Once the stuff of science-fiction, the ability for computers to connect with humans on an emotional and conscious level could become reality. Ian Pearson, an eminent futurologist, believes that within 45 years it will be possible for a human to upload their mind onto a machine. Pearson bases his findings on the rate of computer processor development and his claim that Sony’s forthcoming Playstation 3 is 1% as powerful as the brain.

Like most developments in technology, money will dictate who has initial access to this digital storage. Pearson expects the super-rich to use mind downloads and uploads by 2050, with more widespread access available by 2080. He contends that, in theory, those who upload the contents of their brain cannot die.

Pearson is not a voice on the fringe. He is head of BT’s Foresight and Futurology Unit, recently named as one of the UK’s top 20 think tanks. Pearson also predicts rapid developments in supercomputing technology - he envisages a conscious supercomputer by 2020.

The mind upload is perhaps the logical conclusion to the concept of computing. It will be interesting to see how Pearson’s vision checks out against the generally accepted view that Moore’s Law (which stated in 1968 that computing power doubles every 24 months) is due to reach the limit of its hypothesis. Clearly, a totally new method of processor architecture may soon be required to facilitate the bold new predictions of futurologists.