Future Humans: Senses Beyond Vision and the Brain-Computer Interface

No time to read?
Get a summary

Biophysicist and futurist Igor Artyukhov envisions a future where humans gain new senses and fusion with advanced technology

In a candid interview with a newspaper, biophysicist and futurist Igor Artyukhov shared his compelling vision of what humanity might become in the coming decades. He suggests that people could develop senses that let them detect radio waves or ultrasound, expanding how humans perceive the world around them. This potential shift would not just be an incremental improvement; it could redefine human experience by adding entirely new channels of information to daily life.

Artyukhov emphasizes that purposeful evolution could occur within the near future. He argues that individuals may be able to modify themselves at will, selecting changes that align with personal goals or needs. Such changes might include growing new organs or adapting to new habitats, such as the ocean or outer space. This perspective frames evolution not as a slow, distant process but as something people might actively participate in, guided by science and technology.

Central to his forecast is the idea of a deep integration between biology and electronics. He envisions a future where humans fuse with computers and information networks, creating seamless interfaces that extend intellectual and sensory capabilities. A parallel example often cited is the work of Neuralink, a brain-computer interface initiative led by an entrepreneur who is pursuing implantable chips to augment brain function. Artyukhov notes that such efforts illustrate a broader trajectory toward mind-machine collaboration rather than mere device use.

According to Artyukhov, the computing power available to humanity is on a steep ascent. He points out that today’s supercomputers far outpace those at the turn of the century, a difference that could enable astonishing cognitive enhancements when linked with the human brain. The idea is not to replace natural thought but to amplify it, allowing the brain to access vast computational resources and new kinds of data processing in real time.

Looking further ahead, the scientist imagines a time when people may gain sense organs capable of perceiving otherwise hidden phenomena. Visualizing X-rays directly or interpreting ultrasound and radio waves through new perceptual channels could become part of ordinary human perception. Such capabilities would transform fields from medicine to exploration, changing how information is gathered, interpreted, and applied in practical contexts.

In the near term, Artyukhov notes that experiments and trials related to brain-computer interfaces are moving forward. He mentions ongoing discussions about when human testing might begin and how such trials could be designed to ensure safety and meaningful benefits. The overall message is one of cautious optimism: technology may unlock powerful enhancements, but careful stewardship and thoughtful ethical considerations will shape how these tools are adopted and integrated into everyday life.

No time to read?
Get a summary
Previous Article

Eloy Moreno explores heartbreak and renewal in his new novel

Next Article

Taiwan Security Outlook: US and Taiwan Assessments of Regional Risk