"Someday we'll switch on that machine, and we won't be able to switch it off." A quote from Professor Kevin Warwick
We've all seen the Terminator, the science-fiction movies where Arnie is the metal machine of death. From those scripts written 35 years ago, the futuristic blockbuster created questions. Questions that have been at the forefront of the scientific community since its inception, with many not wondering if but when would we be merging man with machine?
Being the Lead Professor of Cyberkenetics from Reading University and also being a world recognized scientist, Kevin Warwick is well known for his researches in robotics. He also holds the distinct honor of heading up one of the most advanced cyborg research projects in the world based in the UK. Prof. Warwick is certain that without upgrading, humans will someday fall behind the advances of the robots they're building – or worse.
In 1998, Kevin, became the world's first cyborg. Well, to be a little more accurate, he had a silicon chip transponder implanted into his forearm. From this first small upgrade, it allowed a computer to monitor Kevin as he negotiated his way around the Cybernetics Department, using a unique identifying signal, similar to that of aircraft transponders. He had the ability to operate doors, lights, heaters and other computers without lifting a finger.
In March 2002 a one hundred electrode array was surgically implanted into the median nerve fibers of the left arm of Professor Kevin Warwick. The two hour operation, was extremely complicated and involved a guiding tube inserted into a two inch incision made below the elbow joint, sliding the microelectrode system into this tube and interfacing the nerve fibers in the wrist. By having these electrodes implanted into his body he was able to connect with the university internet and control a robotic arm. Once he let his wife's brain waves take control of his body (she's also cybernetic).
With continuing advancements in Cyberkenetics, will the body upgrade be a common thing in our lifetime? Will we have chips in our arms that pay for our meals, eyes that can interface to our mobile phones, and the speaker in our ear to receive that call, but also understand any language. I for one am looking forward to the future.
Cheers Steemians.
Peace
SOURCE-https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Warwick
IMAGES - https://www.gettyimages.com.au/detail/news-photo/surgeons-operating-on-professor-kevin-warwick-at-oxfords-news-photo/830821392#/surgeons-operating-on-professor-kevin-warwick-at-oxfords-radcliffe-picture-id830821392
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/science-news/10888828/Captain-Cyborg-the-man-behind-the-controversial-Turing-Test-claims.html