The cyborg revolution: Technology’s body modifications
The cyborg revolution: Technology’s body modifications
By Barclay Ballard, CONTRIBUTOR
The primary goal of technology should be to improve our
lives in some way. So far that has seen us embrace computers, the Internet,
smartphones and most recently wearable gadgets. However, many are predicting
that the future will not see us hold or wear technology, but have it directly
implanted into our bodies.
Already, the transhumanism movement is seeing technology
implants gain greater acceptance, but many still feel uneasy about the ethics
involved when we attempt to improve our
bodies artificially. In response to the advances made in body modification
technology, we’ve looked at five high-profile examples below.
Replacement limbs
For many years, individuals have used technology to help
solve medical problems. Artificial pacemakers have been implanted into humans
since the 1950s and prosthetic limbs, in their most basic form, have been used
for centuries.
Now limb replacements are becoming increasingly advanced,
with the DEKA arm being one of the most notable. Developed by the Defense
Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the U.S. Army Research Office,
DEKA can carry out a series of complex movements controlled by electrical
signals sent from electrodes connected to the user’s muscles. The electrodes
transmit signals to the arm, which can carry out 10 different types of
movements.
The DEKA arm has given those that are missing limbs the
ability to perform delicate tasks, such as grasping a bottle, which wouldn’t be
possible with traditional prosthetics.
Neil Harbisson’s antenna
Self-confessed cyborg Neil Harbisson is one of the most
famous exponents of body modifications and has used technology to overcome the
extreme form of colour blindness that has afflicted him since birth.
Harbisson is unable to see colour at all and so decided
to implant a permanently attached antenna into his skull in 2004. The
“Eyeborg,” as it is known, allows him to experience colours by translating them
into sounds. An Internet connection also allows Harbisson to receive phone
calls directly into his skull and his activism has seen the British government
recognise his as the world’s first cyborg.
Deep brain stimulation
Deep brain stimulation involves the insertion of
electrodes into three target sites within the brain and has proven hugely
effective at tackling Parkinson’s disease.
The electrodes are connected to a neurostimulator placed
under the skin in the chest or stomach area, which delivers high-frequency
stimulation to specific areas of the brain. This changes some of the brain’s
electrical signals associated with Parkinson’s and is often used in partnership
with medication.
The procedure is working so well that it could remain the
primary surgical treatment for the condition for the next two to three decades.
Security chips
A number of companies around the world are now offering
employees the opportunity of having computer chips implanted into their hands
to help them in their place of work.
The radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip is
inserted under the skin, following only a brief moment of pain, and can be put
to various uses. Most often, the chip is used to unlock doors, providing a more
secure solution than employee ID cards.
Others have placed an electronic business card on the
chip, which can be accessed via a smartphone, or use the implant to access
their car or computer.
A Swedish company called Dangerous Things even allows you
to buy a DIY chip implanting kit that means you can use the technology in
whatever way you want.
Sticking with the DIY theme, biohacker Tim Cannon has developed
a Fitbit style device that is implanted under the skin.
The Circadia 1.0 is not the most elegant implant, clearly
protruding from underneath Cannon’s skin, but it does offer some personal
utility. The device can be connected to appliances in his home and is
programmable via tablet. In fact, by monitoring various health metrics, the
Circadia 1.0 can automatically provide Cannon with a helping hand.
“So if, for example, I’ve had a stressful day, the
Circadia will communicate that to my house and will prepare a nice relaxing
atmosphere for when I get home: Dim the lights, let in a hot bath,” he
explained.
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