Samsung has commenced the development of the next generation of chips intended for Neuralink, Elon Musk’s venture focused on creating “brain-computer” interfaces. According to the Korea Economic Daily, Samsung Foundry is already engaged in the creation of a fourth-generation processor, which is slated to form the foundation of the company’s future neural implants.
It is understood that this project has been in progress since the close of the previous year. The initial prototypes are anticipated to be available in the first half of 2027, with mass production potentially commencing before the year concludes. The new chip is slated for production utilizing Samsung’s 4-nanometer process technology.
Founded by Elon Musk in 2016, Neuralink is dedicated to developing implants that enable individuals to control computers and other devices directly through brain signals. Currently, the technology’s primary focus is on assisting people with severe motor function impairments.
The fourth-generation chip is expected to represent a significant advancement for the entire Neuralink platform. While existing solutions primarily focus on reading neural activity and transmitting commands to external devices, the new development aims to facilitate a comprehensive two-way data exchange between the brain and computers/electronics.
Looking ahead, such technologies could find applications beyond computer control, potentially extending to nervous system stimulation, vision restoration, and the treatment of various neurological conditions.
This project holds particular importance for Samsung. Until now, Taiwan’s TSMC, a dominant player in the semiconductor contract manufacturing market, has been considered Neuralink’s primary manufacturing partner. Securing an order from Musk’s company could mark a significant triumph for Samsung in its pursuit of high-profile clients within the advanced semiconductor sector.
One of Samsung’s strengths lies in its capability to offer a nearly complete production cycle, encompassing the manufacturing of memory and logic chips right through to the packaging of the finished products.
The collaboration between Samsung and Elon Musk’s companies is demonstrably broadening. Previously, the South Korean manufacturer secured contracts related to the production of Tesla’s automotive processors and advanced AI chips for upcoming generations of electric vehicles.
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