Computational Neuroscientist Dr. Thomas Reardon on Communication between Minds and Machines

On Season 4 of Theory and Practice, Anthony Philippakis and Alex Wiltschko explore newly emerging human-like artificial intelligence and robots — and how we can learn as much about ourselves, as humans, as we do about the machines we use. The series will delve into many aspects of AI: from communication to robotic surgery and decision-making.

In episode 3, we explore how humans will control computers in the future with Dr. Thomas Reardon. Dr. Reardon founded CTRL-Labs and is an early pioneer in exploring the relationship between humans and machines. Now at Meta’s Reality Labs, Dr. Reardon continues his work on non-invasive neural interfaces that detect activity in the human nervous system. 

Dr. Reardon explains how these systems encourage co-adaptation between man and machine. This human-computer interaction is core to understanding how human-like AI is changing humanity. 

Alex also describes the complexity of haptics — how computers try to relay the depth of human senses. He explains why understanding touch is essential for the future of human-like robotics.