DARPA Director Stefanie Tompkins Kick-off for the New SMA Series on the Mind-tech Nexus
Speaker(s): Tompkins, S. (Director, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency [DARPA])
Date: 26 May 2022
Speaker Session Summary
SMA hosted a speaker session with Dr. Stefanie Tompkins (Director, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency [DARPA]) as part of its SMA “The Mind-Tech Nexus: How Will Minds Plus Technology Win Future Wars?” Series.
Advances in neuro-technology have been used for both the benefit and detriment of society. Even well-intentioned technologies have been used to commit atrocities. Dr. Tompkins commented that researchers must consider the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of every new technology invented, including non-lethal technology. This process includes: a) creating a scientific breakthrough, b) accepting and managing its technological risks, and c) accelerating the technology’s developmental road map. DARPA has been on the forefront of scientific breakthroughs and the development of dual-use technology—like neuro-technology—for decades.
DARPA is applying neuro-engineering to several domains, including robotics and autonomous systems, prosthetics and human enhancement, cyber weapons, and non-lethal technology advancements. Currently, neurotechnology can alter peoples’ actions and sensations. For example, prosthetics and human enhancement are allowing individuals who lost limbs to feel sensations for the first time. Dr. Tompkins stated that committee recommendations for pursuing neuro-technology are: a) engage ELSI throughout the program’s lifecycle, b) declare concerns over technology use publicly, c) regularly review for known and emerging issues, and d) constantly engage with the public.
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