Cracking the Brain’s Neural Code Could Lead to Superhuman AI

Researchers believe that decoding the brain’s "neural code" — the way it processes sensory information and performs cognitive tasks — could unlock the potential for Artificial Intelligence (AI) to surpass human intelligence in both capacity and speed. This breakthrough could lead to AI systems capable of emulating human consciousness and visual thinking, critical elements of human-like intelligence. However, experts caution that strict safety measures must be implemented to prevent the misuse of such powerful technology.

Understanding the Neural Code: The Key to Advanced AI

AI technology analyst Eitan Michael Azoff asserts that once scientists fully understand the neural code, humans will be able to develop AI systems that exceed the capabilities of the human brain. The neural code refers to how the brain encodes sensory input and transfers information to perform cognitive tasks, including problem-solving, learning, and internal visualization.

In his book, Towards Human-Level Artificial Intelligence: How Neuroscience Can Inform the Pursuit of Artificial General Intelligence, Azoff explains that understanding how the brain processes information is crucial for creating AI systems that can operate at or above human intelligence levels. By emulating the way humans think, learn, and solve problems, AI systems could eventually achieve what researchers call "human-level AI."

Emulating Consciousness in AI

Azoff suggests that one of the critical milestones in creating human-level AI is the emulation of consciousness, a complex concept that even simpler animals such as bees possess in some form. While this form of consciousness lacks self-awareness, it enables actions such as planning, recalling past events, and predicting future occurrences. Azoff believes AI could follow a similar path, starting with the development of a virtual brain capable of mimicking consciousness without self-awareness.

According to Azoff, "In-the-flow consciousness" — the state of being deeply focused on a task — could be the first type of consciousness to emerge in AI. This state, which allows humans and animals to concentrate fully without self-reflection, could be recreated through advanced computer simulations of the brain.

Visual Thinking: A Crucial Step for AI Evolution

Visual thinking, which predates language in human evolution, could be a key to unlocking AI’s next major leap in intelligence. Azoff argues that current AI relies heavily on large language models (LLMs), which lack the ability to "think" visually. By developing systems that can model visual processing, AI could begin to emulate the human ability to think visually — a crucial building block in achieving consciousness and eventually human-level intelligence.

Azoff explains, "Once we crack the neural code, we will engineer faster and superior brains with greater capacity, speed, and supporting technology that will surpass the human brain. I speculate that in-the-flow-consciousness will emerge from that [visual thinking]. I do not believe that a system needs to be alive to have consciousness.”

Safety Concerns and Ethical Considerations

While the potential benefits of unlocking the neural code are immense, Azoff also issues a stark warning. He stresses the need for stringent safety controls to ensure AI systems do not become dangerous. "Until we have more confidence in the machines we build, we should ensure the following two points are always followed: First, we must make sure humans have sole control of the off switch. Second, we must build AI systems with behavior safety rules implanted," Azoff advises.

These precautions are critical as AI technology advances toward a future where machines may possess forms of consciousness and intelligence comparable to humans.