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Cyber-physical technology calls for resilient minds

Ongoing digital transformation requires an unprecedented level of cognitive adaptation from both individuals and society.

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The convergence of profoundly intrusive cyber-physical technologies such as Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI), Artificial Intelligence, and Extended Reality can and will continue to affect our mental and physical well-being. Their emergence is raising concerns over their pervasive influence, particularly in the context of applications with social media.

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This new reality is motivating the need for urgent intervention measures such as digital detoxes, ethical design principles, governmental regulation and approaches for managing digital overload, all centred on protecting privacy and the psychological health of individuals and society.

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By addressing mental health challenges and countering a growing appetite for our intimate data, these measures will help promote responsible, human-centred technology that preserves human values.

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Ultimately, they aim to ensure technology supports – rather than undermines – our well-being and sense of self.

Maturity

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Show the other PLAN trends
Changing dynamics in Responsible AI From large to small language models AR and smart glasses become more prominent Increasing AI-enhanced user experience Growing big tech competition for the XR stack Increased application of FAIR principles to enable digital ecosystems in Europe Growing relevance of TRUST principles for data repositories to secure data More decentralisation of data ownership enabled by SSI solutions Emergence of organisational wallets Push for transparent supply chains with digital product passports Bringing computing resources closer to the ‘edge’ Growing need for automated cloud and edge resource management Growing emphasis on neuromorphic (brain-inspired) computing Integrating photonics for accelerated information processing The battle for airwaves AI/Ops, digital twinning and the emergence of the LLM in network operations Power usage and ecological footprint From ad hoc experiments to applications Towards Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computing (FTQC) Cyber-physical technology calls for resilient minds A growing urge for chip sovereignty in Europe

Drivers

Impact

education

Education

  • Cyber-physical technologies have the potential to transform education by enabling immersive, personalised learning experiences. Although they can improve engagement, accessibility, understanding and knowledge acquisition, they also raise novel emerging privacy and security concerns. Ensuring ethical use is essential towards harnessing their benefits, while protecting students/ trainers’ rights and well-being.
Research

Research

  • BCI and other cyber-physical technologies can revolutionise research by enabling immersive data collection and new avenues for exploring the brain and human behaviour.
  • Despite the enormous potential for innovative study possibilities in research, cyber-physical technologies bring with them a need for stronger cybersecurity, ethical guidelines, and advancements in our understanding of human rights.
  • Future research should be driven by an interdisciplinary focus for securing these technologies and addressing privacy concerns.
Operations

Operations

  • Future campus environments can be transformed by enabling immersive learning, virtual labs, and enhanced accessibility.
  • The cyber-physical transformation will give rise to privacy, ethical, and security challenges for institutions, thus requiring new policies. To maximise the benefits for the wider community, campuses must develop safeguards, ensuring safe, equitable, and ethical integration of these technologies.