NEURALINK received U.S. Patent No. 12,690,877 B2 on July 28th for automatic craniotomy and bonework via milling, force sensing, and impedance sensing. The system uses a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) milling machine with a high-speed spindle (typically 60,000+ rpm) and an end mill. A bio-impedance circuit sends current through the end mill to a return contact on the patient. Impedance drops as the tool advances through denser bone layers into softer dura. An axial force sensor (shear beam load cell) simultaneously measures resistance. A drop to 80–90% of the maximum force recorded during the cut signals breakthrough of the inner cortical table. The controller compares live sensor data against stored values (from prior scans, historical data, or real-time maxima) and stops or retracts the end mill when either signal indicates the desired depth. Pre-operative CT scans and an optical assembly assist positioning and depth planning. Inventors are John M. Harris, Dalton James Colen, Graydon J. Wilson, and Jamie N. Delton. More Elon Musk companies news in today's EC below!