Neuralink's Second Human Surgery Success and Tesla's Drive Unit Milestone

Neuralink's Second Human Brain Implant Surgery

Neuralink, Elon Musk's brain-computer interface company, has successfully completed its second human brain implant surgery. According to Musk, who shared the news on Lex Fridman's podcast, the procedure went extremely well, with the company receiving promising signals from the implanted electrodes.

Improved Electrode Performance

The second patient's implant is reportedly providing signals from over 400 electrodes. This marks a significant improvement from the first implant, where only about 10-15% of the original 1,024 electrodes remained functional due to thread retraction issues.

Updates to Neuralink's Implant Design

Musk revealed that Neuralink has made several updates to their implant design and surgical procedure:

• The Gen 2 implant now has 8 electrodes per thread instead of 16
• Threads are inserted at nearly double the previous depth, up to 8mm
• Precautions have been taken to reduce brain expansion and contraction during surgery
• The skull surface is moderately sculpted to allow the implant to sit closer to the brain

These changes aim to improve the stability and longevity of the implant, with engineers believing that once the brain tissue begins healing over the threads, they should remain anchored for the long term.

Potential for Enhanced Human-Computer Communication

Musk discussed the potential for Neuralink to revolutionize communication between humans and computers, and even between humans with Neuralink devices. The first patient, Noland Arbaugh, is already operating a computer at double the speed of any other brain-computer interface, despite having only 10-15% of his electrodes functioning.

Currently, Noland is operating at around 10 bits per second, which is comparable to using a computer mouse. However, Musk believes that future Neuralink users could reach speeds of:

• 100 bits per second in the near future
• 1,000 bits per second within a few years
• 1 million bits per second (megabit scale) within 5 years

This exponential increase in communication speed could have profound implications for human-AI interaction and the future of communication.

Tesla's Drive Unit Production Milestone

Tesla has reached a significant milestone in its manufacturing capabilities, celebrating the production of its 10 millionth drive unit across all factories. This achievement likely makes Tesla the world's largest supplier of electric vehicle drive units.

Vertical Integration and Cost Reduction

Unlike many other automakers who rely on external suppliers, Tesla's vertical integration strategy has allowed them to perfect the art of drive unit production over time. The company reports that the drive units today cost less than half of those used in the original Model S.

Production Statistics

As of July 2023, when Tesla reached this milestone, they had produced 6,471,180 vehicles. This translates to an average of 1.56 drive units per vehicle, accounting for the varying number of drive units in different Tesla models:

• Tesla Semi and Model S Plaid: 3 drive units
• Regular all-wheel drive models: 2 drive units

Tesla claims that a new drive unit is produced every 5 seconds, though this rate likely doesn't apply continuously throughout the year.

Potential for Third-Party Sales

With Tesla's current vehicle production rate of around 2 million per year, there's potential for excess drive unit capacity. This opens up the possibility of Tesla becoming an automotive supplier, selling drivetrains to third-party manufacturers.

Tesla has experience in this area, having previously supplied drivetrains and battery packs to other automakers:

• In 2009, Daimler acquired a 9.1% stake in Tesla and used Tesla components in the electric Smart car
• Tesla supplied the drivetrain and battery pack for the Mercedes-Benz B250e
• From 2012 to 2014, Tesla collaborated with Toyota on the powertrain for the second-generation Toyota RAV4 EV

While it remains to be seen whether Tesla will return to supplying components to other manufacturers, their expertise and production capacity in electric drivetrains could make them an attractive partner for automakers transitioning to electric vehicles.

Cybertruck Updates and Testing

Tesla's Cybertruck continues to make headlines with various tests and demonstrations showcasing its capabilities.

Tucker Carlson's Cybertruck Review

Elon Musk provided Tucker Carlson with a Cybertruck for a week-long test in Romania. Carlson's review included:

• Comparing the Cybertruck's performance to a Ford F-350 at a local sawmill
• Demonstrating the vehicle's resistance to handgun fire

Real-World Cybertruck Usage

Early Cybertruck owners have been documenting their experiences using the vehicle for various tasks:

• Heavy equipment towing
• Farm work in Idaho
• Unconventional demonstrations of the truck's capabilities

Durability Testing

WhistlinDiesel, known for extreme vehicle testing, put the Cybertruck through a series of durability tests:

• Comparison tests against a Ford F-150
• Dropping the Cybertruck from a height of about 6 feet onto concrete
• Attempting to tow the F-150, resulting in damage to the Cybertruck's rear frame

While these tests were extreme and not representative of normal use, they have generated significant interest and discussion about the Cybertruck's durability.

Charging Improvements

A Cybertruck owner who has driven 26,000 miles in 4 months discovered an upgraded V4 Supercharger that provided a peak charging rate of 323 kW, surpassing the normal 250 kW limit. Wes Morrill, the lead engineer of Cybertruck, confirmed that this was a deliberate test, suggesting that Tesla plans to improve charging rates in the near future.

Project Juniper: Tesla Model Y Refresh

Leaked photos have provided new insights into Tesla's upcoming refresh of the Model Y, codenamed Project Juniper.

Key Features

The leaked images reveal several notable updates:

1. New tail light design featuring a light bar, similar to the Cybertruck
2. Ambient interior lighting, comparable to the Chinese version of the Model Y
3. Perforated seats for improved ventilation

Expected Changes

Based on the recent Model 3 refresh, we can anticipate additional updates for the Model Y, such as:

• Redesigned front headlights
• Updated interior lighting
• Potential improvements to the infotainment system

Launch Timeline

Elon Musk has confirmed both publicly and privately that the refreshed Model Y will not be released in 2023. The expected launch is set for early 2025.

Leak Consequences

The Tesla employee who leaked the photos may face consequences for violating their non-disclosure agreement. Tesla has a history of taking action against employees who share confidential information, as seen in a recent case where an employee was dismissed for leaking information about a software update.

Elon Musk's New School: Ad Astra

Elon Musk is set to open a new school called Ad Astra in September 2023 in Bastrop, Texas. The school will cater to children aged 3 to 9 and focuses on fostering curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.

Educational Approach

Ad Astra's curriculum emphasizes:

• Hands-on, project-based learning
• Exploration and experimentation
• Problem-solving skills
• Integration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)

The school aims to create an environment where children can develop the skills needed to become the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.

Tesla's Potential as an Automotive Supplier

With Tesla's achievement of producing 10 million drive units, there's speculation about the company's potential to become a major automotive supplier.

Historical Context

Tesla has previously supplied components to other automakers:

1. Daimler partnership (2009)

   • Tesla provided battery packs and drivetrains for the electric Smart car
   • Daimler acquired a 9.1% stake in Tesla

2. Mercedes-Benz collaboration

   • Tesla supplied the drivetrain and battery pack for the Mercedes-Benz B250e

3. Toyota partnership (2010-2014)

   • Tesla provided the powertrain for the second-generation Toyota RAV4 EV
   • Toyota invested $50 million in Tesla
   • Toyota sold its NUMMI plant to Tesla, which became the Fremont Factory

Current Production Capacity

Tesla's drive unit production rate significantly outpaces its vehicle production:

• A new drive unit is reportedly produced every 5 seconds
• This rate could theoretically result in 6.3 million drive units annually
• Tesla is expected to produce around 2 million vehicles in 2023

This excess capacity could potentially be utilized to supply other automakers with electric drivetrains.

Advantages of Tesla as a Supplier

1. Proven technology: Tesla's electric drivetrains are among the most efficient and reliable in the industry
2. Economies of scale: High production volumes allow for competitive pricing
3. Continuous improvement: Tesla's vertical integration enables rapid iteration and enhancement of designs
4. Brand association: Partnering with Tesla could boost the perceived value of other automakers' electric vehicles

Potential Challenges

1. Competition concerns: Other automakers may be hesitant to rely on a direct competitor for crucial components
2. Intellectual property protection: Tesla would need to balance sharing technology with protecting its competitive advantages
3. Production allocation: Balancing internal needs with external supply commitments could be challenging
4. Regulatory considerations: Becoming a major supplier could subject Tesla to additional regulatory scrutiny

Future Outlook

While Tesla has not officially announced plans to become a large-scale automotive supplier, the company's excess production capacity and expertise in electric drivetrains make it a possibility worth considering. As the automotive industry continues its transition to electric vehicles, Tesla's position as a leader in the field could make it an attractive partner for other manufacturers looking to accelerate their electrification efforts.

The decision to pursue this path would likely depend on various factors, including:

• Market demand for electric vehicle components
• Tesla's long-term strategic goals
• The evolving competitive landscape in the EV market
• Potential partnerships or collaborations with other automakers

Regardless of whether Tesla chooses to become a major supplier to other automakers, its achievement in drive unit production underscores the company's manufacturing capabilities and its potential to influence the broader automotive industry.

Conclusion

The recent developments at Neuralink and Tesla highlight the rapid pace of innovation in brain-computer interfaces and electric vehicle technology. Neuralink's successful second human implant surgery represents a significant step forward in the field of neural engineering, with potential applications ranging from medical treatments to enhanced human-computer interaction.

Meanwhile, Tesla's milestone of producing 10 million drive units demonstrates the company's manufacturing prowess and opens up possibilities for future growth, whether through increased vehicle production or potential partnerships with other automakers.

As these technologies continue to evolve, they have the potential to reshape various aspects of human life, from communication and transportation to education and healthcare. The coming years will likely bring further advancements and unexpected applications of these groundbreaking technologies.

Article created from: https://youtu.be/iqoHaKKiZ1Q?feature=shared