Sam Altman’s new Mergelab startup has become the subject matter of headlines recently. His new secretive venture and startup, Merge Labs, aims to develop a non-invasive brain-computer interface capable of interpreting human thoughts using sound waves and magnetic fields. The move positions Altman in direct competition with Elon Musk’s Neuralink, whose brain interpretation system requires implants and open skull procedures.
While Musk’s Neuralink relies on the implant of electrodes, Merge Labs takes a different approach. It plans to use ultrasound and genetic engineering to connect human minds with machines. According to a recent report by The Verge, Altman is assembling a powerhouse funding and advisory team for Merge Labs. His team includes Mikhail Shapiro, a renowned biomolecular engineer from Caltech known for his pioneering work in neural imaging and ultrasound-based brain interaction. The report also mentions Alex Blania, CEO of Tools of Humanity, who will play a key role in the new development.
A New Approach, Different from Neuralink
Altman has previously stated that he would not implant anything into his own brain, noting that doing so might kill his neurons. At the time, he said: “I would like to be able to think something and have ChatGPT respond to it. Maybe I want read-only. That seems like a reasonable thing.”
Merge Labs plans to develop a model capable of interpreting and reading human thoughts without a skull implant. The company intends to use ultrasound and magnetic fields to create a brain-computer interface that can read neural signals non-invasively.
Shapiro has suggested that instead of using an external circuit that responds to stimuli, it might be easier to introduce genes into cells to make them sensitive to ultrasound, effectively turning the body’s own biology into a wireless interface.
Raising Massive Funds
Merge Labs is reportedly preparing for a $250 million funding round through OpenAI’s venture arm, according to media reports. While many details remain tightly guarded, Altman’s approach is one of the boldest yet in rethinking how human minds and AI can connect. If successful, Altman could make thinking to your AI assistant a reality without any chips, surgeries, or implants.
Over time, further details will emerge, shedding light on the project and how Altman plans to safeguard the human brain from potential manipulation by AI.
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