Neuralink, the secretive neurotechnology startup of Elon Musk, revealed threads that can directly link a human brain to a computer.
This development targets paraplegics to control computers via implantable devices in their brain. This potentially can improve how people communicate and think.
The revolutionary tech giant Mr. Musk emphasized that the chip will help "preserve and enhance your own brain" and "ultimately achieve a sort of symbiosis with artificial intelligence" in a conference in San Francisco.
Most of the entrepreneurs were revolutionary including online payments with PayPal, innovating the electric car industry through Tesla, and leading private space travel through SpaceX. However, the most innovative is that with Neuralink.
"The billionaire polymath founded the neurotechnology startup in order to put humans on a level with computers and ultimately counter what many perceive to be the existential risk posed by artificial intelligence," according to MSN.
"After solving a bunch of brain-related diseases... it will create a well-aligned future," he said.
His pet project has been in uttermost secrecy since it was founded in 2016. His goal then was to create an "ultra-high bandwidth" that will link a human brain to a computer. Musk believes that humans need to be at par with artificial intelligence's rapid advancements. He emphasizes that there is a possibility that machines will tend to look at humans the way humans perceive house pets.
He shared his ideas in a 2016 Tech Conference. Musk said, "I don't love the idea of being a house cat, but what's the solution? I think one of the solutions that seems maybe the best is to add an AI layer."
Neuralink plans to transcend current technologies that include enhancing human capabilities through technology, also known as transhumanism. The company plans to start clinical trials of this technology next year.
A robotic system that can implant threads into the brain has been developed by Neuralink. A tiny chip links the brain through the threads.
"The size of Neuralink's system makes it far smaller and less invasive than previous attempts at brain machine interfaces. The first applications will be to assist paraplegic people with using their smartphone or computer, though Neuralink president Max Hodak said patients will first need to learn how to use it," MSN reports.
"Imagine not having arms before and then suddenly having them and having to figure out how to use them," he said. "It's a long process, it's like learning to touch type or play the piano."
