Noetic Computing

The Quantum Consciousness Computer concept emerges from Penrose-Hameroff Orchestrated Objective Reduction (Orch-OR) theory proposing consciousness arises from quantum computations in brain microtubules. Some researchers extrapolate: if consciousness is quantum computation, might we harness it technologically?

Proposed Applications

Proposed applications include consciousness-interfaced quantum computers, thought-powered quantum processors, or devices accessing collective consciousness for distributed quantum computing. The theory suggests microtubules perform quantum error correction and coherence, enabling computation beyond classical limits.

Scientific Status

While quantum biology is emerging science (photosynthesis, bird navigation use quantum effects), Orch-OR remains controversial. Microtubule quantum coherence faces decoherence challenges in warm, wet brain environments. No consciousness-powered quantum computer has been demonstrated. The concept represents speculative extrapolation from disputed consciousness theory to imagined technology—mixing real quantum computing, unproven quantum consciousness, and science fiction AI interfaces.