The 1010 neurons of our brain use pulse-coded patterns to command our muscles, allowing thoughts to become actions. Emerging brain computer interfaces can replace damaged neural pathways by sensing and decoding intentions, to connect the human brain directly to the outside world as an aid for those with paralysis. Despite being unable to move, initial human participants can control computers and robots by thinking about movement. By merging mind and machine we can repair neural damage, but this advance raises questions about the boundaries between our mind and the in silico world.