Neurotechnology and AI are two areas which have tremendous transformational capacity. During the GPAI Summit 2023, in a neurotechnology and AI session, Dr Mariagrazia, Chief of Executive Office, Social and Human Sciences Sector, UNESCO, moderated a discussion about neurotechnology and AI, its recent developments, opportunities and challenges. 

She also carried out a presentation about the report, 'Unveiling the Neurotechnology Landscape Scientific Advancements and Major Trends'. The recently published report speaks about the implications of convergence between neurotechnology and AI, popularly called neuro-AI. It analyzes the kinds of ongoing development, who is doing them, and their impact and ethical implications. During the session, her team presented their methodology and relevant report findings. 

The team noticed that an accelerating convergence exists between AI and neurotech. It creates various opportunities in healthcare, human-computer interaction and cognitive enhancement. However, there are growing concerns about mental integrity, human dignity, personal identity, freedom of thought, autonomy and privacy, potential for enhancement of purposes and accessibility.

The report, according to the presenters:

• Map out the scope and development in the neurotechnology-related neuroscience research landscape.
• Identify and quantify trends within neurotechnology-related patents.
• Establish a patent classification-based taxonomy for this complex multi-disciplinary technological field. 

After the presentation, the panelists dwelled on various aspects of neurotechnology and AI. The panelists include Dr Roman Jurowetzki, Associate Professor, Aalborg University, Business School; Dr Yukiyasu Kamitani, Graduate School of Informatics, Kyoto University; and Dr Lee Tiedrich.

What does AI bring to neurotechnology?

Deep learning is inspired by neuroscience. It allows the translation of deep learning and brain activity signals' internal signals. With recent innovations from AI, you can create images or sound and understand how the human brain processes real-world information. 

The combination of neurotech and AI is a real multiplier. The benefits it brings can unlock real potential. However, the unethical use of the technology can also multiply its ill effects. The scientific community will have to find a means to mitigate the harm. 

Advanced data collection and computing techniques are better for this converging tech. Brain data is very dynamic, and it understands behavior. Therefore, compared to other converging studies, neuro-AI stands separately.

Challenges and opportunities

There are numerous privacy and manipulative challenges due to neuro-AI. These technologies are very addictive. At the same time, the technology presents a wide range of benefits in healthcare. This sector creates an impact, from creating artificial limbs to aiding people with sleep apnea. 

Neuro-AI is going to be a next-generation information technology. It aids in superior brain construction, which is otherwise a time-consuming task.

Inequalities in converging tech

Scientists will soon be able to implant something in the human brain, and people may not be able to tell if the person is wearing any devices. However, this could only be affordable for wealthy masses, at least for some time, and this can contribute to a certain amount of inequality.

Similarly, there might be issues due to fairness as using these kinds of technology by company HRs might lead to workplace inequalities.