Brain-Computer Interfaces: U.S. Military Applications and Implications, An Initial Assessment

Binnendijk, Anika; Marler, Timothy; Bartels, Elizabeth M.

doi:10.7249/rr2996

Cited by 20 publications

(18 citation statements)

References 38 publications

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“…Information-distribution campaigns be initiated to ensure that information that details any potential risks or uncertainties is availed to employees or soldiers who may be asked by their employers or superiors to use brain-interfacing devices and to employers so as to understand the potential impacts and uncertainties of requests to use brain-interfacing devices. A focus in the distribution of responsibilities that lie with an individual vs. an institution (e.g., school or military) may further help individuals understand how to plan for (e.g., train for and/or deliberate about) particular potential circumstances that may arise and to assess risk of the technology’s use ( Binnendijk et al, 2020 ).…”

Section: Discussion Of Neuroethical Issues Of the Potential Brain-interfacing Futurementioning

confidence: 99%

Projections and the Potential Societal Impact of the Future of Neurotechnologies

Gaudry

Ayaz

Bedows³

et al. 2021

Front. Neurosci.

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Traditionally, recording from and stimulating the brain with high spatial and temporal resolution required invasive means. However, recently, the technical capabilities of less invasive and non-invasive neuro-interfacing technology have been dramatically improving, and laboratories and funders aim to further improve these capabilities. These technologies can facilitate functions such as multi-person communication, mood regulation and memory recall. We consider a potential future where the less invasive technology is in high demand. Will this demand match that the current-day demand for a smartphone? Here, we draw upon existing research to project which particular neuroethics issues may arise in this potential future and what preparatory steps may be taken to address these issues.

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Section: Discussion Of Neuroethical Issues Of the Potential Brain-interfacing Futurementioning

confidence: 99%

Projections and the Potential Societal Impact of the Future of Neurotechnologies

Gaudry

Ayaz

Bedows³

et al. 2021

Front. Neurosci.

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“…Another major area of social science work, often empirical and positivist in nature (rather than normative), can be found in research that approaches neuroscience and neurotechnology from a technology survey or qualitative case study method to probe its implications, including understanding the national security implications and approaches to reducing risk (Binnendijk et al, 2020;DeFrancoet al, 2019;Huang & Kosal, 2008;Rachna & Agrawal, 2018;Royal Society, 2012). Some such studies are more descriptive and others are more systematic, depending on the researcher and the scholarly discipline, ranging from political science and international relations to public policy and science and technology studies.…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Neurotechnology and international security

Kosal

Putney

2022

Polit. life sci.

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In the past decade, international actors have launched “brain projects” or “brain initiatives.” One of the emerging technologies enabled by these publicly funded programs is brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), which are devices that allow communication between the brain and external devices like a prosthetic arm or a keyboard. BCIs are poised to have significant impacts on public health, society, and national security. This research presents the first analytical framework that attempts to predict the dissemination of neurotechnologies to both the commercial and military sectors in the United States and China. While China started its project later with less funding, we find that it has other advantages that make earlier adoption more likely. We also articulate national security risks implicit in later adoption, including the inability to set international ethical and legal norms for BCI use, especially in wartime operating environments, and data privacy risks for citizens who use technology developed by foreign actors.

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“…According to Jai Galliot (2018, p. 124), the notion of trust in the RAS-AI context is 'defined by a power process, the capacity of soldiers to endure subjection to technology and the extent to which automation impinges upon one's autonomy or otherwise impacts the soldier's wellbeing'. An increase in the delegation of tasks to RAS-AI, particularly in terms of decisionmaking is likely to raise a raft of trust-related anxieties among warfighters (Binnendijk, Marler and Bartels, 2020).…”

Section: Trustmentioning

confidence: 99%

Supporting the Royal Australian Navy's Campaign Plan for Robotics and Autonomous Systems: Human-Machine Teaming and the Future Workforce

2022

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The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) is in the process of modernising its forces to better address the growing challenges being faced by Australia in the Indo-Pacific region. Increased state competition in the region combined with accelerated military modernisation have caused the RAN to consider the use of robotics, autonomous systems, and artificial intelligence (RAS-AI) in maritime roles and missions. Innovative technologies and new ways of conducting military operations will be needed to deliver such systems and, as is highlighted in the 2020 Defence Strategic Update, to 'shape Australia's strategic environment, deliver credible deterrence and respond to challenges to our interests' (Department of Defence, 2020, p. 7).This report is a continuation of work conducted in support of the RAN's RAS-AI Strategy 2040, released in 2020. RAND Australia was asked to provide policy analysis and advice to support development of an actionable RAS-AI Campaign Plan that could assist RAS-AI implementation efforts. Our research team examined three specific areas to support development of an actionable plan: military innovation, a missions and technology assessment for maritime RAS-AI, and human-machine teaming (HMT). This document focuses on the final of the three listed areas. This work should inform the RAN, other Australian Defence services, and Defence more broadly about the implications of HMT for the RAN's future workforce.This work was conducted by RAND Australia. RAND Australia is RAND's Canberrabased subsidiary that analyses defence, national security, economic, and social issues for Australian clients. With a commitment to core values of quality and objectivity, RAND Australia combines local research talent with world-class experts from across RAND's global presence to solve complex Australian public policy problems.

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Brain-Computer Interfaces: U.S. Military Applications and Implications, An Initial Assessment

Abstract: the U.S. government prepares to incorporate BCI technologies into future military capabilities, it will require institutional innovations to address new ethical and policy issues at each stage of the process, from R&D to operational application to veteran care.

Cited by 20 publications

References 38 publications

Projections and the Potential Societal Impact of the Future of Neurotechnologies

Projections and the Potential Societal Impact of the Future of Neurotechnologies

Neurotechnology and international security

Supporting the Royal Australian Navy's Campaign Plan for Robotics and Autonomous Systems: Human-Machine Teaming and the Future Workforce

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