Next X-Prize — $10M For a Brain-Computer Interface

The first X-Prize was about reaching space. Now, reader destinyland writes "This time it's inner space, as Peter Diamandis holds a workshop at MIT discussing a $10 million X-Prize for building a brain-computer interface. This article includes video of Ray Kurzweil's 36-minute presentation, 'Merging the Human Brain with Its Creations,' and MIT synthetic neuroscientist Ed Boyden also made a presentation, followed by discussion groups about Input/Output, Control, Sensory, and Learning. Besides the ability to communicate by thought, the article argues, a Brain-Computer Interface X Prize 'will reward nothing less than a team that provides vision to the blind, new bodies to disabled people, and perhaps even a geographical 'sixth sense' akin to a GPS iPhone app in the brain.'"

Re:This will be one of the shorter X-Prize contest

[suso]

It also might not take millions of dollars to do. This could potentially be solved by someone in their garage.

Depressing

[symes]

But if we pipe the internet directly into the brain will this make us even more depressed?

Re:communicate from dreams

[kiehlster]

Personally, I'd prefer an interface from the subconscious to the outside world. Then you can do your work without even thinking about it.

Re:communicate from dreams

[SerpensV]

Try this: http://xkcd.com/269/ [xkcd.com] Apart from that, I've heard about experiments where vertical or horizontal eye movement was used to comunucate yes/no signals from the sleepers to the outside world.

Re:This will be one of the shorter X-Prize contest

[snowraver1]

FIDO! Here boy! Daddy's got a surprise for you...

Re:Virtual telekinesis and telepathy

[Anonymous Coward]

We're sorry but the memory you are trying to access has been removed due to a copyright claim by the MPAA.

Re:This will be one of the shorter X-Prize contest

[nedlohs]

That's a strange name to give a child...

Re:This will be one of the shorter X-Prize contest

[maxwell demon]

I agree. Especially since most slashdoters already have their DIY lobotomy kits.

What did you think where all those First Posters and goatse linkers come from?

Re:This will be one of the shorter X-Prize contest

[RealErmine]

THINK ABOUT YOUR BREATHING
YOU ARE NOW BREATHING MANUALLY

Oh no! Now what do I do? How do I know that once I stop thinking about breathing that it will continue? Oh, cruel Fate! Must not get distracted...

Re:This will be one of the shorter X-Prize contest

[Cigarra]

US$ 500k? You've got to outsource that ASAP!

I might do that on purpose!

[GameboyRMH]

Think of the possibilities! You could re-watch your favorite anime minus the filler episodes, then watch them after and you'll think of them as bonus content! You could re-watch the Matrix without the sequels! You could write a short summary of the Lost storyline on the back of a napkin, print out some pics of Kate, then delete your entire memory of the series and take in the good bits ALL AT ONCE!

Oh! Oh! You could re-watch Star Wars with the prequels first, so that when you see episodes 4-6 you'll be like FUCK YEAH NOW IT'S GETTIN' GOOD!

Re:Virtual telekinesis and telepathy

[Chris Burke]

Yay for virtual telekinesis

My girlfriend already has telekinesis. All she has to do is visualize what she wants moved, express that desire verbally, and then I got move it for her, all without the power of her mind!