Introduction to Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs)

Elon Musk’s lack of focus may be catching up with him. Not only has Tesla lost its lead in the electric vehicle market to China’s BYD, but his ambitious Neuralink project, which aims to implant computer chips in human brains, seems to be falling behind competitors. According to Reuters, a Chinese tech company has successfully implanted similar chips in three patients, with plans to install ten more by the end of 2025. Neuralink, on the other hand, has only installed chips in three patients so far.

History and Development of BCIs

Projects to create brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) have been underway since the early 2010s. These technologies have already shown promise in helping individuals with disabilities, such as those with spinal cord injuries, by allowing them to control computers with their minds. The chips work by monitoring electrical signals in the brain for patterns associated with different actions and translating them into computer code.

Leading BCI Projects

The leading BCI project in China is a collaboration between the Chinese Institute for Brain Research (CIBR) and NeuCyber NeuroTech. Their semi-invasive chip, Beinao No.1, has been successfully demonstrated in use with patients. In a video released last year, patients with paralysis were shown controlling a robotic arm to pour a cup of water using their thoughts, which were transmitted onto a computer screen. The company aims to conduct formal trials with 50 patients by 2026.

Neuralink’s Progress

Founded in 2016, Neuralink had been quiet for years but came out of the shadows in 2024 with the story of its first patient, who had a successful implant. Noland Arbaugh, a quadriplegic paralyzed from the shoulders down, reported that Neuralink’s chip enabled him to use his computer and play games independently. Unlike semi-invasive chips that are placed on the brain’s surface, Neuralink inserts its chips inside the brain to maximize signal, which is a riskier but potentially more effective approach.

Video Demonstration

China’s Interest in BCI Technology

Last year, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology expressed its interest in advancing BCI technology, aiming to "make breakthroughs in key technologies and core devices such as brain-computer fusion, brain-like chips, and brain-computing neural models." The ministry noted that this technology could be used in applications including hands-free driving, virtual reality, and medical rehabilitation. However, there are concerns about how the Chinese state may use data collected from BCIs, potentially affecting individuals’ social credit scores if their thoughts are deemed not conducive to the stability of the authoritarian regime.

Competition and Concerns

Neuralink likely does not have to worry too much about Chinese competitors due to these concerns. However, in the United States, a company called Synchron is also working on BCI technology, backed by investors including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Microsoft’s Bill Gates. Synchron has trialed its technology on ten patients so far. There are also concerns surrounding the invasive version of Neuralink’s technology, including long-term compatibility and post-operative immune reactions.

Musk’s Ambition and Advantage

Musk is known for bringing electric cars into the mainstream and quickly building a formidable AI company, xAI, despite launching it years after the competition. Being behind does not necessarily mean Neuralink will lose. The company’s invasive implementation is different from others, and Musk’s greater ambition with Neuralink is to create new forms of cybernetic "enhancements" for everyday people, potentially allowing individuals to have super-human memory or the ability to learn new skills instantly. xAI’s artificial intelligence capabilities could theoretically support Neuralink.

Regulatory Environment

Musk could also benefit from his close ties to President Trump and his DOGE initiative, which has led to layoffs across the federal government, including at the Centers for Disease Control and the Food and Drug Administration, agencies that had slowed Neuralink’s progress with regulatory reviews.

China’s Aggressive Support

China has been aggressive about supporting its foray into new industries, including electric cars and BCIs. Earlier in March, the country’s National Healthcare Security Administration announced healthcare billing categories for implants of brain-computer interface chips. When a top-down, centralized economy like China decides to prioritize specific endeavors, it can make advances quickly. The risk is that China overtakes the United States in key industries and spreads its values and influence around the world.

Conclusion

There remain many concerns surrounding BCIs, particularly the invasive version used by Neuralink. Long-term compatibility and post-operative immune reactions are still questions that need to be addressed. Semi-invasive versions are safer but struggle with weaker signals to the brain. As the development of BCIs continues, it is essential to consider the potential risks and benefits of this technology and its implications for individuals and society as a whole.