BCIs: Futures of Cognition, Economy, and Humanity

Mar 13, 2023

2:30pm – 3:30pm CT

Recording: BCIs: Futures of Cognition, Economy, and Humanity, Mar 13, 2023

A 12-second flight kicked off what would lead to a moonwalk 66 years later. Has the world of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) experienced its Kitty Hawk? Across academia and industry, the capacity to decode neural data and control a device with thought improves exponentially. BCI has already restored movement in those who have lost it. Now, it promises unprecedented restoration of agency to people living with neurological injuries and disease states. The ability to measure and alter brain function also demands a discussion of neuroethical and societal implications. Will a tension emerge between effective altruists and capitalists, or will long-term incentives align? The potential to augment cognition, understand the nature of consciousness, and to improve the retrieval of memories is dizzying.

Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.

photo of Ian Burkhart
Ian Burkhart

BCI Pioneers Coalition

photo of Evan Coopersmith
photo of Katherine Jones
Katherine Jones

Re.mind Capital

photo of Sumner Norman
Sumner Norman

AE Studio

Primary Access
Platinum Badge
Interactive Badge
Secondary Access
Music Badge
Film & TV Badge
Accessibility
Interpreted (ASL)
Closed Captioned