Within 30 years We May Be Able To Transcend Consciousness

30 years from now, technology may exist to resurrect human consciousness into artificial bodies. Finally, our loved ones will be able to cast judgement on our life choices indefinitely!

The company Humai aims to make death optional by eventually wiring brains into silicone structures complete with physical control, personalities, emotions, and basic thought processes. If it sounds complicated that’s because it is. The company is currently designing apps that will monitor and collect data on a person’s brain activity for several years before they die. Once the human body dies, the brain will be frozen using cryonics and eventually transplanted into an artificial body. The new “body” will continue to function by monitoring brain waves. Obviously the brain will continue to degrade and age so the plan is to use nanotechnology and cloning to repair cells as needed.

The positive aspects to this are obvious and somewhat shallow: we can choose not to die; I would also imagine that we would be able to design our new physical artificial bodies before we die. Wanted a sex change operation but can’t afford it? Just wait until you die and implant yourself into a different gender! Struggled with weight or body issues your entire life? Design your perfect physical specimen. I would never have to workout again! Oh wait, I’m one of those sadistic people who actually enjoys exercise. Anyways…

Like I said, the company plans to monitor your brain activity for many years prior to your death. So I can only assume that the brain you “die” with will be the brain you artificially “live” on with for all eternity. Will our eternal “brains” be able to change their opinions and ideas based on new experiences and new information? If science discovers a human-like civilization living in another galaxy will our “brain” continue to deny its existence because that information was not available when we died? Or more importantly, good luck changing your racist uncle’s mind if he was a racist throughout his entire life. Isn’t development and change an important part of life? Eh maybe not– at least not to some people.

Humai currently has a team of 5 focusing on research, nanotechnology, bionics and sensors. At this point the company has received no outside funding. CEO and founder Josh Bocanegra has been running the project with his own money. Humai hopes to resurrect the first human within 30 years. As Josh Bocanegra told Popular Science in November, “I personally can’t imagine why anyone would want to die but I respect their wishes.”

Follow Randi Nord on TWITTER

Randi Nord lives in Pontiac, Michigan and is a journalist for the Pontiac Tribune.