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Musk to reveal working version of brain computer chip, Neuralink

Elon Musk confirmed that there will be a live demonstration of his brain implant technology that is intended for human enhancement.

A demonstration is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET Friday which will likely be available on Neuralink’s YouTube page.

In early July, Musk announced Aug 28. as a “progress update” without providing details.

Recently Musk provided more details on what to expect for the demonstration.

Neuralink was first introduced by Musk in 2016 with a mission to find out how to connect the brain and computers, the Wall Street Journal reported. It plans to develop brain implants that can treat neural disorders — and that may one day be powerful enough to put humanity on a more even footing with possible future superintelligent computers, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

The concept is to create tiny devices, like electrodes, that can be implanted in the brain to eventually merge the brain with a computer to help humans stay ahead of artificial intelligence.

Hooking a brain up directly to electronics is itself not new. Doctors implant electrodes in brains to deliver stimulation for treating such conditions as Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy and chronic pain. In experiments, implanted sensors have let paralyzed people use brain signals to operate computers and move robotic arms. In 2016, researchers reported that a man regained some movement in his own hand with a brain implant.

Musk’s proposal goes beyond this. Although nothing is developed yet, the company wants to build on those existing medical treatments as well as one day work on surgeries that could improve cognitive functioning, according to the Journal article.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.