OpenAI has invested in Merge Labs, a brain-computer interface (BCI) startup founded by CEO Sam Altman, positioning itself as a competitor to Elon Musk’s Neuralink. Merge Labs aims to create safe, scalable BCIs that facilitate direct interaction between humans and artificial intelligence through neural signals. While OpenAI hasn’t disclosed the investment amount, this collaboration indicates a strategic shift towards hardware and human enhancement technologies. Merge Labs focuses on developing non-invasive neural interfaces, utilizing advanced sensors and machine learning to interpret brain activity into digital commands, enhancing accessibility and ethical design.
In contrast, Neuralink, founded by Musk in 2016, works on invasive brain implants that allow paralyzed individuals to control devices via thoughts. Recent funding efforts led to a valuation of $9 billion and ongoing human trials. With its emphasis on AI integration beyond medical applications, Merge Labs represents a significant step towards bridging biological and artificial intelligence, aiming for transformative human augmentation.
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