Sam Altman's Next Venture: Unlocking the Mind with Sound Waves
The Future of Brain-Computer Interfaces: A Controversial Approach
Sam Altman, the visionary entrepreneur behind OpenAI and the ChatGPT chatbot, is once again making headlines with his latest startup, Merge Labs. This time, Altman is aiming to revolutionize brain-computer interfaces (BCI) by harnessing the power of sound waves, a bold move that could either be a game-changer or spark heated debates in the tech world.
In a recent development, Altman has recruited Mikhail Shapiro, an award-winning biomolecular engineer, to lead the charge at Merge Labs. Shapiro's expertise lies in non-invasive neural imaging and control, and his lab at Caltech has made significant strides in this field. The goal? To create a BCI that doesn't require invasive procedures like open-skull surgery, a common practice in Neuralink's approach.
Shapiro's hiring is a strategic move, as it hints at Altman's vision for Merge Labs. In a recent talk, Shapiro discussed the potential of using sound waves and magnetic fields to create a BCI. Instead of implanting electrodes, he proposes introducing genes into cells to modify them, making them responsive to ultrasound. This method, he believes, could be less invasive and more accessible.
Altman's dislike for Neuralink's invasive approach is well-known. At a press dinner, he expressed his preference for a read-only BCI, where thoughts are directly linked to external systems without harming neurons. This sentiment aligns with Shapiro's mission to develop less invasive ways to interface with the brain and other body parts.
The upcoming announcement of Merge Labs has generated curiosity and speculation. While the details are still hazy, sources suggest that Altman will take on a more strategic role, similar to his involvement with Tools for Humanity, an eyeball-scanning startup. The question on everyone's mind is: Will Merge Labs succeed in unlocking the mind's potential with sound waves, or will it face challenges in the controversial realm of BCI technology?
