What are Moonshot Goals?

The Moonshot Goals are a future-oriented research and development policy set forth by the Cabinet Office, and a program that aims to bring about social change through science and technology by setting challenging and bold goals. The name comes from the "Moon Landing Plan" by the United States in the 1960s. Just as the United States made it possible to reach the moon, which was thought to be impossible at the time, the program embodies Japan's strong determination that science and technology in Japan will contribute to solving the problems of the next generation.

This policy has a long-term perspective of 2050 and promotes specific research themes to address global issues such as population decline, aging, and global environmental issues. As part of this, "Moonshot Goal 1" was formulated. This goal sets out a vision of "realizing a society in which people are free from the constraints of the body, brain, space, and time by 2050," and aims to expand human potential through technological innovation.

The Moonshot Goals are not just about technological development. They call for the creation of a new form of society and the balancing of economic growth and the resolution of social issues. To this end, comprehensive efforts are being made that take into account not only research and development but also ethical and legal aspects and the perspective of international cooperation.

Overview of Cybernetic Avatars

Cybernetic avatars are a central concept in Moonshot Goal 1 and refer to a group of technologies that significantly extend a person's physical, cognitive and sensory capabilities. They are not just "avatars" in a virtual space, but create new possibilities for people to physically engage in real-world activities. The concept is supported by the fusion of cutting-edge technologies in fields such as robotics, artificial intelligence and ICT (information and communication technology).

This avatar is intended to be able to move freely between "cyberspace" and "physical space," and is envisioned to play the following roles:

  • Enabling people to work and interact across physical distances
  • Reducing the physical burden on people in care and medical care
  • Safely perform tasks in dangerous environments such as disaster sites

Furthermore, to realize cybernetic avatars, performance beyond that of a simple remote-controlled robot is required. Technology must be developed to simultaneously control multiple avatars and enable them to move precisely and smoothly as if they were the user's own body. Another important element of this technology is the development of interfaces that utilize brainwaves and biosignals.

The essential value of this technology is that it enables everyone to take part in a variety of social activities. It envisions a future in which physical limitations and geographical barriers are eliminated, allowing everyone to contribute to society in new ways.

Technology development goals and directions

Technological development towards the realization of cybernetic avatars is being carried out in a two-stage plan with the final goal being 2050 and the intermediate goal being 2030. This plan is comprised of the following two pillars:

  1. Building a "cybernetic avatar platform" that allows anyone to participate in a variety of social activities
    By 2050, we will develop a technological infrastructure that enables multiple people to cooperate and operate multiple avatars to accomplish large-scale, complex tasks. This infrastructure will be used, for example, in the following situations:
  • Executing construction projects in remote locations
  • Advanced remote surgery in the medical field
  • Multinational team research and education activities

The intermediate goal is to develop technology that will enable one person to operate 2030 or more avatars at the same time by 1. The condition is that the speed and accuracy must be the same as when operating one avatar. If this technology is established, a single worker will be able to carry out a variety of tasks efficiently.

  1. Realizing "cybernetic avatar life" that expands human capabilities
    Aiming for the year 2050, we will create an environment where everyone who wishes can expand their physical, cognitive, and sensory capabilities to the highest level. This will lead to the following new lifestyles:
  • A society in which everyone can participate equally in activities, overcoming limitations caused by physical disabilities and aging.
  • Opening up possibilities for working in extreme environments (such as space and the deep sea)
  • Creating new industries using advanced perception capabilities

As an intermediate goal, the team will develop technology that can extend capabilities for specific tasks and present prototypes of new lifestyles by 2030. At this stage, the focus will be on task-specific capability extension via avatars.

The direction of research and development will require the comprehensive use of cutting-edge technologies in fields such as robotics, artificial intelligence, biomechanics, and ICT. In parallel, ethical issues and legal systems will also need to be addressed, and harmony between technology and society will be sought.

The social impact of cybernetic avatars

The realization of cybernetic avatars has the potential to fundamentally change the way humans live. The greatest social impact will be the provision of "new freedom" that transcends the constraints of the body and space. This freedom will be extremely significant in terms of improving individual happiness, increasing the efficiency of society as a whole, and respecting diversity.

First, overcoming physical limitations will enable a future in which everyone, including the elderly and people with disabilities, can actively participate in social activities. For example, by using remote-controlled avatars, it will be possible to engage in a variety of jobs and activities without physical effort. This will expand the potential of each individual and contribute to resolving the labor market shortage.

In addition, removing geographical barriers will deepen global collaboration. Creating an environment where people from different countries and regions can collaborate in real time through avatars will promote the development of education, research, and business across borders. This will accelerate the creation of new knowledge and ideas, benefiting the entire international community.

Furthermore, avatars are expected to be used in disasters and dangerous work environments. Avatars can safely take over tasks in places where human lives are at risk, making society safer. This technology could play a vital role in rescue operations and disaster recovery.

However, the widespread use of such technology also comes with several challenges. Avatars could significantly change the working environment and affect existing occupational structures. From an ethical perspective, it is also essential to have a mechanism to ensure personal privacy and data security. These challenges must be addressed in order for technology to penetrate harmoniously into society.

Once we overcome these challenges, a future in which cybernetic avatars become a reality will emerge, enabling people to realize their full potential and helping to build a richer, more diverse society.

Referrer

Cabinet Office
Cabinet Office Home > Cabinet Office Policy Science, Technology and Innovation > Moonshot Research and Development Program > Moonshot Goals > Moonshot Goal 1
https://www8.cao.go.jp/cstp/moonshot/sub1.html

●JST (Japan Science and Technology Agency)
Moonshot Research and Development Program > Program Introduction > Moonshot Goal 1
https://www.jst.go.jp/moonshot/program/goal1/index.html