Neurochip: who is leading in the technology race and what are the prospects?

Neurochip technology, or neurointerphones (BRIN-BRIN-COMPUTE INTERFACE), has long existed only on the pages of scientific and fantastic novels. However, today it becomes a reality, promising revolutionary changes in medicine and perhaps in the future, in everyday life. Undoubtedly, the loudest name in this area is Neuralink Ilon Mask. However, despite all the media attention, this company is just one of the players on the field where others, equally important, are starting.

Neuralink: from monkeys to first person Founded by Ilon Musk in 2016, Neuralink quickly became the most famous neurochip developer. Its mission is to create a high -beast interface that is able to connect the human brain with a computer for the treatment of neurological diseases and, in the long run, to expand human capabilities.

Early animal tests. In 2020, Neuralink demonstrated a working version of a chip implanted in a pig named Gertrud. This has shown that the device can safely stay in the brain and transmit data. The video in 2021 was even more striking, where Monkey Pageer played a chip in a video game Pong, managing the cursor by the power of thought.

The first implantation to man. At the beginning of 2024, the company took its most important step by implanting Chip a man-29-year-old Noland Arbo. Noland, which was paralyzed after an accident, was able to control a computer mouse, and later play games only through thought. This achievement has become a significant proof of technology potential.

How is it working? The main technology of Neuralink is an implant Link, a small disk that is surgically placed in the hole of the skull. From it departing and flexible filaments with electrodes, which specialized robotic surgeon carefully consumes directly into the tissues of the cerebral cortex. These electrodes read nerve impulses, and chip processes them and transmits them out. It is an invasive procedure that allows you to get very accurate and high -quality signals.

Further plans. Neuralink is focused on scaling of its production and further clinical trials. The company seeks to help people with paralysis and other neurological disorders restore lost functions, including the ability to move and communicate.

Other players in the market: in a step ahead? While Neuralink receives maximum media attention, other startups working on similar technologies have achieved considerable success, sometimes even ahead of Ilona Mask’s company in clinical trials in humans.

Synchron: This startup is a direct competitor Neuralink, but with a radically different approach. Synchron has developed a device called saintrode, which is implanted into the brain through the blood vessel in the neck, which makes the procedure much less invasive than the surgery required for the Neuralink Chip.

Achievement: Synchron has already received permission from the FDA (US food supervision management and medicines) to conduct clinical trials in humans and have already successfully implanted their device to several patients in the US and Australia, helping them control the computer and send text reports by force.

How is it working? Synchron technology is much less invasive. The Stentrode device is a small, flexible, mesh structure with electrodes that is delivered to the brain with a catheter through a jugular vein, just as they put a stent in the heart. Once in the blood vessel near the motor bark of the brain, the device unfolds and records neurons. It is an endovascular (intravascular) approach that avoids open brain surgery.

Blackrock Neurotech: This company can be considered a veteran of the market of neurotechnology. It has been developing its technologies for over 20 years. Their system, which uses microelectrodes, has been implanted for patients for many years in scientific research.

Achievement: Blackrock Neurotech helped paralyzed patients to restore tactile sensations, control robotic prostheses and even eat on their own. Their technology became one of the first to receive commercial approval, allowing it to deploy it in hospitals and rehabilitation centers.

How is it working? The basis of Blackrock technology is Utah Array-a tiny silicon plate with a large number (up to 100) of rigid micro-heard. This chip is surgically implanted directly into the patient’s cerebral cortex to track the electrical activity of neurons. The signals are transmitted through the cable outside where they are processed by the computer. Although this approach is invasive, it is proven and provides a very stable and high quality reading of data.

Precision Neuroscience: This startup is focused on the development of a less invasive implant that does not require deep penetration into the brain, which can potentially make the procedure safer and more accessible.

Achievement: The company conducts its own clinical trials for people, demonstrating successful reading of brain signals with its unique technology. They are focused on creating a high -precision but minimal invasive system.

How is it working? Unlike Neuralink electrodes, which are immersed in brain tissue, precision neuroscience technology, known as Layer 7 Cortical Interface, consists of a thin, flexible film with electrodes. This film can be carefully unfolded on the surface of the cerebral cortex through a small incision in the skull. This approach provides high quality reading quality without the risk of damaging the deep brain layers, which is a significant advantage in terms of safety.

Prospects of technology Neurochip is one of the most promising and complex technologies of today. Although Neuralink has attracted the most attention, its competitors, such as Synchron and Blackrock Neurotech, already have significant success in clinical trials, demonstrating real results for patients.

In addition to the mentioned technology, other ambitious companies seek progress in various fields:

Braingate: This research organization is one of the BCI pioneers. Their research has become the basis for many modern commercial developments. They develop systems that help patients with severe motor disorders communicate and manage devices.

Kernel: This startup is focused on the creation of non-invasive BCI systems that can be used to monitor brain activity. Their technology can be useful for research, improving training and medical diagnosis without the need for surgery.

Paradromics: The company is working on a high -speed neurointerhys, which seeks to ensure unprecedented data rate, which is critical for restoring speech or working with prostheses.

Neurable: Develops BCI technologies for the game industry and VR/AR systems to allow users to interact with the virtual world through thoughts and emotions.

Neurochips have the potential to become a revolutionary treatment for paralysis, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy and other neurological disorders. In the long run, if technologies are less invasive, they can be used to improve memory, training and communication.

It is worth noting that the development of neurochip raises important ethical issues about privacy, safety and access to technology. However, current achievements are a powerful incentive for further research that can significantly improve the quality of life of millions of people around the world.