With everybody talking about artificial intelligence we tend to overlook recent advances in augmented cognition. Just 2 examples of studies presenting new findings published in 2025 suffice to make that point. Automated versus manual driving have different effects on our brains. Automation makes us sleepy and inattentive with potentially dangerous consequences. Using EEG measures of neuromarkers the drop in attention shows up earlier than through measures of keeping one’s lane while driving. For jobs or duties that involve extended hours of attention the wearing of a mobile EEG-device could avoid lots of accidents. Drugs, alcohol or medication abuse would also show up before it is too late, I suppose (Scanion et al. 2025).
The 2nd study involved a robotic assistance to piano playing which achieved surprising training effects for learners of the music instrument. Objective measurement of speed and finger coordination might even allow overall accuracy to improve significantly. The technology around us and the one in direct contact with us, our behavior and performances shall have an impact on all of us sooner or later. We have to pose the question of how far we want to go along with these evolutions. Augmented cognition will not only be of interest for civil purposes, but military applications or dual use is evidently another option.
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