It is a matter of time when brain cells will replace chips powering AI. Instead of mimicking the brain cells, why not use the real thing? Neurons can be produced abundantly in labs, and and the bio-processor so developed are energy efficient.
We are touching the idea of wetware. It is the neural substrate that processes thought, imagination and decision making. We already know about hardware and software and added to this is the biological component making it a computer triad.
Wetware occurs in brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). The signals from neural activity are converted into machine-readable commands. A prosthetic limb uses the same procedure when it is controlled by mind. BCI changes the paradigm in respect of health, communication and mobility. In an integrated computing network, wetware emerges as a node. Hybrid architectures will soon process information in real time.
Certain issues will arise. Who owns the neural data? Mental privacy merits attention, as the data privacy does. There could be neural hacking, and the issue of bio-cybersecurity raises its head. There could be surveillance and alteration of brain cells. Governments will have to consider neuro-security. And they must also spell out neural rights.
The other working systems in the society will have to undergo changes to remain relevant. There could be legal issues of consent to mental monitoring. The focus will shift to next level of critical thinking, and the education system will have to respond accordingly. There would be roles for neuro engineers, bioinformation lawyers, cognitive ethicists and systems architects of a different kind.
Musk founded Neuralink in 2016 and has come out with implantable brain chip. It is an invasive approach. Synchron has a device implanted through blood vessels. These are advances helping people with paralysis or motor impairment.
Neurotech is the next field that could attract investment. OpenAI has set up Merge Labs, headed by biomolecular engineer Mikhail Shapiro.
This is an inflection point human mind is evolving into a programmable and networked entity. The difference between human cognition and machine computing is slowly disappearing. Thought circuitry and machine circuitry are merging.
Leave a Reply