SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk has announced his Neuralink brain-machine interface is almost ready. Neuralink “direct cortical interface,” according to cavalier billionaire Musk, could allow humans to reach higher levels of cognition – and give mankind the ability to compete with the impending Artificial Intelligence (AI). But an expert has warned how Neuralink, and similar technology being built by the US military, has “potential for abuse”.

Elon Musk has repeatedly warned of a near-future reality where AI robots could one day rule.

Security will become an even more critical issue Steven Woo, fellow and distinguished inventor of Rambus

The SpaceX founder even described AI how could become “an immortal dictator from which we could never escape”. However his Neuralink project, which would see a needle-like device inserted into the subject’s skull could pose a similar threat. Steven Woo, fellow and distinguished inventor of Rambus, believes although Neuralink has the potential to do good, the risks are significant. He told Express.co.uk: “The human brain is both elegant and complex. READ MORE: Ancient stone tablet ‘PROVES’ Old Testament king WAS real

Neuralink: The US military is also examining “implanted, closed-loop neurotechnology

Neuralink: Elon Musk believes his tech will allow humans to reach higher levels of cognition

“It is capable of massively parallel computation and storing incredible amounts of data, all at extremely low power. “But the body is relatively slow in terms of its ability to move data between the brain and the outside world. “Neuralink offers the potential to move data ‘at the speed of thought’, breaking physical bottlenecks associated with our eyes, ears, hands, and mouths.” But while the possibilities are “mind-boggling”, there are some fundamental technology hurdles outside of Neuralink’s goals that will need to be addressed to make this a reality. Steven Woo said: “Security will become an even more critical issue. READ MORE: Yutu 2 rover snaps INCREDIBLE far side of the moon photos

“Security will have to be designed in from the start so that people will know, with certainty, that their brain is only connected to systems that they can trust, and that data sent to and from their brain is protected and trusted as well. “It goes without saying that the stakes, and the potential for abuse, are much higher as we transmit data both to and from the minds of users.” Tim Kilbride, of the Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) told Express.co.uk how the US military is also examining “implanted, closed-loop neurotechnology”. He said: “DARPA has been and continues to be the leader in this technology area. READ MORE: NASA Scientists on brink of time travel discovery?

Neuralink: Elon Musk's company and similar technology being built by DARPA could pose a risk

Neuralink The tech offers the potential to move data ‘at the speed of thought’