Elon Musk Says Neuralink Will Mass-Produce Brain Chips in 2026

Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk has announced ambitious plans for Neuralink, revealing that the company aims to begin high-volume production of brain-computer interface (BCI) chips in 2026, alongside an almost fully automated surgical implantation process.

Sharing details on X, Musk said Neuralink plans to scale up manufacturing of its brain chips to improve accessibility. He added that by the end of the year, the implantation procedure would be streamlined and largely automated, significantly reducing the complexity of surgery.

According to Musk, a key breakthrough involves inserting device threads through the dura — the brain’s tough outer membrane — without removing it. This advancement could make surgeries faster, less invasive, and more suitable for widespread adoption.

Neuralink’s technology is designed to allow people to control computers and devices using their thoughts, with a primary focus on helping individuals with paralysis or severe neurological conditions regain functional independence.

The company made major progress in 2025 after receiving approval from the US Food and Drug Administration for a speech restoration device targeting severe speech impairments. Neuralink also raised $650 million in a Series E funding round, pushing its valuation to around $9 billion.

By late 2025, the company confirmed that at least 12 people with severe paralysis had received Neuralink implants, with later updates suggesting the number may be closer to 20. Participants have demonstrated the ability to play video games, browse the internet, post on social media, and control computer cursors using only their thoughts.

Neuralink has also expanded clinical trials beyond the US, completing procedures in Canada and the UK. On the technical front, the company has introduced a next-generation surgical robot capable of inserting electrode threads in just 1.5 seconds per thread, improving precision, compatibility with different brain anatomies, and lowering manufacturing costs.

The push toward automation and mass production marks a major step in Neuralink’s effort to scale neurotechnology and make brain-computer interfaces more widely available.