Ask HN: What would you do with it if you could build a brain?

#1

Post by synthetic_i » Tue, Aug 17, 2021, 11:54 AM UTC

Suppose you had access to some secrets and could build a processor that works exactly like the nervous system. Just like the real nervous system, it generates intelligent behavior by reading sensory inputs and commanding motor outputs in a robot body. The processor solves Artificial General Intelligence once and for all.

Suppose you wanted to create a startup based on this technology. What would you sell? Whole robots, or just the processor? Would you sell to businesses or to consumers? Who would they be?

Re: Ask HN: What would you do with it if you could build a brain?

#2

Post by jschveibinz » Tue, Aug 17, 2021, 12:05 PM UTC

I would make as many as possible and start handing them out like Halloween candy. /s

Seriously, I think that a real-time decision engine accessible through the personal appliance (phone, headset, etc.) is the best application. I would not sell the processor (the golden nugget), I would sell the application. Think “Google” for search of information.

I hope this helps.

Re: Ask HN: What would you do with it if you could build a brain?

#3

Post by LinuxBender » Tue, Aug 17, 2021, 1:07 PM UTC

Would this brain become sentient? If so, would this open me up to litigation from activist groups? [1] I am linking a science fiction show, but I have seen sci-fi becoming reality and I suspect much of tech is inspired by these shows.

[1] - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HN3HBjHkm5o

Re: Ask HN: What would you do with it if you could build a brain?

#4

Post by synthetic_i » Tue, Aug 17, 2021, 1:22 PM UTC

LinuxBender wrote: post #3

Would this brain become sentient? If so, would this open me up to litigation from activist groups? [1] I am linking a science fiction show, but I have seen sci-fi becoming reality and I suspect much of tech is inspired by these shows. [1] - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HN3HBjHkm5o

Interesting point. I think it’s difficult to define ‘sentient’, but since the processor would emulate the nervous system then it should be possible for it to eventually do all of the things that the real one does.

The initial version of the processor would be more comparable the brain of a lizard or a rodent than to that of a human. Still, lots of powerful applications at that level.