With the rapid growth of technology and computers, the evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is imminent. It believed by many scientist, and theorist that Artificial Intelligence will eventually surpass the skills and thought of humans. It is also theorized that humans will become inferior, and unless humans evolve with the help of nanotechnology and cybernetics- will be in a bad state of being, and perhaps even succumb to the AI with intelligent machines making all of the logical choices and decisions for humans.

AI and cybernetics are not to be confused, however, because AI is computer technology, programs, and machines that are developed and used as tools, like a personal computer. Cybernetics is of Greek origin, meaning “The art of steering”. Cybernetics is the study and development of man and machine to gain understanding and to better any system; such as social, biological, or technological. The study of cybernetics has been apparent from as early as 1940, with the training and research from engineering, mathematics, biology, neurophysiology, and other sciences. It started the development of AI in the 1960s, and when it failed to create an “intelligent machine”, it was put off until recently when with research we had more understanding of neurophysiology and engineering. As the study and development of artificial intelligence increased, so did that of cybernetics. Cybernetics and AI borrow the same thoughts, ideas, research, and technology from each other. While artificial intelligence creates tools to be used by humans, cybernetics actually focuses on bettering humans or AI itself. One of the focuses, and current research and development of cybernetics is the creation of cybernetic organisms.

Cybernetic Organisms (cyborgs) have both artificial and natural body systems. Cyborgs, also known as androids, were thought to be only fictional characters in Science Fiction literature such as The Feed and Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?; movies such as Terminator, Bicentennial Man, Robocop, and AI; and television shows such as Star Trek, and The Six Million Dollar Man. The reality is cyborgs do exist and are currently being researched and developed. A modern definition of a cyborg is a human with prosthetic and bionic implants such as to those who have amputees due to surgery or injury. Also the Applied Digital Solutions is marketing a RFID chip that will help track medical records, credit information, and track where a person is located. A very similar chip is currently being used on wildlife animals and pets. While people argue that is an invasion of privacy, nonetheless the small chip implanted within a human technically makes them a cyborg, and the change from human to cyborg also makes them a trans-human.

With the research of cybernetics, amputees are able to have working limbs and body parts, prosthetic of course, but functional. As technology advances bionic parts may perhaps be even better than the prior human body parts. Imagine a wrist that can rotate 360 degrees, or even limbs that are double jointed that will cause one to be more agile and flexible. With the development of cybernetics, researches and scientist hope to use it more in the medical field. With the possibilities of artificial organs, and limbs humans will have a greater life expectancy. With the help of a brain computer interface (BCI) which the brain communicates and processes with the help of an external device, researchers hope one day that it will allow those who are paralyzed to function, and even the blind to see. While the work has yet to be perfected, it certainly is not unattainable, and will be developed in the near future.

A top researcher, developer, and professor of cybernetics, has become a cyborg himself, Professor Kevin Warwick. Undergoing a number of surgeries, which he had that involved technological chips implanted in him. The first chip that was implanted in him in 1998, which allowed him to be tracked by a computer at the university he worked at. “He was also able to operate doors, lights, and computers without ever lifting a finger.” The second implant was in 2002, where the professor had a one hundred electrode array placed from his left wrist to his elbow. This meant electrodes and frequencies were put into his left arm, and are controlled by his nerve fibers. Through a series of experiments, Warwick was able to control an electric wheelchair and an artificial hand with the electrodes and frequencies that were placed in his hand, and there was also a false artificial sensation, which means he could feel it in his arm. Warwick is producing and researching on a chip that will allow those who have it implanted to communicate nonverbally. This means that people who have the chip implanted will be able to communicate telepathically, but it won’t necessarily be speech, it will be ideas and thoughts. The idea sounds farfetched to some, but it is underdevelopment by one of the most innovative bionic scientist, Professor Kevin Warwick, and promises that it will dramatically change life as we know it sometime in the near future.

The military is also taking advantage of the cybernetics research. Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley are working on an “exoskeleton” which combines bionic muscle and strength with human control. This would allow the pilots of the exoskeleton to carry more supplies than the average soldier would, as well as fallen and injured comrades to safety. There will also be weapon upgrade and integrated survival systems built within the exoskeleton. Cybernetic insects are also being developed, when hatched are implanted with sensors which can detect gas or explosives, and survey different terrain.

With technology growing and expanding, researchers are working diligently on artificial intelligence and cybernetics. Some people are worried of the repercussions and dangers that will come with it. Others like Professor Warwick, however, are ecstatic and are pushing forward with the progress to develop better types of AI and Cybernetic organisms. Either way, the development and evolution of cybernetics is certainly imminent, and with the growth of technology as fast as it’s been going, artificial intelligence and cybernetics will be advancing at an alarming rate.

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some research and bullshit for my paper on cybernetics.
thought share wit those who care... to learn a tiny wee bit about it.
boo ya