HOW AI COULD BECOME AN EXTENSION OF YOUR MIND

Names:​ Marcos Vilela Rezende Júnior and Gustavo Valadares Castro

Since the computer was invented, we have been trying to reduce its size and make it more
powerful. Nowadays, with sufficient computational resources, scientists are trying to
automate certain tasks that would require human cognition. Certain tasks that were not
possible to execute on the computer, once we treated them as external devices that work for
us. Recently, scientists managed to take a step towards the integration between computer and
mind.
At TED, Arnav Kapur showed us his project, the AlterEgo. It is a device that give you the
experience of having an AI in your head, that you could talk to. Such device would enable us
to do online researches and even text each other without the need of a motor activity. It would
also mean that we could use this equipment to keep your memories and thoughts stored. And
finally, AlterEgo is able to help people that cannot communicate.
One of the things that stood out the most is that, as much as it looks like, the device is not
reading your mind. AlterEgo uses a technology that detects when you are talking to yourself,
not thinking (there is a difference and you know it). With this, when you use it, the sensation
is that you're talking to yourself, kinda like a Siri/Alexa, but inside your head.
This project shows just how much technology has evolved, and will continue to do so. A lot
can be achieved with this and other projects, for the better of humanity and the planet.