DARPA funding implies (actually guarantees) that the ultimate purpose of developing a pseudo-human intellect in a cybernetic host (the SyNAPSE) will be to help develop ultra-rapid, human-like interfaces between humans and computers. In other words, this research will likely lead to supersoldiers (cyborgs), intelligent drones and hyper-intelligence, Any of these assets would be invaluable in fighting foreign wars or insurrections, hidden surveillance of enemies at home and espionage ventures anywhere they are needed, to name a few uses,
In the corporate world (and this is the Industrial-military complex in action), the development of thought capable androids, robots and maybe even cyborg medical implants to enhance intelligence and other human limitations would allow the elite to totally surpass the sweaty masses. Ultimately the dream of every technocrat and corporate czar is to access and control more power, information, resources and assets while using enhanced medical supports to live longer, healthier, more alert lives. Their greatest tools will be the technological addiction that We the People are hooked on. Our children are now so plugged in and media/computer dependent that sedentary obesity is the 2nd highest health problem in the US among teenagers. These Technoczars will control all the media, the net, the input, the technological and manufacturing resources , access to the technology and content as well.
Welcome to the 21st century where we will have robots programmed by special interests and shadowy non-governmental entities ¨serving¨ (read watching, shepherding, influencing) us while they work for and obey other less benign forces, we are totally ignorant of!