Neuralink monkey play Pong with its brain meeting notes

Agenda

1. Show demo
2. Explain research result
3. Propose future use

Recap

Neuralink Corporation is a neurotechnology company developing implantable brain–machine interfaces and founded by Elon Musk and others.

New Topics

Neuralink, Elon Musk's computer to brain interface firm, has released a video it claims shows a monkey playing the video game Pong with its mind.

Comments/Questions

Animal cruelty?

Neuralink has previously shown off a video of a pig called Gertrude with a chip in her brain, and a computer tracking her neural activity as she looked for food. Neuralink co-founder Max Hodak recently tweeted about the possibility of using tech and engineering to create new species: "We could probably build Jurassic Park if we wanted to", he said, adding it wouldn't create "genetically authentic dinosaurs" and would require 15 years of breeding and engineering to get "super exotic novel species". Some experts though remained more concerned about the welfare of the monkeys and pigs Neuralink is using in its current experiments. Dr Katy Taylor, director of science and regulatory affairs at Cruelty Free International, said: "It beggars belief that animals are being used in this type of grotesque curiosity-driven experiment. "In fact, 57% of experiments in universities are now believed to be in the area of basic research, much of it driven by nothing more than curiosity and certainly not required by law." In its blog, Neuralink said all animals were treated well, with their care evaluated by vets. "Pager lives with his best mate, Code. They enjoy swinging from their treehouse and napping in their hammocks after an engaging gaming session," the firm said.

Video recording

Audion Comments

Forms