In July, Elon Musk's Neuralink first presented their initial research into an implantable AI-based brain chip. The first goal behind the chip is to let paralyzed individuals control their computers and phones. This week, the company's first patent application was published, which describes predicting brain health of a user and providing individualized health recommendations.
Now, Musk has announced on Twitter that he expects the company to be updating the world on their progress this summer, and that the new device is substantially better, even automatically avoiding the vasculature of the brain. Musk has also confirmed that Neuralink still plans to test the device in a patient this year, supporting the company's previously stated goals of hosting human trial by the end of 2020 with a focus on patients with quadriplegia.
This published application does not discuss the chip or electrodes themselves. While there may simply be unpublished applications, it is possible Neuralink has elected not to file applications for these incredibly small and complex devices, and may be employing trade secret practices.
