Part 8/16:
Despite these advances, Musk emphasized the formidable technical hurdles. Implantable devices must operate reliably for years, resisting corrosion, biofouling, and immune responses. Their materials—like silicon carbide coatings—must withstand the aggressive biological environment while maintaining electrical integrity. Power management, data transmission, and hermetic sealing are ongoing engineering challenges, requiring innovations in materials science and miniaturization.
He likened current devices to high-tech Fitbit or Apple Watch components embedded in the brain, noting the necessity of extraordinary miniaturization and robustness to avoid damaging brain tissue or causing device failure.