgeons who specialize in the replacement and inserting of Neuralink devices, one at Mount Saint Joseph Hospital, St. Michael’s Hospital, and Victoria General Hospital. Wait times for these visits have historically been as long as two years, and with strict regulations, doctors are struggling to become certified.
Economic
As of 2075, only Elon Musk’s Neuralink is readily available on the open market. No competitors have yet to create a version of their chip for retail consumers. This has led to a stagnation in the competitive market, allowing prices to surge while demand continues to climb. Industry standards are only compared to Neuralink’s regulations, while competing companies struggle to meet high industry standards set by Neuralink’s industry-wide standard.