Motus Mentis

Here’s something I’m in no hurry to see on the road: the mind-reading car.

Scientists at the EPFL have already developed brain-machine interface (BMI) systems that allow wheelchair users to manoeuvre their chairs by thought transference. Their next step will be finding a way to incorporate that technology into the way motorists interact with their cars.

If the endeavour proves successful, the vehicles of the future may be able to prepare themselves for a left or right turn ”“ choosing the correct speed and positioning ”“ by gauging that their drivers are thinking about making such a turn.

As a software engineer, I’m conditioned to imagine all the ways a system can fail. Here’s one they might not have thought of:

A lifelong Republican is driving down a busy two-lane highway one day in early November, and suddenly resolves to vote for the Democratic candidate. Six people are killed as he swerves into oncoming traffic.