Will 2020 be the year of Neurotechnology?
A few years ago, I remember someone asking on Quora what was going to be the next mainstream technology after AI technologies. I answered without hesitation Neurotechnology.
Back then (October 2017) this is what I wrote:
After bringing artificial intelligence to levels comparable to human intelligence, the next step will be to bring these two different forms of intelligence together. Already today it is proven that the results of a human-machine collaboration in this sense are better than those obtained by each of these two intelligences taken individually. Consequently, the next technology that we will hear more and more about is that which deals with increasing the capacity of our brain through stimulation, implants and much more: neurotechnology. Brain Stimulation, Brain — Compuer interface and, in general, tools that increase the capacity of our brain, up to the human-machine fusion prefigured by Elon Musk who, in the meantime, created the neural link to work in the sector. According to Musk, this will be the only way for humans to continue interacting in a world dominated by artificial intelligence. There are several technologies under study, some are invasive through implants, others stimulate the brain through special helmets. What is certain is that our brain, after centuries of stability in size, weight and capacity, could be facing a new evolution through these technologies.
In mid December I was in London and I photographed many new gadgets sold in the shops for neuro stimulation and I thought it was a very strong confirmation of the weak signals I detected then. In this case these are relaxing and focusing tools, not “mind-reading/controlling” tools but they are the first step toward that kind of tech.
Today I also came across this article explaining how many companies are trying to create neurotech for everyone at an accessible price (no implant needed!).
So here we are: neurotech is coming and we probably need to talk about it right now for many different reasons as we are going out of the health care system and talking about enhancements and other uses that have nothing to do with health.
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Here is a brief list but you can comment and help me add new points!
- Data and Privacy: what kind of data and information is this kind of technologie collecting and treating? What will be the value of these data? Who is the owner? Many researchers are trying to understand how we make economic or commercial decisions, others are trying to understand how the brain behaves when we lie … where is the privacy line here?
- What about uses in learning activities? Would we want them? How sould they work?
- In the USA there are already a few cases of use of medical data about the brain in order to justify specific behaviors (for example a brain tumor) as they could have been altering the capacity of thinking of the defendant. How realiable are these data?
- Many tests are undergoing in modification and enhancement in the performance of the brain for pilots, soldiers both throught chemical and engeenering tools.
- There are many possible ethical concerns here. First of all if it’s an implant we should ask ourselves if there are any risks related. It would be probably something similar to cosmetic surgery in terms of principles, but we should start thining about it.
- Second, there is a concern about price / performance: could it become a means for social division?
- Third: can it be considered doping? For example should I be able to use something boosting my attention of cognitive performance at a prize competition on TV or playing chess?
- Also, thinking ahead:how much is my thought and the company behind the tool thought? How do I manage intellectual property?
Are we ready for the neurotech revolution?
Originally published at https://www.linkedin.com.
