Tech Feasibility

simthesis.org 3 min read

One of the most exciting questions in the simulation hypothesis today is whether creating a convincing ancestor simulation is actually becoming technologically possible. How close are we, and what breakthroughs would be needed?

Think of it like watching the first crude video games from the 1970s evolve into today’s photorealistic virtual worlds — and then imagining what another few decades (or centuries) of progress could achieve.

Exponential Computing Growth

Computing power has grown dramatically, following predictions by futurist Ray Kurzweil about exponential technological progress. While traditional chip scaling is slowing, new approaches like quantum computing, neuromorphic chips, and advanced AI hardware are opening fresh possibilities. Some experts believe that within this century we could reach the level of computational power needed to simulate entire human brains or even small societies in high detail.

Virtual reality and augmented reality technologies are also advancing rapidly. Modern VR systems already create immersive experiences that trick our senses. Future generations could make simulated worlds indistinguishable from base reality for those inside them.

Artificial Intelligence and Consciousness

Progress in artificial intelligence raises another key question: Could we one day create conscious digital beings inside a simulation? Current large language models and generative AI show how quickly machines can mimic human-like behavior. While true machine consciousness remains debated, rapid advances suggest that simulating minds may become feasible sooner than many once thought.

Researchers working on whole brain emulation (scanning and simulating a complete human brain) are also making steady progress, which could serve as a foundation for more complex simulated worlds.

What Still Needs to Happen

Major challenges remain: energy requirements, data storage at planetary scales, and solving the “hard problem” of consciousness. However, if civilization continues advancing without major setbacks, many technologists believe ancestor-level simulations could become possible within a few hundred years — or much sooner with breakthroughs in quantum or biological computing.

What Makes It Exciting

Tech feasibility brings the simulation hypothesis out of pure theory and into the realm of engineering roadmaps. As we build better simulations ourselves, the idea that future (or even current) civilizations could do the same feels increasingly realistic.

This technological perspective connects directly with ongoing scientific efforts to look for evidence of simulation in our own universe.

Want to dive deeper?

  • Ray Kurzweil on exponential growth and the technological singularity: Wikipedia – The Singularity Is Near
  • Whole brain emulation and related projects: Search “Human Brain Project” or visit the OpenWorm project site
  • Current state and future outlook for VR/AR technology: Search “future of virtual reality 2030” on reputable tech sites
  • Rizwan Virk’s book The Simulation Hypothesis (strong coverage of the tech side): Author’s site
  • Nick Bostrom’s official simulation argument resources: simulation-argument.com