Cyborgs, defined as humans integrated with machine parts, already exist with implants like pacemakers. However, science fiction cyborgs with enhanced bones, muscles, and sensory organs have not been achieved yet. Research towards this development has been ongoing for decades, with billions of dollars in research funds going towards enabling technologies. The humanitarian value is incalculable, but ethical questions arise as some may use cyborg technology to improve themselves.
The answer to this question depends on what we consider a true cyborg. The standard definition of the term is simply a human integrated with machine parts. According to some intuitive definitions, a person wearing glasses or driving a car would also be considered a cyborg, although usually referring to a closer integration than this. Even with a stricter definition, anyone with an implant with moving parts, like those of us with pacemakers, cochlear implants, or heart pumps, is a true cyborg.
So by many definitions, the development of cyborgs has already been done. However, when we hear the word “cyborg,” we often think of science fiction cyborgs, who tend to have a greater synergy with mechanical components than a person with a pacemaker. Cyborgs in science fiction may have enhanced bones and muscles so they can run faster and have more stamina, or artificial eyes or other sensory organs to enhance perception. The development of cyborgs and the resulting consequences are a staple of science fiction.
The development of cyborgs in a more sci-fi sense has not yet really been achieved, even if the question arises, will we ever say: “do real cyborgs really exist now?” As technology advances incrementally, each new step, unless it’s a huge leap forward, can seem relatively trivial. But judging by science fiction from 2008 and earlier, it appears that impressive cyborgs, such as humans with artificial eyes, ears, muscles, bones, organs, and/or advanced neural prosthetics may be developed between 2030 and 2040, possibly even earlier.
Research contributing to the development of cyborgs has already been underway for decades. We have printers that can print synthetic bones, even though these lack the porous structure found in real bones. We also have printers that can print tissue cell by cell, but they are relatively slow. Researchers are rapidly making progress towards exceptional synthetic eyes, which are already advanced enough to allow a previously blind person to carefully drive a car into a research institute parking lot. Artificial noses are also under development and some progress has been made.
The development of cyborgs is an incremental process that will take decades, but billions of dollars in research funds are already going to enabling technologies. The market demand for body parts is in the billions of dollars and the humanitarian value of this technology is virtually incalculable. More futuristically, some users of cyborg technology may not settle for mere therapies and instead employ the technology to improve themselves in some way. This opens up a huge battery of ethical questions that we’re just starting to seriously discuss today.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
