• Question: Do any of you belive that one day humans and computers could became one?

    Asked by powderfinger to Charlie, Eoin, Jemma, Julian, Steve on 19 Mar 2011.
    • Photo: Jemma Ransom

      Jemma Ransom answered on 18 Mar 2011:

      That’s a great question – I watched a film called biennial man (i think) about a robot who wants to become human, he creates organic body parts for himself, and is eventually declared to be human by his government – this is particularly relevant to your question as I think it will be the case that as medicine advances, we will be using computers and machines to replace organs that have shut down or stopped working.

    • Photo: Julian Rayner

      Julian Rayner answered on 18 Mar 2011:

      If you mean in an android sort of way, then probably no. But computer driven implants into humans, along the lines of pacemakers to fix hearts? Absolutely.

    • Photo: Eoin Lettice

      Eoin Lettice answered on 18 Mar 2011:

      Hi powderfinger,
      I think we’ll see humans and computers working together more closely, but I don’t see us becoming one. The human brain is far more complex that any computer so I think we are still ahead of them on that one!

      Eoin

    • Photo: Stephen Moss

      Stephen Moss answered on 18 Mar 2011:

      Hi Powderfinger
      I can certainly imagine that humans could have parts of their bodies replaced with computerised components. For example, in my area of eye research, scientists have already transplanted light sensitive microchips into the eyes of blind people try and restore their sight. It’s possible in a few years that multiple body parts (limbs for example) could be robotic, which would almost be like a real fusion of man and machine.

    • Photo: Charlie Ryan

      Charlie Ryan answered on 19 Mar 2011:

      hi powderfinger again – good question!
      It’s an interesting one, i’m not too sure. On one side is speed of technological advancement, making computers smaller, and more easily inserted connected to the body. On the other hand (whether that be robotic or not…), i don’t think i would want to be! I think many would reject the idea of being connected to technology, even if it would have big advantages. If it’s not necessary why mess with your body???
      Interestingly some people have tried – a british scientist called Kevin Warwick attached electrodes into his nervous system, which directly connected him to the internet! Yuck!! he did manage to control a robotic hand, and a loudspeaker through the connection. Slightly freaky!

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