'C is for Contemporary Applications; Isaac Asimov’s Sci-Fi Principles in Patent Technologies'

hello25051
May 31
6 min read

Updated: Aug 4

We are increasingly shaped by an online world filled with data collection, science fiction and science fact. As technology rapidly progresses it becomes much more interesting to trace what have informed our ideas, blueprints and technological ambitions. Among these blueprints, few are as influential as the writings of Isaac Asimov. His Three Laws conceived in 1942 were never meant to be technical specifications but have set ethical compass points for a future in which machines (and humans) may think, act, and influence human behaviour.

Drawing on current research, public patent records and recent trends on online social media, The C Word critically revisits the Monroe Legacy, its patented consciousness technologies, and their intersections with theories, brain-computer interfaces and the expanding architecture of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). While many claim theories surrounding technologies like 5G may remain unfounded, such media highlight a growing societal dis – ease; one Asimov anticipated – around invisible systems that affect the mind and body.

'The C Word' aims to contextualise such theories and systems existence within a rapidly evolving technological landscape and suggests ethical foresight, such as Asimov’s, may be just as crucial now as the innovations themselves.

Revisiting Asimov in the age of Neurotechnology

The C Word revisited Isaac Asimov's 'three laws of robotics'.*1 These laws first appeared in Asimov’s short story "Runaround", published in 1942 as part of the 'I, Robot' collection. They have since become foundational concepts in science fiction and ethical discussions surrounding artificial intelligence.

1. Isaac Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics, 'Runaround',1942

Where Asimov's laws remain theoretical, their emphasis on safety and ethical responsibility are relevant to several articles questioning robotics, with one recent social media discussing 5G and neurotechnology.

Conspiracy and a 5G Myth

An USA online article published in 2020 questioned a 5g tower presence and its functions.

A Facebook post*2 sharing a TikTok video, a narrator refers to U.S. patent No. 5356368A and claims its proof that the government is using 5G towers — which provide wireless network service — to induce thoughts in people’s consciousness. The 1991 filed U.S. patent No. 5356368A suggesting that the government uses 5G towers to induce thoughts is considered false and has no connection to 5G technology or cell towers.

3. Relationship of 1990’s Monroe patents

Understanding Monroe's patents

To expand a little on the technology, the U.S. Patent No. 5356368A, issued to the Monroe Institute *3 is a method and apparatus designed to induce desired states of consciousness using frequency following response (FFR) techniques.

The Monroe institute was founded in 1975 and sold by the founding family in 2017. The Institute offers courses using cutting edged technology for participants to liken the experience to virtual reality. The website mentions participants of courses did ‘the physically impossible like flying, breathing underwater or soaring deep into space while awake dreaming!’

Asimov’s fiction meets modern technology

This technology pertains to Isaac Asimov predictions; though never directly mentioning virtual reality, Asimov mentions sensory freedoms in several futuristic narratives, where humans overcome physical limitations through mind, machine, or advanced technology. His book “Profession” (1957) examines a society where learning is not through experience but via direct brain downloads, anticipating neurotechnology and cognitive simulation. “The Naked Sun” (1957) people on the planet Solaria communicate almost entirely through “viewing”— a sophisticated telepresence system that simulates face-to-face interaction. “The Last Question” (1956) Asimov explored mind-machine merging and post-physical consciousness, evokes cosmic-scale virtuality and subjective reality.

From sci-fi to CIA: Monroe and state – endorsed experiments

Recent Monroe institute collaborations, such as with Roxiva Innovations, emphasize neurotechnology and brainwave regulation and do not explicitly mention 5g towers or a connection to AI. There are several papers available online noting that The Monroe Institute collaborated with the CIA in Project Centre Lane to explore parapsychological phenomena and enhance cognitive abilities using hemisync technology. A 1984 CIA paper mentions programs that are ‘a carefully sequential program that can be practiced and achieved in the home environment’. *4

Patent citations and global reach

The C Word notes the Monroe patents US5213562A and US5356368A have expired, and US20130010967A1 is only a published application, not a granted patent but are cited in several international projects across the globe.

In our 2024 research, patent database World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) had cited 57 other patents referencing the Monroe Patent, while US5213562A is referenced in numerous subsequent patents. These citations are typically related to methods and devices for altering mental states, enhancing relaxation, or improving alertness through auditory stimuli, often employing binaural beats or similar techniques. The C Word has been unable to publish a list of these patents due to restricted access to its WIPO account.

Asimov’s ethical vision in today’s technological landscape

The world Asimov imagined in his fiction has, to a significant extent, come to pass. The Three laws of robotics were created in the genre of science fiction but inform both the development of robotics and the ethical considerations currently in the hands of programmers and scientists around the world. Isaac Asimov introduced the fourth law, The Zeroth Law of Robotics in 1985.

5. The Zeroth Law, "Robots and Empire," 1985

“A robot may not harm humanity, or, by inaction, allow humanity to come to harm.” *5

This law preceded the original laws, and implied robots could operate with a broader, almost collective awareness and control—suggesting a networked AI with a responsibility beyond individual interactions, more like a system connected for the “greater good.”

Isaac Asimov's writings from the 1940s through the 1980 were before technologies such as 5G existed or were even conceptualized, but envisioned AI and robotic connectivity in a broad, conceptual way centered on ethical interaction, centralized control, and networked intelligence. That said, Asimov’s ideas about AI, robotics, and networked intelligence have inspired later thinkers and technologists who work on interconnected systems, including those that might use 5G or other advanced networks today.

Neurotechnology, AGI and the 2025 horizon

Research also suggests strong indications that Monroe’s 1990's patents are foundational for AI-driven neurotechnology alongside AI-bio network integration (including brain-computer interfaces), a major 2025 trend. With AI regulations noted to be implemented only from 2026, This highlights the incredible importance to consider patent technology overview to prevent sector-specific oversight on products and technologies utilised for meditative states, sonar, vibration and build on by adding spatial modulation, potentially enhancing neurotechnology and brain-computer interface applications.

In the context of AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) and AI bio networks, such patents could inform the development of AI systems that interface directly with human neural activity, supporting applications in mental health, cognitive enhancement, or adaptive learning environments.

Where Asimov's work is not considered foundational 'technically' to AI-driven neurotechnology or AI–bio network integration in a scientific or engineering sense (he did not conduct scientific research or develop practical neural interfaces). His work is considered foundational in a conceptual and ethical context.

The need for regulation and ethical frameworks

It is unanimous that global AI regulation is essential to protect Intellectual Property, and consent is needed to use it for training AI models. This consideration in increasingly important for protection of bio networks; Wi-Fi linking AGI to the body at a molecular and neurological level; especially for the underage and vulnerable.

Additionally, these instances explore consideration of AI leverage and AI's ability to adapt and personalize experiences from bio networks; based on obtained neurological data of individual needs and responses.

Asimov's work and rationale align with the spirit behind patents—protecting and encouraging innovation, alongside scientific responsibility and futuristic societies. (‘The Relativity of Wrong', 'Asimov on Science' sometimes touch on the development and sharing of scientific ideas).

Conclusion; from laws of robotics to laws of reality

In 2025, Asimov’s 1942 laws underscore the importance of safety and ethical behaviour in autonomous systems. While contemporary AI and neurotechnologies do not inherently possess these laws, the ethos behind them informs current regulatory and design frameworks. For instance, the development of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and AI-driven neurotechnologies often incorporates safety protocols and ethical guidelines to prevent unintended harm, reflecting the spirit of Asimov's first law. Current UK Regulation is guided by existing frameworks (COPPA, Equality Act, UK GDPR) with AI law currently fragmented and varying widely across regions focusing on pro-innovation and light-touch regulation.

The UK's latest document available from the UK government date February 2024*6 states ‘The UK is continuing to work closely with like-minded nations on the proposed Council of Europe Convention on AI to help protect human rights, democracy, and rule of law’. Referencing The C Words article date May 2024 ‘C is for Convergence; Architecture and the Bitsphere' from 2024*7, generative AI technologies have transitioned from early-stage tools to powerful applications, marking significant improvements in model capabilities, user engagement, and industry adoption.

The UK continues developing unleashed AGI progression and we continue to ask governments to ensure that as we innovate, we create a robust framework of regulation, and we can continue to draw on contemporary applications of Asimov's prognoses for societal and ethical implications in our creations involving underage, vulnerable and confined citizens in its technological framework. As we move forward toward increasingly immersive and integrated AI-bio systems, the principles of transparency, safety, and societal oversight remain at the fore-front – lest fiction become cautionary reality.