Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk has set his sight on an ambitious project that will aim to link the human brain with computers. According to a report published in The Wall Street Journal, the billionare has launched a brain-computer interface venture called Neuralink.
The firm, which is yet to start operations, will create a device that can create a link between artificial intelligence and the human brain.
Musk, who has at multiple times expressed fear that AI will, one day, overtake us and leave us as second class citizens, wants to help human beings merge with software and keep pace with advancements in artificial intelligence.
‘Neural Lace’ Technology
As per the report, Neuralink, which was registered as a medical research company in California last July, is developing "neural lace" technology that would allow humans to communicate directly with machines without going through a physical interface.
"Neural lace" technology involves implanting tiny brain electrodes that may one day upload and download thoughts, the Journal reported.
Musk, over the past couple of months, has increasingly hinted about working towards such a project.
Speaking in Dubai, Musk said:
Over time I think we will probably see a closer merger of biological intelligence and digital intelligence. It’s mostly about the bandwidth, the speed of the connection between your brain and the digital version of yourself, particularly output.
Neuralink's first use could involve using implants to treat disorders like epilepsy or major depression, and repair our cognitive abilities – helping us combat neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s, ALS and Parkinson’s.
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