Part 7/16:
A cornerstone of Neuralink's progress is the development of a surgical robot ("R1") capable of implanting ultra-fine electrodes with micrometer precision. Given the tiny and delicate nature of brain tissue, human hands alone are insufficient to place electrodes accurately; robotic assistance ensures safety and consistency, especially as electrode counts increase.
Musk drew an analogy with ophthalmology, comparing Neuralink's robotic-assisted implantation to LASIK eye surgery—where high-volume, precise, automated procedures make complex tasks feasible at scale. He envisions that neurosurgeons will oversee multiple robotic implants, broadening access and scaling production dramatically to meet global demand.