DARPA is in the early stages of developing a “cortical modem” which would enable a simple visual display via a direct interface to the visual cortex. Its projected cost is 10 US Dollars.
The project lead is Dr Phillip Alvelda. It was built on Karl Deisseroth‘s optogenetics research — studying and controlling specified cells within living tissue by shining light on them.
While exciting, the realization of the technology is far off, having only been tested on animals.
Wearable Tech + Digital Health NYC 2015 – June 30 @ New York Academy of Sciences