Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has launched a startup called Neuralink which will work to merge computer with human brain via “neural lace” technology, according to Wall Street Journal.
The firm will be pursuing to build neural lace technology that could be implanted in human brain that could one day upload and download thoughts.
Scientists define neural lace as a mesh that can merge into brain to create a wireless brain-computer interface, and which is capable of growing around the brain cells.
Musk had hinted onto his plans of merging the two—human and machine—to become a sort of 'cyborg', at the World Government Summit in Dubai, last month. “Over time I think we will probably see a closer merger of biological intelligence and digital intelligence,” reported CNBC. “It's mostly about the bandwidth, the speed of the connection between your brain and the digital version of yourself, particularly output,” he added.
The idea of incorporating machine into human brain came from ‘intimidating’ popularity of artificial intelligence. During his address to the audience at the summit he described AI as “smarter than the smarter human” on earth and called it a “dangerous situation.”
The researchers, who tested the “neural lace” technology on mice, say it is beneficial for monitoring brain activities, treatment for degenerative disorders like Parkinson’s, and enhancing brain capabilities. However, its injection into a human brain will be to allow a direct interfacing with machines and overcoming the “threats of AI.”
Musk has not made an official announcement, but Neuralink was registered in California as a "medical research" company last July, and he plans on funding the company mostly by himself, a person briefed on the plans told the Journal.
It is unclear what sorts of products Neuralink might create, but people who have had discussions with the company describe a strategy similar to space launch company SpaceX and Tesla, the Journal report said.
