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Elon Musk Weekly News Update · Elon Musk Podcast

0:00
We're going to talk about two major stories making waves in
0:03
the automotive sector. The 1st is Volvo's strategic
0:06
partnership with Connected Energy to repurpose old EV
0:09
batteries into new energy storage systems, a move that
0:12
holds promise for reducing battery waste.
0:15
And that second story is all about Tesla hitting the
0:18
milestone of producing its five millionth electric car and its
0:23
ongoing experiments in vehicle manufacturing, which could
0:26
drastically cut costs Now. Earlier this week, Volvo
0:30
announced A collaboration with Connected Energy, a firm
0:34
specializing in battery recycling, and Volvo has signed
0:37
a letter of intent to construct battery energy storage systems,
0:41
or Bess, following an initial investment announced last year.
0:47
Now, with E V's becoming increasingly popular, finding a
0:50
sustainable way to dispose of or repurpose use batteries has
0:54
become a big concern. Now, Volvo and Connected Energy
0:58
aimed to tackle this issue by converting these old batteries
1:02
into energy storage systems, and these systems will employ
1:06
batteries from Volvo's existing line of electric buses, trucks
1:10
and other machinery. Matthew Lumsden, CEO of
1:14
Connected Energy, shared his enthusiasm about expanding their
1:17
technology to the European market in collaboration with
1:21
Volvo Energy. Elizabeth Larson, Volvo's Energy
1:24
Senior VP for Sales and Services, echoed these
1:28
sentiments highlighting the benefits of aligning the project
1:31
with the principles of the circular economy.
1:34
Now Volvo expects to introduce this new energy storage system
1:38
in Europe by 2025. Furthermore, and it's Gothenburg
1:42
facility in Sweden, Volvo has already started using Connected
1:46
Energies E store system to access grid response rates.
1:51
Now switching gears, let's talk about Tesla, the EV manufacturer
1:56
that continues to make headlines.
1:58
This week, Tesla announced that it had produced its five
2:01
millionth electric vehicle, a staggering accomplishment when
2:04
you consider the pace at which the company has been ramping up
2:07
its production. The first million took 12 years,
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the second million 18 months, and now Tesla is on track to
2:16
reach the 6 million mark by early of 2024.
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All of this production is contributing to Tesla's status
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is the largest all electric car manufacturer globally with a
2:27
growth rate that shows no signs of slowing down.
2:32
Now what makes this story even more interesting is the way
2:35
Tesla is changing the game in vehicle manufacturing.
2:39
And according to a recent port, Tesla is getting closer to
2:42
achieving its goal of die casting the underbody of its
2:47
cars in one piece. Now, traditional manufacturing
2:51
techniques often involve up to 400 original pieces that need to
2:56
be assembled, which can be both time consuming and costly.
3:01
And if Tesla succeeds, they could cut manufacturing costs by
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up to 50%, setting a precedent for the industry.
3:11
However, the shift in manufacturing isn't without
3:13
challenges. Tesla's working with 3D printing
3:16
and industrial sand to make prototypes, which gives them
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greater flexibility for design changes without breaking the
3:22
bank. And even then, achieving the
3:24
final product requires overcoming substantial hurdles
3:28
like the formulation of special alloys and fine tuning the
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molten alloy cooling process. But if Tesla pulls this off,
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they'll set a new benchmark for the industry, putting
3:39
considerable pressure on traditional manufacturers to
3:41
adapt or risk becoming obsolete. Now let's do a bonus story here.
3:46
Let's pivot from the roads to space, where something
3:49
monumental is happening. NASA is collaborating with
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SpaceX to create the human landing system, the Starship
3:56
Human Landing System, which will play a critical role in the
3:59
Artemis 3 and Artemis 4 missions.
4:02
And these missions aim to land American astronauts close to the
4:05
moon's South Pole. The HLS will use two distinct
4:08
types of SpaceX Raptor engines, one tailored for sea level
4:12
atmospheric conditions and the other for operations in space
4:16
where there's no atmosphere now. Last month, SpaceX showcased an
4:20
important milestone for the vacuum optimized Raptor engine.
4:23
They ran a test proving that the engine could successfully
4:26
operate under extremely cold temperatures, temperatures that
4:30
a spacecraft would experience after spending extended periods
4:33
in space. And this test is significant
4:36
because one of the challenges specific to Artemis missions
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compared to low Earth orbit missions is that the landing
4:41
systems might have to remain inactive in space for an
4:44
extended period of time. Now this causes the temperature
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of the hardware to plummet to levels much colder than what one
4:52
would typically find on shorter missions closer to Earth.
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The company and already reach a significant testing milestone in
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November of 2021 and SpaceX demonstrated the Raptor engines
5:02
ability to manage a crucial part of landing on the moon during a
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281 second test firing. This test aimed to verify two
5:11
things. First, it tested the Raptors
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throttle profile, its ability to modulate engine power over time.
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Second, it verified that the engine could sustain and burn
5:21
for the entire duration of the descent phase of the mission.
5:24
Both objectives were successfully achieved bolstering
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NASA's early trust in Spacex's engine development program.
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Simulation and insitu testing are vital for refining Artemis
5:35
moon Landers. Now these test runs offer a kind
5:38
of mission like validation of the systems that will be
5:41
responsible for transporting astronauts to and from the lunar
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Surfaced and post test data assessments offer NASA
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continuously growing confidence in the preparedness of the US
5:53
industry for the mission. And what's next for Spacex's
5:56
Raptor engines? They're slated for further
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testing during Spacex's upcoming second integrated flight test,
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involving both the Starship in its booster, the Super Heavy
6:07
System, and by bringing in SpaceX and its innovative engine
6:10
technology, NASA aims to ensure the success of future lunar
6:14
missions. With rigorous testing and
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continued advancements, the partnership could usher in a new
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era of space exploration, paving the way for more advanced
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missions that extend well beyond the Moon.
6:26
While that was a packed episode and we've covered Volvo's
6:29
efforts and reimagining EV battery waste, Tesla's
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groundbreaking vehicle production and manufacturing
6:35
methods, and NASA's partnership with SpaceX for lunar landings,
6:39
each of these stories presents a unique angle on how technology
6:42
and innovation can address challenges and create
6:46
opportunities for a better future.
6:48
If you found this episode engaging, don't forget to hit
6:51
the subscriber follow button on whatever podcast platform you're
6:54
listening on right now. It's completely free and we'll
6:57
keep you updated and posted on all the latest episodes of the
7:01
Elon Musk Podcast. We have a fascinating topic to
7:04
discuss a high profile meeting between Elon Musk and Israeli
7:09
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Tesla factory
7:13
in California. Initially billed as a dialogue
7:16
about artificial intelligence, the conversation covered a host
7:20
of topics including but not limited to anti-Semitism, the
7:24
political climate in Israel and the United States in the roles
7:28
of the Internet and social media in modern discourse.
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Now this meeting showcased 2 leaders, each wrestling with
7:35
challenges and criticisms, coming together to negotiate a
7:38
middle crowd on some exceptionally complex issues.
7:42
Now the meeting saw Benjamin Netanyahu navigating his way
7:46
through a minefield of protests that extended from the San Jose
7:49
airport to the Tesla manufacturing facility.
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The Prime Minister aimed to build a bridge to Elon Musk, a
7:55
Titan of artificial intelligence and technology, to both solidify
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Israel's standing as a technological hub and possibly
8:03
attract future Musk ventures Elon Musk.
8:06
Confronted by allegations of enabling antisemitism on a
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social media platform, X saw the dialogue as a chance to rebuke
8:13
this criticism and explore potential solutions.
8:17
Now the conversation took a turn when the topic shifted to
8:20
antisemitism, an issue that Netanyahu insisted required
8:24
immediate attention. The Israeli Prime Minister urged
8:27
Musk to utilize his platform to halt the spread of antisemitic
8:32
rhetoric. All within the boundaries of the
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1st Amendment, of course. Now, Musk responded cautiously.
8:38
He expressed his disapproval of any conduct that fuels hate and
8:41
discord, but was also keen to highlight the value he places on
8:45
free speech. He mentioned that he is already
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taking step to restrain bots that disseminate hate speech
8:52
across the platform. Now this high profile exchange
8:56
highlights the intricate balancing act between the
8:58
preservation of free speech and the curbing of hate speech, a
9:02
dynamic frequently discussed in social media circles.
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Musk, known for his libertarian tendencies when it comes to free
9:09
speech, suggested a potential route minimize bot activity and
9:15
offer greater visibility to paid subscribers, assuming this would
9:19
act as a filter for more responsible speech.
9:22
Now, both leaders are under the microscope for various reasons.
9:25
Not Yahoo faces criticisms regarding his policy directions
9:29
in Israel, including concerns that his moves could deter
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international stakeholders. Musk, on the other hand, has
9:35
been questioned about his management decisions related to
9:37
X, especially his decision to cut staff responsible for
9:42
monitoring and enforcing community guidelines.
9:45
Both seem to seek some form of validation or support from the
9:49
other, a classic example of mutual but perhaps opportunistic
9:53
political affirmation. Now, the meeting between
9:56
Netanyahu and Musk wasn't just an isolated discussion.
9:59
It reflected a confluence of wider ambitions that both
10:02
leaders harbor. For Netanyahu, attracting Elon
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Musk's investment would significantly boost Israel's
10:08
standing in the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence.
10:11
Israel has already earned A reputation for being a startup
10:14
nation, and locking in a partnership with a tech magnate
10:17
like Musk could give it a pivotal role in Ai's future.
10:22
Now this aligns with Israel's desire to not just be a regional
10:25
player, but also a significant participation in the high stakes
10:29
game of global technology and innovation.
10:32
Now Elon Musk, on the other hand, appears to be keen on
10:35
expanding his sphere of influence beyond the tech
10:37
sector. His prior conversations with
10:39
Chinese authorities about the need for a I regulation point to
10:43
a broader aim to become an influencer in global policy
10:47
decisions by engaging with international leaders like not
10:51
Yahoo. Musk positions himself is not
10:54
just a technological innovator, but also is a thought leader
10:58
capable of swing global policy directives.
11:01
This could be a pivotal transformation, as Musk's voice
11:03
could potentially weigh in on the rules that govern the very
11:06
technologies he's helping to create.
11:09
What's more intriguing about their meeting said these broader
11:12
ambitions might well be endeared dependent.
11:15
Netanyahu needs influencers like Musk to validate and invest in
11:19
his country's tech capabilities, while Musk benefits from the
11:22
political legitimacy and international standing offered
11:26
by dialogues with world leaders. It's a symbiotic relationship
11:30
that illuminates how technological innovation and
11:33
geopolitical strategy can be intertwined, making their
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interaction not merely a meeting, but a negotiation with
11:40
stakes that could influence technology and international
11:44
policy for years to come. Now, this meeting served as a
11:48
lens through which to view larger challenges in the
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intersections of technology, ethics, and international
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politics. And whether discussing
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artificial intelligence, Iran, or antisemitism, these
12:00
conversations underscored the complexities and
12:03
interdependencies of these vital topics.
12:06
Both leaders seem to concur that while technology can be a potent
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force for societal good, it can also be a catalyst for division
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and conflict. Elon Musk, the owner of X,
12:16
dropped his bombshell during a live streaming conversation with
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Yahoo amid declining ad revenues
12:24
and increasing scrutiny from civil rights groups.
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Could a paywall be the game changing maneuver to win back
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advertiser trust and deal with the growing menace of bots?
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Now let's get into this. So here's the backdrop.
12:37
During a discussion predominantly centered around AI
12:40
units regulation, Prime Minister Netanyahu brought up the issue
12:44
of managing hate speech amplified by bots on social
12:47
media. And in response, Musk offered a
12:50
solution. Charge a small monthly fee for
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using X, and According to him, doing so would significantly
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raise the bar for bots to create accounts.
13:00
Each bot would require a new payment method, making it cost
13:04
prohibitive for bot operations. Now, before, the proposition
13:09
must have revealed that the platform's US ad revenue had
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plummeted by 60% in a prime driver, pressure from civil
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rights and consumer organizations influencing major
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brands. And while X has been trying to
13:24
funnel its user base towards its paid service, X premium adoption
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rates have been anything but stellar.
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Some estimates pegged the subscriber count for X Premium
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in the ballpark range of just over 800,000 users, and it's not
13:39
uncommon to hear must make ambitious announcements only to
13:42
modify his approach later. But if we take his statement at
13:45
face value, this could be a tectonic shift in the way social
13:49
media operates. Not many platforms have ditched
13:53
ad revenue in favor of subscriptions, although a few
13:57
are dabbling in it, especially given the soft ad market.
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The proposition to implement a subscription fee for acts brings
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to light a key conundrum that's polarizing tech aficionados and
14:08
casual social media users alike. On the one hand, a subscription
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based model could be a panacea for the platform's revenue woes.
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Providing a steady income stream does not beholden to the whims
14:20
of advertisers or pressure from advocacy groups.
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After all, the subscription model has worked effectively in
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other digital spheres. Think streaming services like
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Netflix or Paramount Plus or any other streaming network out
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there, or specialized news outlets.
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However, the other side of the coin reveals concerns about the
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democratization of information. One of the essential charms of
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social media has always been its accessibility.
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It's a platform where anyone can voice their opinions, seek
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information, or engage in discourse without a paywall
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acting as a gatekeeper. Implementing a monthly fee, even
14:59
a nominal 1, risks creating an information hierarchy.
15:03
Those who can afford it will have a voice, while others might
15:06
be effectively silenced, or at the very least severely limited
15:10
in their access to a platform that's become integral to modern
15:15
communication. Then there's the question of
15:17
user adoption. While Musk's figure of 550
15:21
million monthly users may or may not include bots, let's not
15:25
forget that X Premium service, priced at around $8 a month, has
15:29
garnered A relatively meager uptake, only around 800,000
15:33
users according to some estimates.
15:35
And this raises questions about how willing the general user
15:38
base would be to shift to a paid model, especially when the perks
15:42
of X premium like fewer ads and the ability to edit posts
15:46
haven't been persuasive enough to convert the majority.
15:51
Now, beyond the financials in the bot problem, there's the
15:54
societal angle. Both Musk and Netanyahu
15:57
discussed the need to balance free speech with curbing hate
16:00
speech and antisemitism. Netanyahu urged Musk to find a
16:04
middle ground and undertaking that, while tricky, cannot be
16:08
avoided given the platform's reach and its impact.
16:11
And while Musk did not confirm a specific timeline or cost for
16:15
the proposed monthly fee, the plan, if implemented, would
16:19
alter the dynamics of the entire social media industry.
16:22
It also remains to be seen how this move will align with X's
16:25
existing problems, especially those tied to hate speeds and
16:29
misinformation. And the backdrop to Musk's
16:32
dramatic announcement is the revenue landscape that's seen
16:35
better days for X in the revelation that X has made ad
16:40
revenue that has drastically declined 60%.
16:44
This drop is particularly significant considering that
16:47
advertising has traditionally been the lifeblood of social
16:51
media platforms. And while the reasons for this
16:54
are multifaceted, a significant contributing factor, according
16:58
to Musk, is the rights group, and they are steering brands
17:02
away from the platform. It's important to remember that
17:05
advertising is not just a source of revenue, it's a barometer of
17:09
a platform societal acceptance. Advertisers are cautious about
17:13
the platforms they associate with, and the retreat from X
17:18
indicates A deeper problem than just financial figures.
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The platform is facing a crisis of trust, and that extends to
17:25
both the users and the advertisers.
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Consequently, a decline in advertiser trust can set off a
17:31
chain reaction. Fewer ads lead to reduced
17:34
revenues, which in turn limits the platform's ability to
17:37
innovate or even maintain current service levels.
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Is a slippery slope that can jeopardize the platform standing
17:44
in the highly competitive social media arena now?
17:47
That said, X has been attempting to work around to this issue by
17:50
promoting its premium subscription service X Premium,
17:54
which comes at a price tag of $8 per month, and despite its
17:58
feature rich offerings, there aren't that many people using
18:02
it. Estimates show that 800,000
18:04
people have signed up, and that's just a drop in the ocean
18:08
considering Musk's claim of 550 million monthly users.
18:12
And this is an uphill battle for X and Elon Musk.
18:17
They're going to have to lure subscribers to X Premium and
18:20
they have to highlight the good things about X Premium and shift
18:25
it from an ad based model to a subscription based one.
18:28
In the future, we have an intriguing story that takes us
18:31
to the frontier of biotechnology and human machine interfaces.
18:36
We'll be discussing Neural Links Groundbreaking announcement, the
18:39
start of their first human clinical trial, known as the
18:43
PRIME Study. Now, with the green light from
18:46
an independent review board, Neural Link is set to implant
18:49
their brain, computer interface and paralysis patients to assess
18:53
the device's safety and functionality.
18:56
That's a big step for a startup from Elon Musk that's been under
18:59
both scrutiny and highly anticipated.
19:03
This is the moment many have been waiting for, the pivot from
19:06
animal testing to human testing. According to Nerling's own blog,
19:10
the prime study, short for Precise Robotically Implanted
19:14
Brain Computer Interface, will be conducted over six years.
19:19
The initial phase consists of 18 months of at home and clinic
19:22
visits, followed by regular followups over the next five
19:25
years. The target demographic includes
19:28
individuals with quadriplegia due to cervical spinal cord
19:32
injuries or lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS.
19:37
In this trial, they will have a chip surgically inserted into
19:40
the part of the brain that controls the intention to move.
19:43
This chip, placed by a robot, will then transmit brain signals
19:48
to an app, with the primary goal of enabling the individual to
19:52
control a computer cursor or a keyboard solely through their
19:56
thoughts. Now let's break down what the
19:59
prime study actually entails. After getting the nod from the
20:03
independent review board, Neuralink is moving forward with
20:06
this initiative Focused on the practical application of brain
20:09
computer interfaces, The implanted chip is designed to
20:12
communicate with an app which will capture brain signals and
20:16
translate them into actions. The immediate objective here is
20:20
to get paralysis patients a way to control computer interfaces
20:23
like cursors and keyboards without physical input, just by
20:27
thinking about it. And the chip will be inserted by
20:29
a robot into a specific region of the brain that's responsible
20:33
for the intention to move. And it will be interesting to
20:35
see how the technology evolves as the study proceeds over the
20:39
next six years. Now the recruitment is open to
20:42
people suffering from quadriplegia due to spinal cord
20:46
injuries or ALS. The study is structured in such
20:49
a way that it will be including eighteen months of clinic visits
20:53
and at home monitoring, followed by five years of periodic follow
20:57
up visits. And Neural Link has chosen A
21:00
gradual approach, which could be a prudent decision given the
21:03
sensitive nature of brain implants in the required FDA
21:08
oversight. From what we've gathered,
21:10
interested candidates can sign up through a patient registry on
21:13
Neural Links website, providing them a chance to be part of this
21:16
experimental and potentially life altering technology.
21:20
Now, this announcement also puts neural link in the limelight, is
21:24
a forerunner in the brain computer interface arena.
21:27
And despite the controversy surrounding animal testing and
21:29
the death of a monkey earlier this year, the transition to
21:33
human trials could be a pivotal moment for both the company and
21:37
the field of biotechnology. And while the initial goal is
21:40
somewhat modest, enabling individuals to control a
21:42
computer cursor or a keyboard, what we're looking at here could
21:46
be the cornerstone of something much larger.
21:48
And the technology has the potential to help us better
21:51
understand the human brain and possibly provide breakthroughs
21:55
and treating neurological disorders, among other
21:59
applications. Though Neuralink has been in the
22:02
works for approximately 5 years, it's experiments so far have
22:05
been limited to animal testing and these experiments have not
22:09
been without controversy. In 2022, one of the test monkeys
22:12
died during project testing, leading to increase scrutiny of
22:17
Neuralink's practices. And Elon Musk's inspiration for
22:21
Neuralink, as reported in a book by Walter Isaacson, comes from
22:25
science fiction writers like Lane Banks.
22:27
There isn't this for a neural lace technology that allows for
22:31
seamless brain machine interaction.
22:34
Now last May, the company announced FDA clearance for its
22:37
human clinical trials and approval confirmed by the FDA.
22:41
Now additionally, Neural Link raised $280 million in funding
22:46
round led by the Founders Fund, and Neural Link didn't have an
22:50
easy time getting approval for human testing.
22:52
Though the FDA initially rejected Neural Links request in
22:55
2022 due to concerns about implant migration and potential
23:00
brain tissue damage, and despite previous announcements, it was
23:04
only this year that they obtained the green light for
23:06
trials after addressing many of the FD A's concerns.
23:10
However, internal voices within Neural Link have raised concerns
23:14
that the company is hurrying its technology to market, which they
23:18
argue has resulted in negligent animal testing in even a federal
23:22
investigation. Now ethical questions loom
23:25
large, especially when it comes to the treatment of test
23:28
animals. An advocacy group for ethical
23:31
science research, the Physicians Committee for Responsible
23:34
Medicine, has called for an SEC investigation into Elon Musk for
23:39
possible securities fraud related to his claims about the
23:43
safety of neuro links. Animal trials.
23:45
Publicly disclosed health records of the test monkey
23:48
showed significant health issues post implant, including
23:51
infections, brain swelling, and more.
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Furthermore, Musk's claimed that the monkeys were close to death
23:57
have been criticized as misleading or even blatantly
24:00
false. While the technology is
24:02
captivating, Nerlink has a long journey ahead filled with
24:05
challenges. From securing additional FDA
24:08
approvals to addressing ethical concerns, the path isn't
24:11
straightforward. Other companies like Synchron
24:14
and have already implanted devices into the human brain,
24:17
showing that Neuralink is not alone in this high stakes race.
24:21
The future of brain computer interfaces is slowly
24:24
materializing, but it remains a complex and sensitive area that
24:28
demands the utmost caution. Jason Schein, Tesla's Director
24:32
of Manufacturing at the facility, has recently shared
24:35
numbers that are simply staggering, and by the end of
24:38
last year, Tesla had over 12,000 employees working at
24:42
Gigafactory, Texas, and the current count for this year
24:45
exceeds 20,000. Now the grand vision.
24:50
Tesla aims to employ 60,000 people by the time it fully
24:55
scales cyber truck production at this factory.
24:58
As the second largest corporate employer in Central Texas, Tesla
25:02
is quickly changing the employment dynamics of the
25:05
region. But the company isn't stopping
25:07
at 20,000 employees, and according to Sean, Tesla is
25:11
preparing to scale up to 60,000 workers at Giga, Texas.
25:15
Now, this goal not only aims to make Tesla the largest employer
25:19
in the area, but also calls for infrastructure adjustments, such
25:22
as constructing a massive parking garage to accommodate
25:26
the increased head count. Now, second only to local
25:29
grocery chain HEB, Tesla's workforce expansion is more than
25:34
just a series of hiring sprees. It's a signal of a major
25:38
economic shift in a boost to the local job market, promising to
25:42
reshape not just Tesla but the region's economic foundation.
25:46
This won't just be another factory.
25:48
It's a transformative project that brings along a myriad of
25:52
opportunities and challenges. Now, Jason's insight at the
25:56
State of Manufacturing conference at a layer of
25:59
official confirmation to the speculation about Tesla's
26:01
employment strategy. This gives us a factual base to
26:05
understand Tesla's unfolding plans, adding credibility to the
26:08
numbers that were previously either rumored or under tight
26:12
wraps. But Gigafactory, Texas is not
26:15
merely an assembly line for Tesla's electric vehicles.
26:18
The factory has been conceived as a multifaceted facility that
26:23
also focuses on developing battery cells and cathode
26:25
material and a typical Tesla fashion.
26:28
The company is integrating several aspects of manufacturing
26:32
that are usually spread across multiple factories.
26:35
By producing 375,000 cyber trucks annually and serving as
26:39
the production base for Tesla's neck Gen. vehicles, the factory
26:43
is set to become more than just a part of the automaker's global
26:46
network. That's an ecosystem in itself,
26:49
manufacturing several vital components and driving units in
26:52
addition to the electric vehicles.
26:55
Now the complexity and scale of the operations here add an
26:57
entirely new dimension to what we know Tesla can achieve.
27:01
Let's not forget, these products will also contribute to Tesla's
27:05
eventual employee count Once the factory reaches full production
27:08
capacity. It's reasonable to expect that
27:11
the 60,000 employees will be involved in a multitude of tasks
27:15
ranging from vehicle assembly to battery production and more.
27:19
Now, Jason gave us a look into Tesla's ambitious plans for the
27:22
Cyber Truck, the electric pickup truck that's been the subject of
27:26
rampant speculation. With two million reservations
27:29
already secured, the anticipation is palpable.
27:32
However, Tesla has yet to disclose specific production
27:35
numbers, ending a layer of mystery to the entire of air.
27:39
And while Tesla's Fremont factory is said to be manually
27:42
producing the Cyber Truck, the series production hasn't begun A
27:45
Gigafactory Texas yet. The anticipation is so high that
27:50
some industry experts think that Tesla could be producing the
27:54
Cyber Truck for years to come based solely on the current
27:58
reservation numbers. But it's not just about Cyber
28:01
Truck. The Giga, Texas factory is also
28:04
expected to increase its output of the Model Y, adding another
28:08
layer of complexity to the factory's operations.
28:12
Now, Tesla isn't just growing in terms of employees and product
28:15
lines, though. Infrastructure is an equally
28:17
crucial element to the equation. And according to Tesla, one of
28:21
the most pressing challenges has been accommodating the swell of
28:24
employees arriving from diverse locations.
28:27
With the current workforce often traveling from various parts of
28:30
Central Texas and even as far as Houston, parking has become a
28:34
critical issue. And to address this, Tesla is
28:37
building a large parking garage near the factory.
28:40
Notably, Tesla isn't just addressing immediate concerns,
28:44
but is also working on longterm infrastructure plans.
28:48
The vertical integration with the factory implies that
28:51
components typically outsourced by other car makers will be
28:54
produced in house at Giga, Texas by Tesla.
28:59
Now, this high level of onsite manufacturing complicates the
29:02
facilities needs, requiring dedicated spaces and utilities
29:06
for various types of production. But it doesn't stop there.
29:09
Tesla is also contemplating adding a battery recycling
29:12
facility and a cathode factory adjacent to the main plant.
29:17
This reflects Elon Musk's broader vision for Tesla,
29:20
wherein the copy not only leads in electric vehicle
29:23
manufacturing, but also pioneers in sustainable practices and
29:27
circular economy. Based on the current scale and
29:30
the impending upgrades, it's not farfetched to say the
29:33
Gigafactory Texas could soon surpass Texas Fremont factory as
29:38
the largest car plant in North America.
29:41
Especially as Tesla prepares to launch the Cyber Truck and the
29:44
upgrades to the Model Y production line are completed,
29:47
we can expect the Austin Gigafactory to take a preeminent
29:51
role in Tesla's global operations.
29:54
Now, thank you for tuning into this episode of the Elon Musk
29:57
Podcast today. These developments in
29:59
Gigafactory, Texas highlight just how Tesla continues to push
30:03
the boundaries, impacting both the automotive industry and
30:06
local economies. And if you found this episode
30:09
helpful, don't forget to hit the subscriber.
30:11
The follow up button on your podcast platform that you're
30:14
listening on right now. It's free, takes only a second,
30:17
and until next time, keep questioning the status quo and
30:21
please take care of yourselves and each other.
30:23
I'll see you in the next one.