For many years, scientists have been trying to create ways and technologiesthat would allow people to control things with just their thoughts. It may sound like a science fiction scenario, but there has been a lot of research and experiments done on machines that can read minds or transfer thoughts to other people or objects.
And now DARPA, the research center of the US Army, has developed a non-surgical next-generation neurotechnology, also known as the N3 project, to create “reliable neural interfaces without the need for surgical intervention or implanted electrodes”.
The N3 project, according to DARPA, is a “read and write” technology that involves two-way communication. It could be used by the military to control a fleet of drones or upload sensory information to the human brain, causing people to feel or see things that aren’t actually there.
The latter is a real project that is under development at Rise University. This system could allow a blind person or anyone connected to it to see what another person can see.
The N3 project could operate both in a non-invasive manner and with microscopic invasive neural interfaces.
Non-invasive
DARPA devices that will resemble helmets will transmit radio frequency waves that carry data in and out of the brain in the form of ultrasonic, RF, magnetic and other fields.
This technique will also include algorithms for decoding and encoding the motor and cognitive signals of the brain, which can affect specific regions of the brain.
Microscopic invasive
In order for this method to be achieved, the person must receive a substance into their body, either orally, via nasal spray, or by injection.
In contrast to the completely non‑invasive technique that affects certain areas of the brain, this method can target neurons, connecting each of them individually.
According to DARPA, both methods will include tests on both animals and humans and will require a considerable amount of time to be carried out.
Besides DARPA, other companies such as Elon Musk's Neuralink are also working on similar technologies that involve connecting a computer to a human brain, for example.
The N3 project of DARPA will surely create a profound impact both on military and political life, if the project is ultimately successful.
