Neuralink

Brain Computer Interface

Neuralink

Brain Computer Interface

Client

Neuralink

Project

Brain Computer Interface

Year

2019-2020

Client

Neuralink is a venture capital funded startup headed by Elon Musk on a mission to develop an implantable brain computer interface to allow people with paralysis to control their environment through technology.

Purpose

Neuralink's impressive team of neuroscientists and engineers developed implantable brain sensors and a surgical robot and wanted to create a world-class design for their system to convey its high-tech nature, while making it look friendly and unintimidating.

Disciplines

Hand drawn conceptual and industrial design sketches of miscellaneous objects

Conceptual Design

Mechanical Engineering

Conceptual Design

Man holding a tablet monitoring data from manufacturing equipment seen in the background

Prototype + Mfg Support

Client

Neuralink

Project

Brain Computer Interface

Year

2019-2020

Client

Purpose

Disciplines

Conceptual Design

Mechanical Engineering

Conceptual Design

Prototype + Mfg Support

Client

Neuralink

Project

Brain Computer Interface

Year

2019-2020

Client

Purpose

Disciplines

Conceptual Design

Mechanical Engineering

Conceptual Design

Prototype + Mfg Support

Our Role

Working in close collaboration with the teams at Neuralink and Card79, our role in this project was to take the high level conceptual design of all the external enclosure parts and perform detailed mechanical engineering to make them manufacturable, while preserving the aesthetic industrial design.

Physiotherapist fitting an amputee with an electrically actuated prosthetic arm controlled by brain waves

Behind the Ear Processor

The behind the ear processor wirelessly communicates with the implanted brain sensor array to detect signals and transmit them to a computer. It magnetically connects to a base adhesively secured behind the ear. In addition to designing the plastic enclosure we worked closely with Card79 on the mounting base to ensure comfort and long-term wearability.

Two black Neuralink behind the ear processors floating side by side revealing the top and bottom sides with logos on each

Development Kit

To enable applications utilizing brain interface inputs, a development kit was also created with similar aesthetics to the earpiece to preserve a cohesive design language.

Black Neuralink brain computer interface development kit and behind the ear processor resting on a work table beside a laptop

Close-up of a silver Neuralink brain computer interface development kit on a white table

Surgical Robot

The final piece was the surgical robot for implanting the brain sensor array. We assisted by taking the underlying complexity of the robot and making it more friendly and approachable for patients and surgeons alike.

Close-up image of the external covers of the surgical robot head

Surgical robot prototype with cosmetic covers installed sitting in an office cubicle

Artist's rendering of the surgical robot with cosmetic covers installed

Surgical robot prototype on stage next to Elon Musk during product unveiling media event

Why Work with Us?

Often scientists, innovators and engineers are so intensely focused on pioneering new technology that they don't have the time or expertise to productize their innovation in a way that resonates emotionally with customers. Our team is experienced working alongside both technical experts and designers to ensure both the form and function of your product are preserved as we take it from concept to manufacturable product. Neuralink's team was able to focus on their core competencies while we designed the cosmetic components needed to productize their innovation in a way that reflected the groundbreaking technology contained within.