On Mar. 28, Elon Musk took to Twitter to reveal the preparation of his newest company, known as Neuralink. This new innovation could potentially wirelessly merge the human brain with computers through the implantation of electrodes in the brain. Such a link between artificial intelligence (AI) and human intelligence could improve memory and enhance cognition.

Musk’s approach to combine man and machine is proposed through the creation of a new piece of technology called neural lace. This device is implanted into the brain, giving it the ability to directly interact and collaborate with gadgets. Neural lace will form a symbiotic relationship with the brain. In addition, this new implant in the brain can lead to advanced treatments for neurological disorders. The implantation will not require surgery; instead, it will be accomplished by using arteries and veins as they lead to all neurons.

The attempt to unite AI with the human brain brings about social issues. Musk’s name is tied to many companies, such as SpaceX and Tesla. It’s not a surprise that he would continue this trend of advancing in technology. Before his creation of Neuralink, Musk feared AI, saying it is “potentially more dangerous than nukes”. Musk believes that humans will eventually fall behind in the race to earthly dominance unless they are equipped with AI from machines. He also finds it necessary that humans remain at the top of the food chain. If this is true, who will be able to afford neural lace when humans become obsolete? The social inequality between the rich, the middle class, and the poor seems to have an immense toll for the future. Dustin McKissen, the CEO of the strategy firm McKissen + Company, wrote to CNBC saying, “In other words, not only do the rich seem to get richer—they may get the benefit of having a computer-enhanced brain.” McKissen warns of how this social inequality can have a negative effect on Musk’s neural lace, given that this invention won’t be privileged to the whole human race.

As of now, the company Neuralink is registered as a medical research organization. Its primary goal is to link the human brain with technology without the use of an interface so that the human brain can be augmented. This in turn will provide data about certain neurological diseases, including Alzheimer’s and epilepsy.