Elon Musk told investors he would develop cyborg body parts better than regular ones. Tesla and Neuralink would collaborate on this project to help amputees. However, the tech billionaire hasn’t shared additional details about it at the time of writing.
Many people know Elon Musk for sometimes overpromising products and services. Yet, his companies have been steadily developing cyborgs and cybernetic implants. Neuralink and Tesla may not produce advanced prosthetic limbs this year on the next. However, we may see people with Musk-produced cyber arms and legs in the future.
This article will discuss Elon Musk’s proposal to create robot body parts for disabled people. Then, I will cover Tesla and Neuralink’s latest projects that may promote machine limb development.
Will Elon Musk make robotic limbs?
The Tesla and Neuralink CEO announced a surprising project during his latest investor call. Here’s what Elon Musk told Tesla investors on Wednesday:
“By combining a Neuralink implant and a robotic arm or leg for someone that has their arm or leg—or all arms or legs—amputated, we believe we can give basically a cyborg body that is incredibly capable.”
“I think it would be incredible to potentially help millions of people around the world, and give them an arm or leg that is as good, maybe long term better than, a biological one.”
Yahoo Finance says Tesla and Neuralink cannot create such advanced prosthetics. It says Tesla only started to create a humanoid robot in 2021. Also, the company is still taking its first steps in developing actuators for machine limbs.
Meanwhile, in May, Neuralink received approval from the Food and Drug Administration to start a human clinical study for its brain-machine interface (BMI) chip. However, the tech firm hasn’t proven the gadget’s practicality.
Yahoo Finance also cited Musk’s behavior. The news outlet suggested Elon Musk’s “true gift” is recruiting the best minds for his cause. For example, he explained on Wednesday how he convinced Apple Director of product design Charles Kuehmann to work for him.
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Musk offered the engineer the chance to work at SpaceX and Tesla. However, the billionaire overpromises his upcoming products and services.
In 2015, Musk and CNN discussed his Hyperloop tunnel, which he planned to transport people from New York City to Washington DC in 29 minutes. “The Hyperloop is easy. My interns can do it,” he claimed.
He claimed his Boring Company will test the technology in 2022. However, he only shared a Twitter post of something that looks nothing like a pod running on air skies.
What are Tesla and Neuralink’s ongoing projects?
Photo Credit: thestreet.com
Musk’s two companies have several ongoing projects. For example, Tesla has been steadily preparing the Cybertruck for launch. This electric vehicle boasts a sleek, futuristic design that caught the world’s attention.
The Cybertruck offers more than a unique aesthetic. Its product webpage says it has Tesla Armor Glass and Ultra-hard 30x Cold-Rolled Stainless Steel that allegedly offers maximum passenger protection.
Elon Musk tweeted, “Cybertruck will be waterproof enough to serve briefly as a boat.” Moreover, he added it “needs to be able to get from Starbase to South Padre Island, which requires crossing the channel.”
That means the Cybertruck can travel roughly 1,100 feet or 360 meters on water, the shortest distance between these spots. Meanwhile, Neuralink has been developing brain implants that let you control mobile devices with your thoughts.
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The tech leader claimed, “It’s like replacing a piece of your skull with a smartwatch.” it is roughly the size of a USD quarter coin. Neuralink co-founder DJ Seo demonstrated how the company would install chips into human brains.
Seo showed a robot surgeon inserting threads into specific parts of a mannequin’s brain. Also, he explained that only a robot has the required precision for a safe procedure.
In 2020, the tech firm showed a monkey playing Pong with its mind. In 2022 the Tesla Show and Tell event showed the animal typing words on a screen.
Conclusion
Elon Musk told investors Tesla and Neuralink will create cybernetic prosthetic limbs. Also, he claimed these artificial arms and legs may become better than regular ones.
However, these firms may need several years to produce a market-ready product. After all, their separate products and services also require further development.
Elon Musk and his companies haven’t shared additional information about these artificial limbs at the time of writing. Learn more about the latest digital trends at Inquirer Tech.