17.6亿种子轮！OpenAI 押注脑机接口

Core Viewpoint - OpenAI has confirmed its investment in brain-computer interface (BCI) startup Merge Labs, marking its entry into a cutting-edge technology sector with a significant seed funding of $252 million (approximately 1.76 billion RMB) [2][4]. Group 1: Investment Context - The investment was anticipated in mid-2025 and is notable for its size in the BCI field, indicating OpenAI's strategic interest in the evolution of human-AI interaction [2][4]. - OpenAI's involvement is seen as a long-term bet on the development of higher bandwidth human-AI interfaces, addressing the limitations of current interaction methods [5][14]. Group 2: Merge Labs' Approach - Merge Labs, co-founded by OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman and other tech entrepreneurs, is pursuing a distinct technological path in BCI development [6][9]. - The core direction of Merge Labs includes creating a BCI system that integrates biological, device, and AI attributes, aiming for a user-friendly technology that people are willing to adopt [9][10]. Group 3: Comparison with Neuralink - Merge Labs' philosophy contrasts with Neuralink, which focuses on invasive, high-density electrode systems for clinical applications [10][12]. - Merge Labs aims to explore non-invasive or low-invasiveness methods for long-term interfaces, potentially reducing tissue damage and enhancing user acceptance [13][14]. Group 4: Industry Implications - Merge Labs is currently positioned as a research lab rather than a product-focused medical device company, aligning with OpenAI's long-term vision [14]. - The investment signals a shift in how AI companies view the integration of human neural systems into their technological narratives, suggesting a broader exploration of human-AI connections [16]. Group 5: Market Potential - Analysts have estimated the potential market size for brain-computer interfaces to reach $400 billion, highlighting the significance of this technology in future human-AI interactions [15][16].