OpenAI predicts that brain implants will lead to the merging of humans with technology.
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The rivalry between Sam Altman and Elon Musk is about to get more complex.
Until now, the two have competed to see which company has the most advanced AI models. But soon they will be vying to prove who makes the best chips for brain implants.
According to Financial TimesSam Altman of OpenAI, who did not name his sources, is working to co-found a new brain implant chip startup called Merge Labs. The company will develop what are known as brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). BCIs work by implanting tiny electrodes that can read neural signals from within or near the brain. The main goal is for humans to be able to control devices and technology with their thoughts.
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Merge Labs, Altman's bet on human-machine fusion
Merge Lags is reportedly raising funds with a valuation of $850 million, most of which is expected to come from OpenAI's Startup Fund, according to the Financial Times. Altman will help launch the company alongside Alex Blancia, head of WorldID, an iris-scanning digital ID startup also backed by OpenAI. While Altman will be a co-founder, he is not expected to be involved in day-to-day operations.
The new venture would compete head-to-head with Elon Musk's brain chip startup, Neuralink. Altman is betting that AI can give his chips an edge over existing competitors.
OpenAI did not respond to Gizmodo's request for comment.
The company name [Merge means “fusion” in English] would seem to allude to a post on Altman's personal blog, in 2017There he described “the fusion,” the year in which humans and machines would merge into one. At that time, he pointed out that most predictions for that moment ranged from 2025 to 2075 and argued that it had already begun, as social media algorithms started influencing people's emotions and thoughts.
“Fusion can take many forms: we could put electrodes in our brains, or we could become close friends with a chatbot,” Altman wrote at the time.
Also: “Although the merger has already begun, it will be much more extensive. We will be the first species to design our own offspring.”
This year, in another post, Altman wrote about the “gentle singularity”, suggesting that there could soon be a breakthrough in “significant and real bandwidth in brain-computer interfaces”.
Image: Xataka
Musk's Neuralink already has an advantage because it was founded in 2016 and has been approved by health regulators in several countries to begin clinical trials. The company has implanted chips in at least three patients with spinal cord injuries or ALS. The U.S. FDA even granted the company approval for advanced devices, with technology aimed at helping those who have difficulties Visual or of speech".
Musk and Altman co-founded OpenAI, but Musk left in 2019 after clashes with Altman, marking the beginning of their rivalry. Since then, Musk has launched his own AI startup, xAI, and sued OpenAI to obstruct its efforts to become a for-profit company.
This week the two returned to the attack on X regarding OpenAI's relationship with Apple and its prominent placement in the App Store.
Lucas Ropek translated by Lucas Handley
