BREAKING: Elon Musk has just announced a significant ramp-up in the production of Neuralink brain chips, with plans for “high-volume production” set to begin in 2026. In a post on X, Musk revealed that the surgical procedure to implant these devices will be “almost entirely automated,” a game-changing development for those suffering from severe neurological conditions.
Neuralink, co-founded by Musk in 2016, aims to revolutionize brain-computer interactions, allowing individuals with conditions such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and paralysis to communicate and regain independence. The startup’s innovative implants will enable patients to control computers with their thoughts, marking a significant leap in medical technology.
Musk emphasized the urgency of this development, stating that the medical process for implanting the chips will become a streamlined, largely automated surgical procedure. The procedure will now involve inserting device threads through the dura—without the need to remove it—greatly reducing the complexity and risk associated with the surgery. “This is a big deal,” Musk added, highlighting the transformative potential of this technology.
The Neuralink chip, roughly the size of a coin, features an array of ultra-thin threads, each approximately 20 times thinner than a human hair, that integrate directly into the patient’s brain. Previously, the implantation process required a human surgeon to remove a portion of the skull before a robotic arm took over the procedure. This new approach aims to simplify and expedite the surgical process, making it more accessible to patients in need.
In a groundbreaking first, Noland Arbaugh, a quadriplegic who became Neuralink’s first human patient in January 2024, reported that the implant has significantly improved his quality of life, allowing him to regain control and make new social connections. As of September 2025, Neuralink announced that 12 patients worldwide are actively using the implants, with Musk projecting that the number could exceed 1,000 patients by 2026.
This surge in production aligns with Neuralink’s recent hiring spree, as the company seeks technicians and microfabrication specialists to support its manufacturing efforts. The implications of Neuralink’s advancements are profound, potentially merging human consciousness with artificial intelligence in the future.
With these developments, Neuralink is not just pushing the boundaries of medical technology but is also poised to significantly impact the lives of countless individuals facing severe neurological challenges. As the world watches, Musk’s ambitious plans could redefine the future of brain-computer interfaces.
Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent and evolving story.
