As 2026 gets underway, Elon Musk’s neurotechnology company Neuralink is preparing for what could be a defining year in its journey toward merging the human brain with machines. The company is planning to move from limited clinical trials to mass production of its brain-computer interface (BCI) chips, while also introducing a largely automated surgical process to implant them in humans.

Neuralink’s mission has always centered on enabling people to interact with computers and digital devices using their thoughts alone. The technology is particularly focused on helping individuals with severe paralysis or neurological impairments regain a degree of independence, whether that means typing, browsing the internet, or communicating without physical movement.

In a recent post on X, Musk outlined the company’s goals for the year ahead. He stated, “Neuralink will start high-volume production of brain-computer interface devices and move to a streamlined, almost entirely automated surgical procedure in 2026.” The announcement signals a shift from experimental stages toward broader deployment, something the company has been working toward for several years.

A major part of Neuralink’s plan involves rethinking how brain implant surgeries are performed. Musk highlighted a key technical advancement, noting, “Device threads will go through the dura, without the need to remove it. This is a big deal.” The dura is the tough outer membrane protecting the brain, and avoiding its removal could make procedures less invasive and potentially reduce risks associated with surgery.

Automation plays a central role in this strategy. Neuralink has been developing advanced surgical robots designed to precisely insert ultra-thin electrode threads into the brain. By relying more heavily on robotics, the company hopes to make implant procedures faster, more consistent, and scalable, lowering barriers that currently limit widespread adoption of BCI technology.

The ambitious plans for 2026 build on significant progress made in 2025. Last year, Neuralink received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration for a device focused on speech restoration in people with severe speech impairments. This regulatory milestone marked an important step in validating the company’s technology within the medical community.

Neuralink also strengthened its financial position, raising $650 million in a Series E funding round that valued the company at around $9 billion. The fresh capital is expected to support manufacturing expansion, clinical trials, and continued development of both implant hardware and surgical systems.

On the clinical front, Neuralink reported that 12 people with severe paralysis had received its brain implants by September 2025, although some references suggest the number may be closer to 20. Participants have shown the ability to perform everyday digital tasks, including playing video games, navigating computers, and posting on social media using only their thoughts.

The company has also expanded beyond the United States, conducting its first international surgeries in countries such as Canada and the UK. In one case, a UK participant was reportedly able to control a computer with their thoughts shortly after the procedure.

Technologically, Neuralink has introduced a next-generation surgical robot capable of inserting electrode threads in about 1.5 seconds per thread, with improved depth and adaptability to different brain anatomies. These advances are designed to reduce costs and support the company’s goal of making brain-computer interfaces more accessible.

As Neuralink moves into 2026, its push toward mass production and automation suggests a turning point—not just for the company, but for the future of human-computer interaction itself.