Elon Musk has warned that AI and in particular a digital superintelligent AI might render humanity extinct. We should therefore proceed very carefully in the development of AI systems. One of the solutions for the AI control problem proposed by Elon Musk, is the integration of AI with the human brain through a brain-computer interface. That is one of the reasons why he founded Neuralink, a company focused on the development of implantable brain–machine interfaces. This technology involves a module placed outside the head that wirelessly receives information from thin flexible electrode threads embedded in the brain. The threads will be embedded by a robotic apparatus, with the intention to avoid damaging blood vessels. He has claimed that in principle Nauralink’s BMI will be able to fix anything that’s wrong with the brain. Musk also hopes future iteration of the Neuralink device will offer symbiosis with artificial intelligence. That way we could merge with machines and hopefully avoid a possible digital apocalypse.
Neuralink’s BMI technology might be able to overcome the biological limits of our minds and could even expand our intelligence. The symbiosis between AI and humans, may greatly benefit our species. It may also help humanity to expand out into space. In spite of these possibilities. Musk said that he sees the creation of digital superintelligences as a great risk to the existence of humanity, but he also thinks that we must nevertheless pursue its development.
This is the first part of a 3 part series about the potential of Elon Musk’s Neuralink which may offer us symbiosis with AI.