Introductory Interview: Mikey Siegal (04:30)

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A computer and robotics engineer, Siegal graduated from MIT and got a job, but felt he lacked perspective. Resigning, he went on a journey. At a retreat, he realized yoga and meditation techniques were technological forms, prompting his search for modern tools supporting human consciousness.

Chapter I: The Urge To Connect (05:42)

Bodyhacker Hannes Sjoblad sees the body as a platform for science and improvement. He discusses using chip implants to expand the sensory universe and the means of interacting with connected devices. Scientists discuss the evolutionary failures of humans and transformation as natural.

X Tech Conference (04:08)

Siegal attends the Experimental Technology and Expo Conference in San Francisco, where he finds current neuro technology, virtual reality, and clinical tools changing brain function. Neuroscientist David Putrino and Cognitive Scientist Susan Schneider discuss uploading consciousness to machines.

Chapter II: Animating Dead Matter (05:37)

Hugo de Garis quit his job as a professor of artificial intelligence, believing A.I would perceive humans as inessential. Robotics engineer Ben Goertzel explains how the technology is rapidly developing, and how people can guide its evolution.

Brain Interfacing (09:13)

Siegal believes we are entering the “Experience Age,” requiring a new generation of innovators. OpenBCI’s Joel Murphy and Conor Russomanno explain their EEG and EMG technologies that allow them to interface with a robotic hand and control a toy helicopter with brain waves.

Chapter III: Aligning Our Minds (05:52)

Neuroscientist Adam Gazzaley shows how real time brain activity data can be recorded to create personalized algorithms. Russomanno discusses using a cautious approach to advanced neurotechnologies while exploring how to connect our brains to the internet.

Enhancing Minds (05:36)

Siegal is wired into a neuroscientist friend’s invention; although verbal memory is negatively impaired, image processing is greatly enhanced. Schneider and neuroscientist Sam Harris discuss benefits and concerns of brain enhancement technologies.

Chapter IV: Connecting Minds and Machines (06:19)

Goertzel and De Garis discuss their friendly dynamic despite disagreeing about the human consequences of advanced AI. Nick Bostrom, Anders Sandberg, and Schneider discuss its potential for superlative good and creating catastrophe. Harris believes technology capable of conscious evolution is godlike.

Simulating Humans (08:47)

Goertzel explains commercial applications for cloud A.I. systems for robots. At Hanson Robotics, he and De Garis assemble “Sophia,” a lifelike robot designed by Randal Koene. Scientists and philosophers argue advantages against philosophical problems with advanced technologies.

Consciousness Hackathon (08:52)

Siegal believes technology reflects human expression. He attends a community retreat exploring technology as means to shift human consciousness. A new project wires a group’s minds and hearts together, measuring and guiding their connections.

Philosophical Divisions (03:22)

Some scientists assert expectations, evolutionary advantages, and the potential of artificial intelligence while others express concerns. Siegal contemplates the application of technology in the near future.

Credits: Supersapiens: Rise of the Mind (02:39)

Credits: Supersapiens: Rise of the Mind