Mind uploading: Scientists say it's possible – but two huge obstacles remain

Could human consciousness one day be uploaded into a computer? That question came from a 15-year-old boy in the United States, submitted to Curious Kids – a feature on the independent science platform The Conversation, where children and teens can pose questions to real researchers. Cognitive scientist Dobromir Rahnev responded with a detailed article, explaining that so-called “mind uploading” is scientifically possible in theory – but its actual realization is likely still many generations away.

Mind uploading – human consciousness in a computer

The idea behind mind uploading is as radical as it is intriguing: transferring a person’s entire consciousness – including memories, thoughts, self-image and personality – into a digital system. In a simulated world, this “digital self” could theoretically live on forever, experiencing life much like in the real world – and even beyond: flying, walking through walls or exploring alien planets.

Two challenges: Mapping the brain and simulating sensory stimuli

The challenges are immense. First, the entire human brain – with its 86 billion neurons and trillions of synapses – would need to be fully mapped in 3D, something scientists have only managed with fruit flies so far. On top of that, all of the brain’s dynamic processes – how neurons interact and change over time – would also need to be precisely simulated.

Another major hurdle is the risk of psychological collapse in an isolated digital consciousness without sensory input. To keep a person mentally stable within a simulation, even subtle sensations – such as breathing patterns, heartbeat or smells – would need to be realistically reproduced. This adds yet another layer of technological complexity.

Possible, but only in the distant future

The concept of mind uploading isn’t new. Some proponents of digital existence – including Google engineer and futurist Ray Kurzweil – have predicted it could become technically feasible by 2045. In his 2005 book The Singularity Is Near, Kurzweil envisioned a technological singularity: the moment when humans and machines merge, making digital immortality possible. He reaffirmed this prediction in his 2024 follow-up, The Singularity Is Nearer.

Russian entrepreneur Dmitry Itskov set a similar timeline when he launched the “2045 Initiative” in 2011. The nonprofit aims to transfer human consciousness to a non-biological carrier – such as an avatar or hologram – by the year 2045. Rahnev also considers mind uploading theoretically possible. However, he estimates it won’t be technically feasible for at least another 100 to 200 years, calling earlier projections like 2045 entirely unrealistic.

Mixed reactions in the community

A Reddit thread with over 180 comments reveals just how polarizing the idea is. Many users see mind uploading as creating a copy rather than a true continuation of the self. Others question whether consciousness can even be explained – let alone transferred – purely through physical means. Still, some voices express curiosity about the potential of so-called eternal existence. “I’d sign up in a heartbeat,” a few users wrote – though they remain in the minority.