In March, Elon Musk announced an ambitious project to merge people and machines using a neurocomputer interface called Neuralink. We talked about this in detail. The technology will take the form of a "neural lace" injected into the brain - from a grid of electrodes - that will complement the human brain, add another layer to the cortex and the limbic system that can communicate with a computer (that is, make us literally cyborgs). In theory, all of this will lead to the creation of an updatable and improveable interface that can be used in completely different ways. For instance:
Control computers with the power of thought
Brains and technology work using the same vectors: electricity and data. The Neural Lace Mask will be a system that will enable them to communicate directly with each other. Philip Alvelda, Program Manager for Neural Engineering System Design, says: “The best modern brain-computer interface systems are like two supercomputers trying to communicate with each other using an old modem. Imagine what will happen when we improve our tools. Applications will range from remote technology-assisted operations to completely intangible and voiceless computer operations. Scientists from Korea have already used NCI to control turtles.
Refreshing consciousness or connecting with someone else
Musk's idea could simultaneously initiate and control brain activity. This technology does not have to be a one-way communication flow, it can both send messages and create information in the brain. The high-bandwidth interface can wirelessly transfer information to the cloud, to computers, or even directly to the brains of other people with a similar interface in their heads. There is also the option of downloading content to expand your consciousness, much like Neo taught kung fu in The Matrix. Although the initial tests of improving intelligence were not particularly successful, if the brain and the computer speak the same language, computers can transmit information to the brain. These technologies are currently being used to allow paralyzed people to communicate with the world,but their potential application is not limited to this.
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Bionic limbs that are indistinguishable from real ones
As part of this two-way communication flow, robotic limbs can transmit fleshy messages by being connected to existing neural structures. Instead of forcing the brain to learn to use a new part of the nervous system, robotic limbs could be easily and quickly integrated into the system. This could revolutionize prosthetic limbs for the disabled, as well as encourage people to ditch their biological arms in favor of mechanical superlimbs. Who knows?
Emotionally knowledgeable technology
As computers and brains learn to speak the same language, emotions could be read as data using electrodes. Human perception of technology will shift from simple awareness to full understanding. Assistant robots will be able to adapt to your emotional state, and not just respond to commands. Emotional metadata will also be embedded in photos and videos, which means you can feel other people's feelings while watching.
Next generation adaptable games
Games have one problem: if you play them again, they quickly get bored; people adapt, improve, they are limited by program narratives. NCIs can improve this situation by making games responsive to how your brain feels so that they are always one step ahead and almost limitless. This will be especially applicable in the genre of horror stories, when the enemy appears at the moment when you least expect to meet him.
Of course, these are just a few examples. One thing is for sure: the world will never be the same. The only question is when will it happen?
ILYA KHEL