Elon Musk’s ‘Neuralink’ aims at connecting human brains with computers
Hey, hold on to that thought of yours, as we could be very soon be uploading and downloading our thoughts on a computer. Confused?
Tesla and SpaceX founder Elon Musk has launched a new neuroscience company called “Neuralink Corp.”, which seeks to merge computers with human brains, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
The ultimate goal to use this technology is to enhance memory function and provide more direct interaction between human and computer interfaces or give humans added artificial intelligence.
The new company is focusing on what Musk calls “neural lace” technology, wherein tiny electrodes would be implanted into the brain which in turn would manage functions like memory, with the eventual possibility of uploading and downloading thoughts.
For those unfamiliar, neural lace is a super-thin mesh-like material that can be injected into the skull. The lace serves as a collection of electrodes that can monitor brain activity, strengthen brain function and even offer treatment for brain disorders.
Although an official announcement regarding the Neuralink company has yet to be made by Musk, it was registered as a “medical research” firm in California last July.
Musk, whose name is also associated with ambitious projects in space and electric cars, will be financing the Neuralink mostly by himself which could include capital borrowed from other ventures of his.
The company is still in its initial stages and it’s still unclear what products it intends to come out with. However, according to WSJ, Neuralink’s first products could involve using implants to treat disorders like epilepsy or major depression.
Musk confirmed that more details regarding the company will be available in the coming weeks. “It’s a really extremely cool company and I can’t wait to tell you about it. I was given the lowdown about it earlier this month and have been rapid-fire learning ever since. Turns out the brain is obnoxiously not simple.”
In addition to SpaceX and Telsa, Musk has also co-founded OpenAI, a non-profit organisation, whose mission is to advance “digital intelligence in the way that is most likely to benefit humanity as a whole.”
