Brain-computer interfaces
A Brain-computer interface or (BCI) is a direct communications link between a brain and a computer. BCIs have been proposed as a means by which a superintelligence could be created. Present developments of BCIs consists only of aiding those with disabilities, developing prostheses such as robotic arms, cochlear and retinal implants. There is no significant technical difference between restoring normal functionality and enhanced functionality, however. Developing BCIs is a task which is aided enormously by the neuroplasticity of the brain.
Although many previously foreseen uses of BCIs are provided today by indirect computer links, many innovative possibilities remain, a short list of which follows: new sensory modules, direct communication including perfect coordination, knowledge and memory transfer, computer aided calculation, planning, research, debate, memory, neurochemical control, and even possibly neuronal editing. It is also possible that the development of BCIs could lead to a dystopia with actual mind control. A BCI might also permit the transfer of a human mind onto a digital substrate, permitting immortality and all the possibilities whole brain emulation implies.
External Links
- ThinkTech A blog dedicated to BCI developements
- Paralyzed patient controls robot arm using BCI Article from KurzweilAI
- Demonstration of paralyzed patient using robot arm from Nature Magazine YouTube
- Demonstration of a blind patient with a Retinal Implant reading from Discovery Magazine YouTube
- Achieving the Singularity with Brain-computer interfaces by Vernor Vinge
- Beyond Boundaries by Miguel Nicolelis on Amazon.
- A Framework for approaches to transfer the Mind's Substrate by Sim Bamford
