Though inserting electrodes into the brain isn't new—research from the 1960s to today has explored controlling animal movements and computer cursors—the brain-computer interface (BCI) has advanced significantly.

Neuralink's device, which fits in the skull and communicates wirelessly, has been tested in animals and is now in human trials approved by the U.S. FDA.

Competitors like Synchron, with investments from Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, have already moved into human testing, allowing thoughts to control digital devices. Such breakthroughs hold promise for addressing paralysis and neurological conditions.

Despite skepticism from some in the spinal injury community, Musk envisions the BCI for broader applications, aiming for a fusion of human intelligence with artificial intelligence (AI) and possibly transforming communication and memory.

Experts, however, caution that widespread commercial use of BCIs is still distant, with challenges in personalizing chips for each unique brain and keeping up with technological advances. The main benefit in the near future may lie in medical treatments for conditions like depression or sleep disorders.

Musk also views BCIs as a safeguard against AI's potential threats, suggesting that merging human and machine intelligence could prevent humanity from being outstripped by AI developments. Yet, mainstream accessibility to such technology remains years away.