The long history of robotics should teach us to be more sceptical when it comes to autonomous humanoid robots, says Nicole Kobie

Elon Musk’s Neuralink has said it’s about to begin testing a technology that could enable someone with paralysis to control a robotic arm with their thoughts.

Neuralink, Elon Musk’s brain-implant company, is hiring big. They're looking for manufacturing technicians and microfabrication specialists to help "boost production." Job listings popped up on Neuralink's website recently and hiring events have also been held at their California and Texas facilities this month.

Elon Musk's brain chip company is entering its next phase of experiments: seeing if patients can move a robotic arm using their minds.

So, what's Neuralink looking at testing out now? Neuralink aims to embed its brain chip into robotic limbs to achieve what Musk refers to as the “Luke Skywalker solution.” Neuralink is planning trials to determine if its brain chip implant can control an “investigational assistive robotic arm.

In the United States, Neuralink has already implanted the device in two patients. It has allowed the first patient to play video games, browse the internet, post on social media and move a cursor on his laptop.