CYBORG CHRONICLES
THE RISE OF HUMAN-MACHINE HYBRIDS
By Bhargav Mupparisetty
Introduction
First coined in 1960 by Manfred Clynes and Nathan S. Kline, the concept of cyborgs is no more
a science-fiction. A Cyborg refers to a being that is an integration of organic and Mechanical
elements. Cyborgs have Artificial Intelligent devices implanted into bodies to enhance their
capabilities beyond human limitations. Today, the concept has been adopted by many
companies and startups to create devices that can be implanted into the human bodies for
various purposes. Seeing these advancements in human implants the rise of cyborgs is not a
myth any more and signifies a transformative era where this human and artificial intelligence
integration is revolutionizing healthcare, enhancing human capabilities and recreating the
Human evolution through integration of Artificial Intelligence.
When did the trend start?
The idea of being an enhanced human being is not new. People started to imagine of being a
super hero how achieve impossible things through scientific advancements. Science fiction
movies has increased much more interest about cyborgs. With iconic characters in movies like
Iron man, where he uses an external device to keep himself alive can be considered as a cyborg.
These things raised interest in the population about such scientific advancements. But in earlier
times, due to lack of technology, it is just a fictional concept. Since the advancement of
Artificial Intelligence in the 21 st century, especially in the field of Brain-Computer Interface
(BCI), the concept of cyborgs has again uncovered to make it practical.
What is Brain-Computer Interface (BCI)?
A Brain-Computer Interface (BCI), also known as Brain-Machine Interface (BMI) is a direct
communication pathway between external machines or devices with Brain. BCI enables
individual to directly interact and operate external devices through their thoughts alone,
bypassing the traditional method of neuromuscular pathway of nerves and muscles.
The main component of a BCI is the Electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor that has the ability
to measure the brain waves and frequencies. In simple terms, the BCI uses these frequencies
and using the embedded algorithms or models that are already trained determine and decide
the activity to be done for that particular frequency.
What is the use?
According to few people, people who have basic technological implants are also considered as
cyborgs. For example, a person with an artificial cardiac pacemaker would be considered as a
cyborg since these devices measure voltage potentials in the body, perform signal processing
and deliver electrical stimuli using a synthetic feedback mechanism for the person to be alive.
But, in the recent days the process of implanting microchips into the body was made easy.
Today, the trend has increased a lot and many tech companies started making microchips for
various purposes to be implanted into the human body. One example for these kinds of
microchips is Neuralink. This implant operates on Brain-Computer Interface (BCI). The device
usually implanted on the head that enable direct communication between human brain and
computers or other devices. Many other examples for this may include:
Advanced prosthetic arms that are integrated to humans that are controlled with brain
directly so as to assist the disabled people.
Mechanical exoskeletons are revolutionizing rehabilitation, allowing individuals with
paralysis to walk again.
In military applications, exoskeletons can be used to improve the capacity of soldiers
significantly reducing the injuries and loss during the times of war.
And many other. The world is moving towards the era of cyborgs. In recent days a new startup
company has designed a microchip that is implanted into the hand which measures the body
temperature and send alerts to the person.
Conclusion
Cyborgs represent a pivotal intersection of technology with humanity, offering the potential to
enhance the human capacity and reduce the limitations. As we are moving towards the cyborg
future, an ethical responsibility and a balanced innovation is essential. This is the new evolution
of Human Beings outsourcing the classical human evolution theory in the creation of new
beings that are bio-mechanical. As a leaf in the open air can take the direction of the wind,
technology moves in the direction of the thoughts of the creators. So, it is very essential to use
any of the technology ethically and productively.
