Applying Principles of Disease Treatment and Artificial Intelligence... The Brain Industry is Rising [Reading Science]

Demonstration site of 'M-Brain,' the world's first brainwave autonomous driving technology developed by Hyundai Mobis. Photo.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] There is a saying that brain research is a "great exploration into the universe called human." Especially in the 21st century, with the advancement of ICT, biotechnology, and nanotechnology, the brain has become the center of "convergent research" and collaborative technologies.

The brain is a highly complex organ composed of 100 billion neurons and 1 trillion glial cells. Moreover, each neuron is connected to other cells through an average of 1,000 synapses. In total, more than 100 trillion synapses are formed throughout the brain. Through this, the brain is responsible for communication among all body systems including the cardiovascular, digestive, immune, circulatory, and respiratory systems. It also governs emotions, cognition, and thinking abilities, making it a vital organ for maintaining a healthy and happy life.

Technologies that study and utilize brain functions, such as AI, autonomous driving, BCI (Brain-Computer Interface), or BMI (Brain-Machine Interface), are representative examples. Additionally, as society rapidly enters an aging phase, the need for brain science development to treat various diseases, prevent aging, and manage health is increasing.

This has led to the development of industries utilizing brain research. According to the Korea Brain Research Institute, the "brain industry," which applies medicine, telecommunications, and engineering to brain research for treatment, development, manufacturing, production, or related services, is rapidly advancing. This includes pharmaceuticals such as brain disease prevention drugs, diagnostic reagents, and therapeutics; diagnostic and treatment equipment like medical imaging devices and rehabilitation devices; research equipment such as brain imaging devices and microscopes; brainwave-utilizing electronic device control technologies and BMI applications (typing, assistive robots, driving, gaming); and brain principle-based fields like automatic language processing (translation), autonomous driving, and neuromarketing. The Ministry of Science and ICT projects that by 2027, the global brain industry market size will grow from 127 trillion won in 2019 to 207 trillion won, with a value-added effect of 10.6 trillion won and employment inducement of approximately 60,000 people.