Plugging in your brain into a computer might no longer just be science fiction soon.
Tesla founder and Chief Executive Elon Musk has launched a company called Neuralink through which computers could merge with human brains, the Wall Street Journal reported.
Musk has not made an official announcement yet, but Neuralink was registered in California as a “medical research” company last July, and he plans on funding the company mostly by himself.
What will it do?
Neuralink is pursuing what Musk calls the “neural lace” technology to allow people to communicate directly with machines without going through a physical interface.
The company will be centered on creating tiny electrodes that can be implanted in the human brain so people could upload or download their thoughts to or from a computer.
What is the idea behind it?
Musk first talked about this concept last year at Vox Media’s Code Conference in Southern California where he argued that humans will be left behind given the leaps and advances in the field of Artificial Intelligence.
His solution? “A third, digital layer of intelligence to human brains that could work well and symbiotically with the rest of your body”, he said.
When asked if he was willing to work on this technology himself, he answered, ”Somebody’s gotta do it”.
Why is it important?
Musk feels linking supercharging our brains would help us keep pace with advancements in artificial intelligence, so that we don’t lag behind.
Also these enhancements could improve memory or allow for more direct interfacing with computing device and help achieve us higher levels of cognitive function. Neuralink’s first products could involve using implants to treat disorders like epilepsy or major depression, the WSJ report says .
It’s not the first such venture though
When Musk remarked that ‘Somebody’s gotta do it’, there are actually others working on similar concepts.
In October last year, entrepreneur Bryan Johnson, invested $100 million into a company called Kernel aimed at developing brain implants to enhance intelligence.
Not just that, he claimed that such a technology could combat neurological damage which could help patients dealing with Alzheimer’s, dementia and concussions and improve their memory and cognitive function.
Scientists and researchers also believe that with an unimaginable potential, AI can revolutionise healthcare and both Musk’s and Kernel’s devices aspire to do the same. Though these futuristic medical devices are years in the making, but if they deliver what they have promised, it will certainly be worth the wait.
(Feature Image Source: Reuters)