This book offers a compelling look into the future of artificial intelligence, where AI systems are no longer limited to just processing information, but can perceive the world through synthetic senses. The author explores how this shift from purely cognitive AI to embodied sensory experiences is blurring the lines between human and machine intelligence. It's a deep dive into how multisensory AI, powered by breakthroughs in areas like haptics and neural interfaces, will fundamentally alter what it means to experience, connect, and ultimately, to be human.
The book's key features lie in its multidisciplinary approach, drawing insights from neuroscience, philosophy, ethics, and frontier technologies to examine the far-reaching implications of artificial perception. It explores how synthetic senses will impact everything from personal identity and social relationships to cultural norms and moral agency. The book contains discussions on AI systems that can genuinely "feel" a hug and virtual environments that engage all five human senses, challenging our very definition of reality. There is a deep dive into the technologies of the sixth sense, from theory to engineering, Introducing the infrastructure of synthetic sensing - multimodal models, brain-machine interfaces, and sensory AI architectures. An interesting topic discussed is the privacy of the senses, which raises urgent ethical questions about biometric sensing, perceptual sovereignty, and the right to emotional privacy. Another topic of great concern is designing for dignity that outlines principles for creating AI-perception systems that centre dignity, inclusivity, and user sovereignty.
This book is a useful resource for with technologists, researchers, philosophers, ethicists, and futurists who are grappling with the implications of advanced AI. It can also be read by anyone curious about the cutting edge of AI and its profound impact on human existence.
This book offers a compelling look into the future of artificial intelligence, where AI systems are no longer limited to just processing information, but can perceive the world through synthetic senses.
Arvustused
I have had the pleasure to work with and observe Rockys work over the last decade. Rocky has always understood the deep impact that technology and innovation has on industries, and the way we live and work. He can translate technological change into insights for business and community leaders. Rocky is both a visionary and a change agent. I have always made time to read his articles and publications.
David Thodey AO Chancellor, University of Sydney; Chair of Ramsay Health Care; Chair of Xero; CoChair, Great Barrier Reef Foundation
Prologue
Part I Introduction Synthetic Sensory Perceptive Machines
Chapter 1: Minds Without Bodies The First Age of AI
Chapter 2: The Missing Senses Why Intelligence Needs Embodiment
Chapter 3: Sensory Frontiers Digitising the Human Sensorium
Interlude - Becoming Sensate: From Thinking to Sensing Machines
Part II: The Five (and beyond) Synthetic Senses: From Infrastructure to
Intuition
Chapter 4: Synthetic Perceptual Technologies - From Theory to Engineering
Chapter 5: Seeing More than We See AI-Enhanced Vision from Photons to
Perception
Chapter 6: Hearing the Hidden World Sound and Sonic AI
Chapter 7: Virtual Touch and Remote Feeling Haptics and Digital Skin
Chapter 8: The AI Nose Knows Digital Olfaction and Emotional Scent
Chapter 9: Tasting the Virtual Digitised Flavour and Culinary AI
Chapter 10: Towards Synthetic Sensorium Synthetic Intuition, Sensory
Fusion, and the Origins of Machine Perception
Interlude: Crossing the Threshold: From Experience to Meaning
Part III: Reimagining Reality, Identity, and Ethics
Chapter 11: Blurred Boundaries Virtual vs. Physical Experience
Chapter 12: Privacy of the Senses Surveillance, Consent, and Autonomy
Chapter 13: Who Feels? AI Consciousness, Rights, and Moral Agency
Chapter 14: The Synthetic Self Redefining the Human through Perception
Interlude - Becoming Planetary: From Individual Perception to Collective
Sensing
Part IV: Futures at the Edge Society in the Post-Sensory Age
Chapter 15: Society in the Sensorium New Rituals, Norms, and Cultures
Chapter 16: Designing for Dignity Ethics-by-Design in the Synthetic Age
Chapter 17: The Augmented Planet Geo-Sensory AI and Planetary Intelligence
Conclusion: The Future of Feeling AI and What It Means for Humanity
Closing Thoughts: How Synthetic Sensing Will Transform Human Perception,
Identity, and Connection
Epilogue: The Synthetic Sensorium Is Just the Beginning of a New Human Story
Glossary of Key Terms
Questions Considered/Addressed
Index
Rocky Scopelliti is a world-renowned futurologist, best-selling author, and technologist. His pioneering research on emerging technologies and human evolution has shaped global thinking on AI, society, and identity. His books explore the frontier where machines dont just thinkbut feel.
