Sam Altman Develops Non-Invasive Brain Interface To Compete With Elon Musk's Neuralink

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman (PHOTO; X @jomaher ·)

JAKARTA OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is reportedly developing brain-computer interface technology (BCI) that can be connected to the human brain without surgery, using sound waves as the main medium. This project is led by Mikhail Shapiro, a well-known biomolecular engineer from Caltech, and is said to be a non-invasive alternative to Neuralink's brain implant approach made by Elon Musk.

The relationship between Altman and Musk is indeed full of drama. The two of them first founded OpenAI together in 2015 with a similar vision for AI for humanity'. But over time, their path separated sharply. Now, the two are actually competing to connect the human mind with the 'Musk machine through Neuralink, and Altman through its new secret project.

According to a report by The Verge of journalist Alex Heath, Altman collaborated with Shapiro to join Merge Labs, a brain-computer interface startup he co-founded with Alex Blania (CEO Worldcoin). Although the details of this project are still minimal, the background of Shapiro's research shows the possibility of using ultrasonic waves and magnetic fields to read and stimulate brain activity without the need to open a skull.

In one of his presentations, Shapiro said that soundwave-based technology could be a bridge in two-way communication between the brain and computers in a much safer way. If this approach is successful, Altman's technology has the potential to become a major breakthrough in the field of neurotechnology because it eliminates the risk of brain surgery which is Neuralink's main weakness.

In comparison, Elon Musk's Neuralink works by embedding microscopic electrodes directly into the human brain through open operations. This technology allows users to control digital devices with just a thought, but the process is highly invasive and full of medical risk.

The Altman and Shapiro projects offer a more user-friendly road: no surgery, no metal implants only sound waves penetrate brain tissue to read neuron signals. If it is true that this technology can make the mind control computing concept feel much more realistic and secure.

The race between Altman and Musk is now no longer just about AI, but also about who can first connect human awareness with machines without having to hold a surgical knife. The world of science and technology is now waiting, whether the human brain can finally be 'connected' only to the frequency of sound