Lauren Goode: Yes, I think it will be really good.
Michael Heat: Yes.
Lauren Goode: And also means that Katie still has time for wired, which is another thing that she does from the side.
Michael Heat: I thought you would say running 9 miles a day.
Lauren Goode: That’s too. She also runs, runs, runs. But yes, no, here we, only you and me in the office in San Francisco dealing with fog. At this time of year it is very vague. People don’t think they think about California, but it is so. Is it just me and you?
Michael Heat: No, we have a guest. We have Emily Mullen in the series.
Lauren Goode: You’re kidding.
Michael Heat: No, we’ll bring her in a moment.
Lauren Goode: Let’s do it.
Michael Heat: This is Wired Uncanny ValleyProgram about people, power and impact of the Silicon Valley. Today we are talking about interfaces with brain computers. They are also known as brain-mascin interfaces or simply BCIS. But although you call them, these are quite amazing systems that allow direct communication between the brain and a digital device, such as a computer or telephone. People who had surgically implanted by BCI can employ their thoughts as commands so that the machines perform various tasks. Currently, a race is underway in the Silicon Valley to build a model that will stand out from the rest. And among the leaders are Elona Muska’s neuralk and a startup with Fresh York called Synchron. We will immerse why competition is heating between these two companies and what promises and restrictions they are behind this futuristic technology. I am Michael Calore, director of consumer technology and culture here in Wired.
Lauren Goode: I am Lauren Goode. I am a senior correspondent Wired.
Michael Heat: Today we are positively spoiled to have a guest in a series who has reported widely on interfaces with brain computers. Emily Mullin from Wired.
Emily Mullin: Hi.
Lauren Goode: Emily, do you already have a brain implant?
Emily Mullin: No, no.
Lauren Goode: Well, really, how are you involved in this piece?
Emily Mullin: I don’t want a brain implant. No, thank you
Michael Heat: Before we immerse ourselves in BCIS, I would like to know what the first thing is that comes to mind when you think about brain interactions, Lauren? I mean, for example, RobocopThe original Paul Verhoeven from 1987, where it is only Robocop, are only his head and torso, and then his limbs, and all his running and walking are controlled by a computer that is implanted in his brain.
Lauren Goode: I’ve never seen Robocop.
Michael Heat: Oh, it’s such a good movie.
Lauren Goode: So I can’t comment on it. What do I think about, what I think about? Well, this is much more novices, but I think about all those promises that are made around AI and healthcare and I wonder if AI ends with the tissue between all that makes it profitable. I would never like one of them, because it seems to me like technology based on your needs, not something that you should simply drill a hole in the brain and for fun. But if you get to the point where you need it, I hope that technology is in place to assist you live aspects of life that you would not be able to live otherwise.