Summary
- Neuralink’s feasibility trials expanding to include tests on controlling a robotic arm with the N1 implant
- Approval for Neuralink’s CONVOY Study connecting Tesla Optimus and the N1 implant
- Elon Musk talking about patients controlling robotic limbs through their minds with the N1 implant
- Tesla focusing on finalizing Optimus humanoid robot’s design
- Optimus hands being upgraded to have 22 degrees of freedom, among the best in the world according to experts
Article
The collaboration between Tesla Optimus and Neuralink is progressing, with Neuralink’s feasibility trials now including tests on controlling a robotic arm with the N1 implant. This development is seen as an important first step towards restoring both digital and physical freedom. The approval for Neuralink’s CONVOY Study could potentially connect Tesla Optimus and the N1 implant, as mentioned by Elon Musk in a July 2024 statement. Musk envisions patients with robotic arms or legs being able to control their limbs through their minds using the N1 implant.
Neuralink recently announced the approval and launch of a new feasibility trial to extend brain-computer interface (BCI) control using the N1 implant to an investigational assistive robotic arm. This advancement is seen as a significant step towards enhancing both digital and physical freedom. Musk also expressed the potential for attaching an Optimus arm or legs to a Neuralink implant to allow motor commands from the brain to control robotic limbs, providing users with cybernetic superpowers. Tesla has been making progress with the design of the humanoid robot Optimus, focusing on the movement of its limbs and ensuring that it moves naturally by studying human anatomy.
In May 2024, Musk highlighted the advancements in Optimus’ hands, with upgrades to have 22 degrees of freedom, although human hands have 27 degrees of freedom. The hands of Optimus are considered among the best in the world in terms of dexterity, with tactile sensing and robustness to withstand various object interactions without constant maintenance. The team behind Tesla Optimus has meticulously designed the humanoid robot to mimic natural human movement, particularly focusing on the fingers, hips, and legs. The development of Optimus reflects Tesla’s commitment to creating advanced robotics technology.
The progress in the collaboration between Neuralink and Tesla Optimus points towards the potential for groundbreaking advancements in the field of robotics and brain-computer interfaces. The idea of using neural implants to control robotic limbs has the potential to revolutionize healthcare, giving individuals with physical disabilities greater independence and capability. The advancements in the N1 implant and its integration with assistive robotic technology represent a significant milestone in the journey towards enhancing human capabilities through advanced technology. This collaboration between Neuralink and Tesla Optimus showcases the innovative spirit and commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of robotics and brain-computer interfaces.
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