The 'revolutionary' device that experts warn could be used for 'mind control'

A Perth company has invented a device that can boost the speed of brain function, but its creators warn if abused the technology could potentially be used for mind control.

Sound like one of your favourite science-fiction films?

The new invention is being being touted as a "revolutionary" device for learning and performing complex tasks.

The technology has the capacity to boost the speed at which the brain functions by 20 per cent.

But if twisted, it also has the ability to turn against you.

It reads the brain's electrical signals, identifies where those signals need a boost, and increases them by jolting the brain with an electrical current roughly equivalent in power to an electric toothbrush.

Its creators say it makes the brain work faster, and could be useful for a range of professions that require quick thinking and concentration.

A prototype of the Edge V One has been developed by HUMM Tech, a startup with roots at the University of Western Australia.

“This is really the beginning of the revolution,” co-founder and CEO Iain McIntyre told 7 News.

“What we're doing is artificially connecting parts of the brain and letting those parts of the brain talk to each other better.

“Instead of needing to type on your phone, your brain can send the word to the person you want to message."

It's been described as upgrading the speed of your brain from the old dial-up internet to a 4G network.

But if the benefits are real, so are the risks.

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SpaceX Founder Elon Musk is working on developing similar technology, and so is Facebook.

Interfacing the brain directly with technology is the goal for the not-too-distant future.

Co-founder Dr Tim Fiori said the technology worked by artificially connecting parts of the brain and "letting them talk to each other better ... So we can go in and turn those up and improve how he's thinking."

Asked if the process was a form of mind control, the scientist agreed it was "kind of [like] mind control.”

Mr McIntyre agreed hacking the brain may be possible if the technology was abused.

The Edge V One will go on sale via the Kickstarter website later this year.