Neuralink video shows monkey mind-controlling Pong — watch this

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Neuralink video shows monkey mind-decision-making Pong — sentry this

(Image credit: Neuralink)

A monkey implemented with Elon Musk's Neuralink applied science has been trained to play Pong using only its brain — and there's a video to prove it.

In what volition undoubtedly be either the coolest or scariest thing you'll see all day (virtually probable both), Pager, a ix-twelvemonth-sometime macaque, is shown controlling the classic bat-and-ball game just by thinking virtually it. And non just does the technology appear to work, just it even seems to improve Pager's performance as he's playing.

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The three-minute video explains that Pager had two Neuralink devices implanted, ane on either side of his brain, half dozen weeks before the film was shot; patches of pilus can be seen growing back on his head.

Pager is initially shown controlling an on-screen cursor using a joystick and receiving a banana smoothie as a reward when he hits the correct square. The video's unnamed narrator explains that by mapping the neurons that fired equally Pager moved the joystick, they were able to use a decoder algorithm to predict the monkey'southward intended hand movements, based on the information recorded by the Neuralink devices.

The team and then asunder the joystick, but Pager was able to go along controlling the cursor, this fourth dimension using only his brain.

Next, the joystick was removed entirely and Pager was shown playing Pong using his listen solitary — a game that the Neuralink squad take at present dubbed "MindPong."

Musk, who founded Neuralink with Max Hodak 5 years agone, said back in 2019 that a monkey had been able to command a estimator using a Neuralink N1 implant; he'southward too demonstrated the applied science in pigs. Simply this is the clearest proof withal that it actually works.

The Tesla dominate intends the sci-fi tech to be used to aid paralyzed people, and tweeted earlier today that the first version "volition enable someone with paralysis to apply a smartphone with their mind faster than someone using thumbs." Later models, he claimed, will enable "paraplegics to walk once more."

First @Neuralink product will enable someone with paralysis to use a smartphone with their mind faster than someone using thumbsApril 9, 2021

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Whether Neuralink is as successful as Musk predicts remains to be seen, but the monkey video is certainly impressive. Nor is it too far from previous similar experiments: in 2015, a paralyzed human used a brain implant and a robotic arm to drink beer, and as long agone as 2006, another paralyzed human was able to play Pong with just his mind and an implant.

• More than: Elon Musk says Neuralink could be tested on humans by this summertime

Equally U.K. Editor in Chief on Tom's Guide, Marc is responsible for the site'south U.K.-focused output as well equally overseeing all gaming, streaming, audio, TV, entertainment, how-to and cameras coverage. He previously edited the tech website Stuff and has tested and written about phones, tablets, wearables, streaming boxes, smart abode devices, Bluetooth speakers, games and much more. He also spent years on a music magazine, where his duties mainly involved spoiling other people'south fun, and on a car magazine. An avid photographer, Marc likes nothing better than taking pictures of very minor things (bugs, his daughters) or very big things (distant galaxies). When he gets time, he also enjoys gaming (console and mobile), cycling and attempting to watch as much sport every bit whatever human being can (particularly cricket).

Source: https://www.tomsguide.com/news/neuralink-video-shows-monkey-mind-controlling-pong-watch-this

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