Machines in Our Minds

A visual and engaging overview of neural implants, as well as the ethics, technical challenges, and potential pathways for more advanced solutions to reach patients.

Machines in Our Minds offers a unique look at the history and the status of medical neural implants. Ian Halpern—a PI who cofounded a neural implant company and served on the inaugural US presidential BRAIN initiative review panel—discusses the origins of these implants, animal and clinical research, the details of the technology, the ethics, risks, and challenges, and finally, the future for many millions of patients.

The book focuses on the stories behind neural implants that have achieved sustained commercialization (not simply launched), the technical and business challenges of reaching patients, and the future of advanced neural implants. Bridging the many disciplines that are part of neural implant development and commercialization, the book provides developers with useful details, patients with a more well-rounded understanding, and technology enthusiasts with accessible descriptions to counterbalance recently accelerating hyperbole.