Given how many steps are involved, it might seem impossible to potential investors to claim you are going to research all the areas at once. Having the same group solve all the problems may not be the most efficient use of specialized resources (like equipment and personnel).
One solution might be to have several research groups going, one for each branch of technology necessary to implement the solution. You could also search for existing groups that are attacking similar problems and try to help with advocacy that would get them funded.
SENS has strategy where they have seven different research themes for different technological breakthroughs they think can work together to attack aging directly.
I’d say, artificial organs are not the top priority as there are different alternatives. One way would be to genetical engineer microbes to perform the tasks, another would be to have organs which need not necessarily be human do it. A failing organ could be replaced cheaply and the mechanism for preparing the blood need not be as small. That would be the part that I would outsource.
Likewise artificial limbs. My understanding is that there are humanoid robots already available. I’d say that one is covered.
The focus would be neurointerfacing. The first intermediary result would be a way to replace severed neurons. Next comes an artificial spine. And then full simulation of nerve IO. A good question is whether vegetative nerves need to be simulated for “feeling right” or not.
There are multiple areas of research needed for brain-robot integration.
Ranking in order of importance from my point of view
Artificial organs etc. for life support.
At this point you have a brain in a jar.
Sensory input (even if you’re keeping the eyes you’ll want propioception, and some sensitivity to damage)
At this point you’ve got a brain in a jar that can see.
Output connections (allowing the brain to control, for example, speakers, or a word processor)
Now you have a brain in a jar that can talk; and probably browse the web.
Artificial limbs
After which you’ve got a full-on cyborg.
Given how many steps are involved, it might seem impossible to potential investors to claim you are going to research all the areas at once. Having the same group solve all the problems may not be the most efficient use of specialized resources (like equipment and personnel).
One solution might be to have several research groups going, one for each branch of technology necessary to implement the solution. You could also search for existing groups that are attacking similar problems and try to help with advocacy that would get them funded.
SENS has strategy where they have seven different research themes for different technological breakthroughs they think can work together to attack aging directly.
I’d say, artificial organs are not the top priority as there are different alternatives. One way would be to genetical engineer microbes to perform the tasks, another would be to have organs which need not necessarily be human do it. A failing organ could be replaced cheaply and the mechanism for preparing the blood need not be as small. That would be the part that I would outsource.
Likewise artificial limbs. My understanding is that there are humanoid robots already available. I’d say that one is covered.
The focus would be neurointerfacing. The first intermediary result would be a way to replace severed neurons. Next comes an artificial spine. And then full simulation of nerve IO. A good question is whether vegetative nerves need to be simulated for “feeling right” or not.