BREAKING NEWS: Elon Musk’s Neuralink startup is set to significantly increase production of its groundbreaking brain chips by 2026. In a recent post on X, Musk revealed plans for “high-volume production” of these brain-computer interface devices, which aim to assist individuals with severe neurological conditions.
Neuralink, founded by Musk in 2016, is focused on developing technology that allows people with conditions like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and paralysis to communicate more effectively and regain their independence. Musk’s announcement comes as the company prepares to revolutionize the surgical process associated with the implantation of these devices, moving towards “almost entirely automated” procedures.
In his Tuesday post, Musk underscored the significance of these advancements, stating that the surgical process will no longer require the removal of the dura, the tough outer membrane protecting the brain and spinal cord. Instead, device threads will be inserted seamlessly, marking a major breakthrough in medical technology. Musk emphasized, “This is a big deal.”
The Neuralink chip, approximately the size of a coin, features an array of ultra-thin threads, each about 20 times thinner than a human hair, which are designed to fan out into the patient’s brain. This innovation aims to streamline the implantation process, previously reliant on human surgeons to remove part of the skull before a robotic arm could insert the chip.
As of September 2025, Neuralink reported that 12 individuals worldwide have received the implants and are actively using them. Among the first patients, Noland Arbaugh, a quadriplegic, shared his positive experience, stating that the device has significantly improved his independence and social interactions.
Musk projects that Neuralink could have over a thousand patients with the implant by 2026, reflecting the company’s ambitious goals for expansion. Following a hiring spree in November 2024, which sought manufacturing technicians and microfabrication specialists, the company is poised to meet its production targets.
As this story continues to develop, the medical community and potential patients are closely watching Neuralink’s progress. The implications of successfully integrating brain chips into human life could revolutionize how we understand and treat neurological disorders. Stay tuned for updates on this rapidly evolving story.
