Human Augmentation is the application of technology to the upgrading of human physical, mental, and sensory functions. It is indeed futuristic thought leading the human race in benefitting from technological breakthroughs such as AI, bio, and cyber technologies. The technology’s objective is to exceed the bounds of the human body and brain. This strategy is envisioning the possibilities of a world where humans can have superhuman capabilities.
From the rudimentary usage of tools to the modern era of science our ancestors have always been fascinated with the idea of enhancement of their intellect. This has been the springboard for the technological improvement of this idea into the field it has become. The subject matter consists of a combination of the study of different disciplines and the use of applications. Innovation proceeds from the straightforward wearable devices to complex brain-computer interfaces.
Introduction to Human Augmentation
Human Augmentation is not only about individuals’ improvements but quality of life, reimagining works, and developing habits of interaction. The Human Augmentation achieves its goals by being a solution to the most formidable human problems. This augmentation of humans will be a major step in redefining what it means to be human. It enhances the physical capacity of people who suffer from disabilities. It increases the intellectual capacity of an individual to get more work done. It enriches sensory abilities by improving communication and assimilation.
Table of Contents
Types of Human Augmentation
Human Augmentation is categorized into three main areas:
Physical Augmentation
Physical augmentation is the manipulation of the damaged limbs using prosthetics, exoskeletons, and muscle stimulators which involve the upgrading of the human’s strength. These devices allow disabled people to accomplish tasks that would otherwise be impossible for them, and can also help them get around easier, increase strength and, in some cases, even lose weight. Sophisticated prosthetics that copy the motion of real legs are now available. Exoskeletons offer the necessary aid to walk or lift heavy objects for individuals.
Cognitive Augmentation
Cognitive augmentation is the process of enhancing mental faculties such as memory, attention, and decision-making. Brain computer interfaces (BCIs), neurostimulation, and memory enhancement devices are among the tools which are highly being developed and are the pioneers in this field for providing the delivery of these abilities. technology
Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) drive communication between the brain and external gadgets. The ability of people to use their thoughts to control computers and prosthetic limbs is created in the future (as a first step to control the environment) being one of the features of that technology neurofeedback and brain computer interfaces. Brainwave feedback is one of the responses through neurofeedback, which is a biofeedback method involving real-time regulation of brainwave activity. If a person can stay within a certain state of consciousness so they can use and repair their brain high-pitched tones are another part of this awesome Brooke system..
Sensory Augmentation
Sensory augmentation is a form of human-animal partnership which aims to alter and give animals new abilities or senses by machines. What a vast effect this revolution would have on economics and global social systems were it to happen! The technology to connect animals with computer systems would require numerous research articles in order to substantiate the claim that teaching them broader applications are possible.
It implies that smart external devices are not only communicating with each other but also with living organisms, in that case, animals, and artificial autonomous agents are dependent on the Internet of Things (IoT) to receive management, control, and exploratory tasks. Robotic technology can make the emotional development of a person possible, of course, it is good if true love is a perfect match with mechanical devices CRS, Rasyaleth, and Polly are names of my robot friends.
Augmented reality, where virtual information is placed on top of a real thing, provides users in many ways such as two-dimensional, three-dimension or integrating fully with reality through different devices (Assuming AR is the technology) new experiences which are unreal. Are you ready for this intense experience with glasses that can see the whole world in a brand new way? If yes, you should get a pair of augmented reality (AR) glasses. Personal experience is one of the features that Google glasses offer..
Applications in Various Fields
Human Augmentation is revolutionizing various sectors such as:
Healthcare
Human augmentation technologies are the newest tools in the healthtech industry. Human will now be able to really walk and act like never before. Augmented and advanced organs and prosthetics allow the alternative to be as good as the original. Coming into a future where the surgery is performed by
Military
Human Augmentation is the army’s best tool to overcome physical challenges. Exoskeletons double a person’s strength and stamina, helping to bear the load and do the job easier. The advanced sensory system like augmented reality helmets, on the other hand, provides greater situational awareness. Cognitive enhancers optimize decision-making and reaction times and allow soldiers to make smart moves in battle.
Workplace
In the field of human augmentation, augmented reality and wearable technology prove beneficial in both work productivity and safety. AR glasses enable workers to conduct complicated tasks with the help of information clearly visible to them, effectively removing the hands-free element. Wearable devices are capable of monitoring the workers’ health metrics and their level of fatigue, hence, they become the cause of accidents and create a safe work environment. At the same time, Human Augmentation technology accelerates remote work and collaborations, thereby tearing down the walls of geographic barriers.
Education
Cognitive redesigning and learning in virtual reality environments have opened up education to new horizons. VR offers the flexibility of creating live simulations, and students who engage in the content are more interested in learning. Cognitive enhancements and focus mobile apps are the primary tools for memory and concentration improvement for students. By the same tolerance, human augmentation is the major player in addressing the needs of those with disabilities while allowing the best knowledge to be transferred from the teacher to the student, hence the education is going to be accessible.
Benefits of Human Augmentation
Human augmentation brings about so many advantages that it is difficult to list them all:
Enhanced Physical Abilities
Human augmentation technologies are found to be significantly beneficial in the sense of physical development as they not only increase strength, endurance, and mobility but also make the human body more functional. Controlled elasticity or powered exoskeletal-type instruments and devices are the new enhancements, which when put on people with disabilities give them the possibility to do almost all things that would be impossible for them to do. These developments make life better for them. Athletes and workers can also take advantage of these technological advancements by using them to improve their performance and productivity.
Improved Cognitive Functions
Using Cognitive Augmentation increases mental capacities such as improved baby-sitting, fast decision-making, and memory. Brain-computer connections and neurostimulation training can be employed to develop cognitive functioning among learners, thus improving their personal as well as professional abilities. The potential to incorporate cognitive enhancers in the management of emotional and psychiatric disorders, which ultimately gives the patient a better quality of life, is one of the augmented medical treatments we now have.
Better Sensory Perception
Sensory augmentation technologies are mainly for the enhancement of the existing senses or for the application of new senses either to normal individuals or those who have sensory impairments. The perspective changing implant by sensory implants and preferable vision support applications on glasses allow new perspectives for individuals. The results of these enhancements will not only make people communicate with each other more effectively, but they will also increase their ability to interact and overall the quality of life.
Ethical Considerations
Despite the good points mentioned above, there are quite a few ethical issues as well##
Equity and Access
The most important and vital ethical issue lies in providing equal and fair access to the augmentation technologies. The ultimate say in both disparity elimination through accessibility and affordability issues is upon us. Therefore, every person, no matter their financial status, must have access to these technologies. Policies and regulations should act in favor of equal access to those technologies, hence, stopping the creation of the technological divide.
Privacy
It is of utmost importance to shield personal data collected through augmented devices from any unauthorized misuse. Viruses and cookies are then removed from the device by a perfect antivirus. Viruses and cookies are then removed from the device by a perfect antivirus. Do not use your pc without an efficient antivirus. It is recommended to use a firewall and secure Wi-Fi. It is not recommended to download any software unless you are absolutely sure that it is legit. Be very critical about choosing software or applications/programs as they might contain malware. Do not install unknown software. Do not visit illegal websites. Do not click any suspicious links.
Identity and Humanity
Every informed decision made using evidence-based data analysis ensures that the operations improve over time. Whichever issues cyberaids advance the existence of computer technologies due to improved spectrum in data processing and spreading. The intelligence agencies have already noticed spying inevitable of drones which could be used in terrorism. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Future of Human Augmentation
The coming days of human augmentation can be seen as a collection of advancements in technology. Wearable computing devices do not need clothes for environmental adjustment. It is necessary for reliable masks to be purchased and worn by people with asthma. It is necessary for people with chronic bronchitis to stay indoors until monitoring of air pollution says it is safe for them to go outside. It is also necessary for people to wear masks. It is necessary for the government to organize air pollution days and inform the public about what they will do to manage them. As a consequence of these, the environment is polluted by pollutants from cars, trains, and airplanes supplied by gas stations.
What are the benefits of human augmentation?
Human Augmentation is technology that boosts human productivity, enhances, and restores the human body’s capabilities.
