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The man returned with his hours-long interview.

Lex Fridman, the top hardworking tech blogger, recently hosted an 8-hour in-depth conversation that brought together the core team of Neuralink: founder Elon Musk, chief scientist DJ Seo, and Noland Arbaugh, the world's first person to receive a Neuralink brain-computer interface.

Screenshot from Friedman's podcast

Friedman named this eight-hour interview "Neuralink and the Future of Humanity." This is Musk's fifth time on Friedman's show, which shows how much he values ​​it.

In this conversation, Musk talked about Neuralink's grand blueprint, from near-term medical applications to long-term human enhancement. DJ Seo gave an in-depth analysis of how Neuralink works, and Arbaugh shared his unique experience as the first patient to receive this cutting-edge technology.

Friedman's interviews are always full of valuable information, and the original translation exceeds 60,000 words. For easy reading, Ke Zai has sorted out the "8 most critical questions" in this conversation, giving you a glimpse into how brain-computer interface technology may reshape the future of mankind. For such a hard-working job, it's not too much to give Ke Zai a "reading + like, comment"~

1. How does Neuralink work?

DJ Seo（Chief Scientist, Neuralink）：Neuralink mainly consists of three parts:

N1 Implant Device (The Link):

- This is the main device for recording neural activity.

-Contains tiny wires called "threads" that are thinner than a human hair.

- Each device has 64 threads, with 16 electrodes on each thread.

- The electrodes are distributed along a length of 3-4 mm and spaced 200 microns apart.

- Insert only into the cerebral cortex layer, about 3-5 mm deep, mainly in the motor cortex area.

Surgical Robots:

-Used to perform implant surgeries to place tiny threads into the brain.

Neuralink App (B1 App):

-Software for decoding neural signals.

- Run simple machine learning models to convert neural signals into outputs.

- Enabled the first participant, Noland, to control the cursor on the screen.

Neuralink devices work wirelessly, using custom integrated circuits (ASICs) to amplify and digitize neural signals collected from the brain.The system detects important neural firing events and transmits this data via Bluetooth to the Neuralink app running on an external device (such as a phone or computer). This app uses machine learning algorithms to decode these neural signals and convert them into control commands, allowing the user to perform operations such as controlling a screen cursor.

Neuralink demo image (Src. X @neuralink)

2. Where is Neuralink heading in the future?

Musk:Neuralink's development will be huge. We plan to significantly increase the number of electrodes and improve signal processing. Even with only about 10-15% of the electrodes working in our first patient, Nolan, we have already reached a speed of 1 bit per second.Twice the world record.In the next few years, we may reach 100 or 1,000 bits per second. In five years, we may reach 1 megabit per second, which is much faster than humans can type or speak.

Moreover, Musk added that brain-computer interface technology still requires a large number of human subjects, and Neuralink also intends to expand the scope of subjects. However, it is currently limited by the speed of approval by regulatory authorities. Musk hopes to complete a total of 10 projects by the end of this year, with 8 more to go.

3. What are Neuralink’s main application areas?

Musk:We are now focusing on addressing basic neurological problems, such as spinal cord or cervical neuron damage.Our next product, Blindsight, is designed to help people who are totally blind regain their sight.This technology may also solve problems such as schizophrenia and epilepsy, and improve memory. We compare this to a "technology tree", starting from the basic problems and gradually developing, just like learning to read before being able to read the magnum opus "Lord of the Rings".

4. What is digital telepathy?

DJ Seo（Chief Scientist, Neuralink）：Digital telepathy is essentially the ability to wirelessly control digital devices through thought. Specifically,It means being able to control the cursor and click with your mind to operate a computer or mobile phone.This opens up the world to you. If we define telepathy as the ability to transmit information from my brain to yours without the aid of a physical organ (such as sound), then this technology does fit that definition.

There is a very interesting cognitive step in this process. You need to learn to use your brain to generate signals in a specific way, which is a dynamic learning process, and you are rewarded when you succeed. You do this through imagination, like "fake it until you make it". Suddenly, the brain will generate the right signals, which, if decoded correctly, will produce the desired effect. At the same time, you also need to deal with the surrounding noise. This is a two-way learning process:Machines are learning from humans, and humans are learning from machines.The signal processing and decoding steps need to adapt, and so do the human users (like Nolan Abo, the first experimenter). This is just like when we use a new mouse, we quickly get used to its sensitivity. In addition, there are other factors such as signal drift that need to be adapted, so both humans and machines are adapting to each other.

5. What is it like to have a Neuralink device implanted in your brain?

Nolan Arbo:As Neuralink's first human subject, I made a thoughtful decision to participate in this groundbreaking experiment. Although I considered waiting for subsequent versions to potentially gain better technology, the opportunity to be the first ultimately attracted me. I was never afraid of the technology and fully trusted the professional team involved in the project.

I was deeply moved by the enthusiasm of the Barrow Institute and the Neuralink team. Seeing the excitement on their faces made me more determined to participate. I feel very valuable and happy to be able to help them realize their dreams.I’m really happy for everyone involved and proud to be a part of this revolutionary technology.

Nolan Arbo, the first patient to receive a brain-computer interface

During my recovery, I tried wiggling all of my fingers in the hope of getting a response. When I observed the results, I noticed a distinct "yellow spike" signal, which made me realize that there might be more signal patterns waiting to be discovered. Over time, I regained some bicep control and was able to wiggle some of my fingers a little, although not completely voluntary control.

The hospital staff suggested that I try to visualize the act of walking, based on the experience of a patient who had almost fully regained control. I tried for years but found it very difficult to visualize all the details of walking. It was complex and challenging to take into account all the muscle activations and movements required to take a step. Despite this, I continued to perform these visualization exercises in the hope that they would enhance my recovery.

Note: Nolan Abo was paralyzed from the neck down in a diving accident at the age of 29. In January this year, after receiving a Neuralink brain-computer interface, Nolan Abo was able to control a computer with his mind and perform multitasking, such as eating while operating a computer. He now uses the implant for 10-12 hours a day, and his ability to take care of himself has improved significantly.

6. Will Neuralink achieve “superhuman”?

Musk:As technology develops and risks decrease, our goal is not only to restore function, but also to enable patients to surpass normal capabilities.For example, vision restoration may be low-resolution initially, but may eventually reach a resolution that exceeds that of the human eye. Users may be able to see different wavelengths of light, like Geordi La Forge in Star Trek, and choose different vision modes, such as radar vision, ultraviolet vision, etc. We hope to give users "super powers."

Panoramic view of Neuralink laboratory

7. Use brain-computer integration to control AI safety?

Musk:Neuralink may help solve AI safety issues, although it is not a universal solution. Currently, the slow interaction between humans and computers is a factor that restricts the alignment of human will and AI. By improving the efficiency of human-computer interaction, Neuralink may help achieve a better alignment of human will and AI.

8. Will Neuralink replace mobile phones?

Musk:If the technology is safe and effective enough, it may be possible within the next few decades.Hundreds of millions of peopleUsing a Neuralink device.It could potentially replace existing devices like smartphones.Despite the risks, the potential benefits make this technology worth developing and using. It could revolutionize the way people interact with technology and even change the nature of being human.