Executive summary
Recent advancements in human augmentation technology are pushing the boundaries of what the human body can achieve. Indeed, our physical and cognitive abilities may soon be freed of the constraints imposed by our biology. Tinkering with nature isn’t a consequence-free game, though – there are serious ethical ramifications that need to be considered.
- Human augmentation technology encompasses a wide range of innovations, including brain-computer interfaces, bionic eyes, and exoskeletons.
- Brain-computer interfaces, such as the one developed by Neuralink, are already helping paralysed individuals regain control over their movements and communication.
- “In my opinion, we are at least 10 to 15 years away from the cognitive enhancement goals in healthy, able-bodied subjects,” says Pedram Mohseni, an engineering and computer science professor at Case Western Reserve University.
- Public opinion remains divided. A 2020 survey by the cybersecurity firm Kaspersky found that 33% of respondents were ‘excited’ by the idea of human augmentation, but 69% said they feared the technology would be reserved only for the rich.
- About 36% of women and 25% of men said they were open to the idea of augmenting certain parts of their body, reveals the Kaspersky survey.
As human augmentation technology continues to evolve, its impact on society will likely be profound. While immediate applications will focus on medical treatments and restoration of lost functions, the long-term potential for human enhancement could fundamentally reshape our species. Just imagine: your grandchildren could be akin to superhumans, with physical and cognitive capabilities far beyond what is possible today.
The limitations of the human body
Do you ever stop to think about what your body is truly capable of? Over the course of our history, we humans have been on a constant quest to push the boundaries of our abilities. We’ve always wanted to be faster, stronger, smarter – you name it. And for a long time, we’ve relied on some pretty conventional methods to achieve these goals. We’ve focused on education to sharpen our minds, hit the gym to build our muscles, and carefully watched our diets to optimise our health. These approaches have served us well – no doubt about it.
But here’s the thing: no matter how hard we study, how intensely we work out, or how meticulously we plan our meals, we’re still confined by the natural limitations of our bodies. It’s like trying to upgrade a computer just by tinkering with the existing components – there’s only so much you can do before you hit the performance ceiling. However, that may be about to change. Thanks to recent advances in human augmentation technology, we may yet break free from the shackles of our biology and create a new paradigm for the potential of the human body.
Human augmentation technology explained
Human augmentation technology promises to push our physical, cognitive, or sensory abilities to the next level. But are there any risks?
So, what exactly is human augmentation technology? Essentially, the term refers to any technology designed to improve or extend our physical, cognitive, or sensory abilities. The term encompasses a wide range of innovations which can be categorised in a couple of ways. One approach is to look at what aspects of human ability they’re augmenting.
Augmenting the human body
First, we have technologies that augment our senses. These are designed to improve or restore our ability to perceive the world around us. You are surely already familiar with some of these: for instance, cochlear implants that amplify sound for individuals with hearing impairments and retinal implants that restore some degree of sight to the visually impaired.
Then there are technologies that augment our cognitive capabilities. While we’re not quite at the stage of downloading knowledge directly into our brains, we are making considerable strides in this area. For instance, we now have brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) that allow people with paralysis to control computers and other devices with their thoughts. Amazing, isn’t it?
The third category includes technologies that focus on improving our physical capabilities. This field has seen remarkable progress in recent years, as evidenced by the development of increasingly sophisticated prosthetic limbs, some of which offer fine motor control and even sensory feedback. Exoskeletons are another exciting development in this field, helping people with mobility issues to walk and providing additional support for workers in physically demanding jobs.
Humanity improved
Another means of classifying these technologies is by considering how they interact with our existing abilities. Some technologies aim to replicate or restore functions that have been lost. The cochlear implants and advanced prosthetics we mentioned previously would fall into this category.
Other technologies supplement our existing abilities by providing an additional layer of functionality. A good example of this would be an exoskeleton that imbues its wearer with additional strength and endurance, allowing them to perform tasks otherwise beyond their physical limits.
But here’s where it gets really interesting – technologies that aim to exceed natural human capabilities. While existing technologies like retinal and cochlear implants aim to restore lost functions, future advancements could potentially give us capabilities that go beyond our natural limits. Imagine having the ability to perceive a wider range of electromagnetic frequencies, allowing you to see infrared or ultraviolet spectrums. Now that would be spectacular!
What does it mean to be human?
However, while these technologies undoubtedly hold immense promise for enhancing human capabilities and improving quality of life, they also raise a number of complex ethical questions that we must carefully navigate. One of the most pressing concerns surrounding human augmentation technology is that it could potentially exacerbate existing socioeconomic inequalities.
The truth is, a lot of these cutting-edge augmentations are going to come with a pretty hefty price tag. If only the wealthy can afford to upgrade their bodies and minds, we could see barriers of class taking on entirely new and unsettling dimensions. Imagine a world where the rich can literally buy their way to superhuman abilities, while the rest of us are left in the dust. It’s a rather dystopian possibility, isn’t it?
That’s not all, though: we’ve also got to consider the rather substantial risk to our safety. After all, implanting foreign objects into the human body is a delicate and potentially risky proposition, and we need to ensure that these technologies are thoroughly tested and proven to be safe and effective before they are widely adopted. This requires a robust framework of guidelines, regulatory standards, and accountability measures to protect the health and well-being of individuals who choose to undergo augmentation.
In the case of brain implants and other technologies that interface directly with the human mind, there are additional ethical concerns to consider. Some critics argue that these technologies could potentially be used to manipulate an individual’s thoughts, emotions, or behaviours. While this may sound a bit far-fetched, you’re better safe than sorry on this one. The need for a robust regulatory framework to prevent abuse and protect individual autonomy is clear.
Beyond these practical considerations, the use of human augmentation technology also raises profound questions about what it means to be human. As we start blurring the lines between man and machine, we’ve got to stop and think about how these technologies might change the very essence of who we are. Will we still be able to call ourselves human if half our bodies are made up of synthetic parts? And how might these augmentations affect the way we think, feel, and interact with each other?
- The term human augmentation technology refers to any technology that aims to improve or extend our physical, cognitive, or sensory abilities.
- Human augmentation technology encompasses a wide range of devices, including brain-computer interfaces, cochlear and retinal implants, prosthetic limbs, and exoskeletons.
- While the majority of existing human augmentation devices only aim to replicate or restore lost functions, future advancements in the field may enable us to gain new capabilities that go beyond our natural limits.
- The concept of human augmentation raises a number of complex ethical questions that we must carefully navigate.
A closer look at human augmentation technology
Companies around the world have come out with their own human augmentation devices that are already having a profound impact on people with disabilities, but could one day even enable us to overcome our biological limitations.
Now that we’ve explored what human augmentation technology is and what it can do for us, it’s time to take a closer look at some of the latest developments in this field. Considering the sheer amount of public interest – and controversy – the technology has attracted lately, BCIs seem to be the perfect place to start. But before we go any deeper into the reasons why, let’s take a step back and explain what a BCI is.
Mind control
Basically, a BCI system involves implanting electrodes into specific areas of the brain. These electrodes can pick up on the electrical signals that our brain cells use to communicate with each other. By decoding these signals, the BCI can translate our thoughts and intentions into commands that a computer can understand. This groundbreaking technology could have a wide range of potential applications. Most notably, it can help people with severe motor disabilities to control prosthetic limbs or communicate through computers using only their thoughts.
Arguably, the most prominent name in the world of BCIs right now is Neuralink, a company founded by tech mogul Elon Musk. In August 2024, the company announced that it had successfully implanted its brain chip into a second human patient, a person with a spinal cord injury. The first person, who was implanted with the device a couple of months earlier, had a similar injury that left him paralysed from the shoulders down. However, thanks to the brain implant, which was rather aptly named Telepathy, he was able to play video games, browse the internet, and post on social media using his mind.
But this may only be the beginning. Musk isn’t just interested in using this technology to help people with brain injuries regain motor control or communication abilities, although that’s certainly part of the plan. No, his vision goes way beyond that. He wants to use BCIs to make us smarter, boost our memory, and enable us to interact with electronic devices in ways that are hard to even imagine right now. What if you could browse the internet just by thinking about it? Or instantly pull up any piece of information from your memory, as if your brain had its own built-in Google? Or communicate complex ideas to others without saying a word, just by thinking them?
A new vision
Another human augmentation technology that has been making waves lately is the bionic eye implant. California-based company Science has developed a visual prosthesis called the Science Eye, which aims to restore sight for people affected by retinitis pigmentosa. For those who aren’t familiar with the term, retinitis pigmentosa is a genetic disorder that causes gradual vision loss over time. It starts with night blindness and progresses to tunnel vision and eventually complete blindness – not a pleasant condition, to say the least.
The Science Eye consists of a pair of glasses equipped with a camera and an implant installed directly over the person’s retina. The camera captures visual information from the environment, which is then processed by the implant and converted into pulses of light. The light pulses are transmitted to retinal cells, which then send signals to the brain, allowing the person to perceive visual information. It’s important to note that the Science Eye doesn’t restore perfect vision. The sensation would be better described as a low-resolution version of sight, with less detail and clarity than a fully functioning eye. But for people who have lost their vision entirely, even this limited form of sight can be an absolute game-changer.
Of course, Science isn’t the only company working on bionic eye implants. Unsurprisingly, Elon Musk’s Neuralink is also working on its own device called Blindsight, which takes a slightly different approach. Instead of targeting the retina, Neuralink implants a microelectrode array directly into the visual cortex of the brain, which then activates specific neurons in the cortex, enabling the individual to perceive a visual image. The really incredible thing about the Blindsight device is that it could potentially enable even those who have been blind from birth to see – provided their visual cortex isn’t damaged.
Now, just like the Science Eye, the vision provided by the Blindsight device will initially be pretty low-resolution. We’re talking basic shapes, patterns, and contrasts, rather than detailed images. But Musk has some pretty wild ambitions for the future of this technology. “To set expectations correctly, the vision will be at first be low resolution, like Atari graphics, but eventually it has the potential to be better than natural vision and enable you to see in infrared, ultraviolet, or even radar wavelengths, like Geordi La Forge,” says Musk, humble as usual.
Work hard(er), play hard(er)
The next type of human augmentation technology we’re going to discuss – exoskeletons – has been around for a lot longer than some of the newer, flashier augmentations we’ve covered in previous sections. An exoskeleton is basically a robotic framework that mirrors the structure and function of the human skeleton and musculature. It uses a combination of motors, hydraulics, and other mechanical components to provide support, amplify movements, and reduce the strain on the user’s body.
Exoskeletons have already proven their worth in a variety of settings, including medical rehabilitation, logistics, and manufacturing. They’ve helped patients with spinal cord injuries, stroke, and other neurological conditions to regain mobility and independence and enabled workers to lift heavy loads and perform repetitive tasks with less fatigue and risk of injury. But despite these successes, exoskeletons have often been hindered by a few key limitations. They tend to be bulky, rigid, and not easily customisable to an individual user’s needs and body types. This can lead to discomfort, reduced range of motion, and even safety concerns.
Fortunately, this could be about to change. A team of researchers from Canterbury Christ Church University recently unveiled a new lower limb exoskeleton designed specifically for children with neurological conditions like cerebral palsy. The device uses an algorithm which has been trained on a vast database of gait patterns to analyse the user’s movements in real-time and predict what they are going to do next. This enables the exoskeleton to provide more precise, personalised support by activating one or more of the six strategically placed motors just as the user starts to move, resulting in a more natural movement.
As the technology continues to evolve, exoskeletons may become a common sight in hospitals, factories, construction sites, and even our daily lives. They could enable older individuals to maintain their mobility and independence well into their later years, allowing them to continue contributing to society. They could also level the playing field for people with physical disabilities, providing them with newfound freedom and opportunities. But why stop there? As exoskeletons become more advanced, lightweight, and adaptable, they could open up entirely new realms of human experience. Imagine being able to run faster than any Olympic athlete, lift objects that would normally require heavy machinery, or even explore environments that are currently inaccessible to the human body.
No more organ transplant waiting lists
Of course, no article about human augmentation technology would be complete without a section on artificial organs. Statistical data shows how urgent the need for these devices truly is. In the United States alone, over 100,000 individuals find themselves on organ transplant waiting lists, their lives hanging in the balance as they hold out for a compatible donor. The majority of these patients – more than 85% – are specifically awaiting a kidney transplant.
Despite the possibility of live donations for kidneys, there remains a dire shortage of organs available for those in need. The complexity of matching donors to recipients, coupled with the inherent risks and sacrifices involved in the donation process, means that many patients are left waiting for years, their health deteriorating with each passing day. But what if we could bypass the need for donor organs altogether?
One of the most promising developments in this field comes from The Kidney Project at the University of California which is currently hard at work developing a fully implantable artificial kidney. Unlike dialysis, which only filters waste products and excess fluid from the blood, the artificial organ aims to replicate many of the essential functions of a biological kidney, including producing urine. Furthermore, rather than relying on a battery, it uses the patient’s own blood pressure as a source of power. This means that once implanted, the device could operate autonomously, eliminating the need for frequent maintenance or replacement.
Similarly, the US-based company SynCardia has developed the Total Artificial Heart (TAH), a groundbreaking device that offers hope to patients suffering from biventricular heart failure. Unlike other cardiac support devices that merely assist or partially replace heart function, the TAH is a complete replacement for the biological heart. Implanted directly into the patient’s chest cavity, the TAH consists of two main components: the internal artificial heart and an external driver. The artificial heart itself is made of durable, biocompatible materials and features two ventricles that mimic the pumping action of a natural heart. From the device, two tubes extend throughout the body and exit through the abdomen, connecting the artificial heart to the external driver, which the patient wears in a specially designed backpack.
To date, approximately 2,000 patients worldwide have received the TAH, and the results have been nothing short of remarkable. Many recipients have been able to leave the hospital and resume their daily activities, free from the debilitating symptoms of heart failure. They have been able to walk, work, and spend precious time with loved ones. While the TAH has primarily been used as a temporary measure to keep patients alive until a donor heart becomes available, there is growing optimism that it could be a long-term solution, with several patients having now lived with the device for more than five years.
- Neuralink has successfully implanted its brain implant into two paralysed individuals, enabling them to play video games, browse the internet, and post on social media using only their minds.
- Neuralink and Science have developed retinal implants that promise to restore sight to blind individuals.
- Researchers from Canterbury Christ Church University have developed a lower limb exoskeleton that uses AI to help children with neurological conditions like cerebral palsy move more naturally.
- The Kidney Project and The Artificial Heart are two promising projects that could potentially eliminate the need for organ transplant waiting lists.
“At the moment, I’m struggling to see an application that a consumer would benefit from, where they would take the risk of invasive surgery.”
Anne Vanhoestenberghe, professor at King’s College London
Playing God
While experts agree that human augmentation technology could be a game-changer for people with disabilities, they are sceptical about its applications in healthy individuals.
At the time of writing, experts appear divided on the potential of human augmentation technology. Some believe that it will soon become more widespread and take on an increasingly prominent role in our lives. “I don’t think it’s a very long matter of time before [human augmentation technology] is being used to help us with rapid decision-making and rapid information gathering,” argues Shaun Gregory, deputy head of The Department for Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Queensland University of Technology. “We will probably have systems very soon that will give us a huge amount of information very quickly when we’re confused by something and help us make decisions. Perhaps improving that IQ.”
Others are a bit more sceptical, especially when it comes to the technology’s potential to enhance the abilities of healthy, able-bodied individuals. Brain implants, in particular, have come under increased scrutiny. “At the moment, I’m struggling to see an application that a consumer would benefit from, where they would take the risk of invasive surgery,” says Anne Vanhoestenberghe, professor of active implantable medical devices at King’s College London. “You’ve got to ask yourself, would you risk brain surgery just to be able to order a pizza on your phone?”
A similar view is shared by Pedram Mohseni, a professor at The Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Case Western Reserve University. “In my opinion, we are at least 10 to 15 years away from the cognitive enhancement goals in healthy, able-bodied subjects,” he explains. “It certainly appears […] that the neurotechnology focus will continue to be on patients with various neurological injuries or diseases.”
Most experts agree that human augmentation technology raises a slew of ethical concerns. “I think the biggest ethical issue that we have is about the discrepancy between the availability of these devices and transplants,” adds Gregory. “If you look at lower-income countries, there’s no way that they can afford technology like that. They also don’t necessarily have the clinically trained staff to implant the devices or to do transplants. So they don’t have access to this technology.”
But that’s far from the only concern associated with the concept of human augmentation. “I think there are quite a few different ways that you can break it down. There’s one set of concerns where you might think, “If we’re changing what it means to be a human, is that a problem? Are we playing God? Are we taking over some role that we shouldn’t?”,” explains Julian Koplin, a lecturer at Monash Bioethics Centre. “Or we might think that we might just get things catastrophically wrong. If we innovate too much, if we innovate too rapidly, we might end up in a situation where we achieve some grand change we haven’t fought through fully, or we haven’t been able to imagine what the risks are.”
Making life better?
The general public remains uncertain about the idea of human augmentation, citing concerns about equal access to these technologies.
So, we know that experts are quite sceptical about human augmentation, but what does the public think? Well, they appear to be somewhat sceptical as well. A 2022 survey conducted by Pew Research found that 56% of respondents believe that brain implants are a bad idea for society. On the other hand, only 13% consider it to be a good idea. Furthermore, 57% of respondents are concerned that the use of brain implants to increase cognitive function would increase the gap between higher- and lower-income citizens.
Uncertainty seems to be the prevailing sentiment when it comes to other types of human augmentation technology as well, with 42% of respondents saying they were not sure how exoskeletons would impact society, while 39% said the same about gene editing. When asked whether they thought these advancements would make life better, 32% of respondents said that robotic exoskeletons with built-in AI systems would lead to improved working conditions, while 31% said the opposite.
Despite a healthy amount of scepticism, most people would support human augmentation technology if it were used for the good of humanity, reveals a 2020 survey conducted by the cybersecurity firm Kaspersky. The survey further found that 33% of respondents were ‘excited’ by the idea of human augmentation, while 36% of women and 25% of men said they were open to the idea of augmenting certain parts of their body. However, 69% of respondents said they feared the technology would be reserved only for the rich.
Learnings
So, what’s the big takeaway here? We could argue that every breakthrough in the field of human augmentation technology – be it an artificial organ saving a life or a neural implant restoring lost senses – represents a step toward expanding human capabilities and reducing suffering. These technologies could eventually help us overcome many of the biological limitations that have defined the human experience since time immemorial.
Yet, as we’ve explored throughout this article, the very idea of human augmentation raises profound questions about equality, identity, and the nature of humanity itself. Will these technologies bridge the gaps in our society or widen them even further? And how do we ensure that the benefits of human augmentation are distributed fairly and ethically?
The answers to these questions are not simple, nor are they universal. Each of us must grapple with the ethical, social, and personal implications of these technologies in our own way. Some may eagerly embrace the opportunity to enhance their abilities, viewing it as a natural extension of the human drive for self-improvement. Others may recoil at the thought of altering their fundamental nature, preferring to navigate the challenges of life with the tools they were born with. Where do you stand?
