Chapter 192: Doctor Octavius
The hardware materials used in the Scorpion suit were quite extraordinary, but the software system wasn't as advanced.
This difference stems from the distinct technological paths in two different worlds. In the cyberpunk world, people began using brain-computer interfaces as early as the 20th century, and that technology has advanced relentlessly.
Experiments led to deaths, and they simply accepted it.
This reckless research approach caused prosthetic technology to develop rapidly, essentially forcing brain-computer interfaces to become a mature and stable technology.
In the Marvel world, however, due to the presence of ethical standards, people preferred a safer force-feedback model to drive prosthetics and exoskeletons.
However, force-feedback transmission always introduces significant delays, leading researchers to focus on AI.
They used AI to predict human behavior and simulate possible actions. Essentially, the AI would anticipate the user's movement and control the exoskeleton ahead of time.
The problems were obvious: First, if the AI made a mistake, the person could be killed by their own suit.
Second, even with AI-assisted prosthetics, the delay remained, and flexibility was poor.
So, it always comes back to direct neural links through brain-computer interfaces.
But brain-computer interfaces have their own issues: controlling your arms is instinctual, but how do you control limbs that don't exist?
This becomes particularly problematic with additional prosthetic limbs like the tentacles of an octopus, a scorpion's tail, or the wings of a bird.
This same problem occurred in the cyberpunk world, with a notable example being the drivers of the Basilisk armored vehicle. These drivers had to undergo extensive training, including both physical and psychological transformation.
Even then, the chances of psychological issues among the drivers were still very high.
In the Marvel world, the researcher opted to embed AI into the human-machine system to assist in controlling the extra mechanical limbs. Essentially, the human commands the AI.
This version of a brain-computer interface is equivalent to the early versions in the cyberpunk world, capable of converting electrical signals to biological signals. However, the premature incorporation of AI into the exoskeleton led to a host of problems.
The first problem: under safe conditions, the built-in brain-computer interface couldn't handle the intense data flow.
This was a limitation of the chip technology of the time, an unsolvable problem.
Second, if safety was not a concern, by adding multiple interfaces within the body and directly linking them to the spinal cord, external prosthetics could be operated normally.
The theoretical side effects: electrical signals would interfere with the brain's normal functioning, leading to overfitting between human consciousness and AI operational patterns, with unknown consequences.
"This is the problem that Doctor Octavius is facing, but regardless, he's an authority in this field. He's also made considerable progress in nanomaterials and quantum physics."
"I hope he can offer some advice."
Professor Connors led Leo and Peter to the other side of Empire State University, where the researcher, Doctor Otto Octavius, had his laboratory.
It was clear that Doctor Octavius held a higher position than Connors; he had more than one lab, and his servers were stored separately.
However, something seemed off about the atmosphere.
The three of them saw people constantly moving servers and equipment out of the lab—loading them onto trucks marked with the Osborn Corporation logo.
"But that has nothing to do with me!"
"You can't say that," Norman Osborn said to Doctor Octavius through a screen. "The military considers your project too dangerous. The government has agreed to classify it and hand it over to Osborn Corporation for further research."
"I've also verified with the funding committee multiple times. There were numerous accidents during your experiments, proving you're no longer fit to oversee this project."
"Of course, if you still wish to continue your research, you're welcome to join Osborn Corporation. We have the best equipment, and you can continue your project in a safer environment."
The employees of Osborn Corporation took away all the machines before Doctor Octavius could say much.
He slumped into a chair, staring at the now-empty lab in bewilderment.
Knock, knock.
"Otto?" Connors knocked on the open door.
Otto looked up suddenly, saw Connors, and wiped his face. "Connors, you're here? Sorry, but I don't even have an extra chair for you. Give me a moment; I'll wash my face, and we can talk outside."
As he stood up, his legs suddenly gave out, and he almost fell! Connors rushed in to support him. "What happened?"
"They took all my research. Osborn made a deal with the government... they took everything."
Leo immediately understood what was happening.
Scorpion was definitely Norman's doing, but he pinned the blame on Otto. Taking advantage of the situation, with backing from the military and Pentagon, Norman seized Otto's research.
So, in this world, Otto Octavius' most significant achievement was in brain-computer interfaces.
Leo picked up a flyer from the floor. It was a photo of Otto with his experimental subject, with a caption detailing the man's story.
A construction worker, his arm was crushed by a steel pipe on the job. He had to undergo amputation, lost his job, his wife divorced him, and his daughter couldn't afford school.
A small example of the wider economic crisis.
Otto was a scientist, not an expert in economic issues, but as a responsible scientist, he wanted to help people with disabilities.
That's why he and Professor Connors had known each other for so long.
Doctor Octavius' research was enough to give disabled individuals some mobility back, but it was still far from restoring full functionality or allowing them to resume their previous physically demanding jobs.
"Doctor Octavius, I know about your research and have read your papers, but right now we need you to help identify the origin of the Scorpion suit—the suspect who attacked the marshal's team."
Otto looked up, questioning Connors with his gaze.
Connors looked puzzled. "Don't you watch the news? My investor and research partner, Leo Lee, who helped me perfect the Lizard Serum—although its first appearance wasn't so pleasant."
"Don't you know my lab building was destroyed by the Lizard?"
"Uh? I know some of it, but... I've been too busy lately, trying to finish the final tests. But now... sorry, I've been complaining too much. Hello, Mr. Lee—and this is?"
Peter scratched his face. "I'm the Lizard... Peter Parker."
Otto froze, pointing at Peter, then turned to look at Connors, utterly shocked.
Leo chuckled to himself. It seems in every world, Doctor Octavius discovers that Spider-Man is Peter Parker.
But now, Peter Parker was telling Otto he was the Lizard.
Connors shrugged. "It seems you've really been out of touch with the world for too long. Sit down, and let's have a good chat—"
"We'll catch you up on current events, and then Leo will show you something that will really open your eyes."
"Can your computer still work?"
"It can, but they took the storage drives. There are two boxes left—let's make do with them."
Leo and Peter lifted two large boxes from the shelf. Inside were unopened storage units.
Heavy—but empty.
Leo connected them to the computer and inserted his own hard drive.
"Doctor, I assure you, this is a good thing. Osborn Corporation took your data, but it freed your mind from its constraints."
"But your expertise is still in your head. Now, take a look at this."
A full-body link schematic and armor structure for the Scorpion suit appeared on the computer screen.
Otto was stunned—he saw too many familiar elements.
Leo zoomed in on the Scorpion's spine and the interface at the back of his head, displaying their technical specifications.
Otto ignored what Leo was saying and rushed to the screen. "This is my design! But I swear I never made these kinds of extensions! It's that old fox, Osborn! He's been conducting secret experiments all along!"
"That's exactly what we need to clarify. The armor has many Osborn elements, along with evidence of their illegal experiments."
"And as for the brain-computer interface project, I have some new insights I'd like to discuss with you."
Otto stood frozen. Just moments ago, he thought Leo was simply here to confirm the design of the suit and collect evidence.
But now Leo was confidently saying he was going to challenge Otto's established thinking and discuss the brain-computer interface project.
Brain-computer interface? Discuss with me.
What could this young kid possibly have to discuss?
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