‘I think that someday, instead of having a sim card in your device, people will have it in the palms of their hands’
When most of us imagine what it’s like to be a cyborg, we conjure up images of Arnold Schwarzenegger firing laser pistols as the Terminator, or a metal-clad RoboCop fighting crime on the streets of Detroit. But real-life cyborgs bear little resemblance to Hollywood’s cybernetic heroes and villains. Tamara Banbury would know — she is one.
To the unenlightened, Banbury’s setup might sound like something straight out of a Black Mirror episode. But cyborg biohacking — the use of experimental technology to augment and ultimately enhance a user’s life — is becoming more and more common. These implantable devices are capable of far more than internet trolling and unlocking doors: some cyborgs have functioning video cameras implanted in their eye sockets, earthquake sensors and vibrating penile implants.
The way Banbury sees it, the world has drastically changed since 2007, after the first iPhone was released. Since, we’ve not only accepted, but embraced all sorts of technology that we couldn’t have foreseen twelve years ago: The Apple Watch, Google Glass, VR headsets. She predicts that the next step will be a natural transition from external to internal devices.
A handful of companies have gotten a head start on bringing implants into the mainstream, including Harbisson’s own “mindware” business, which markets senses beyond the five most people are born with. Their North Sense implant monitors the earth’s geomagnetic field and acts as a built-in compass. Other companies, like the Australia-based Livestock Labs, are biohacking for health.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Quantum computing could solve problems we don't even know we have - Macleans.caAfter decades of experimentation, billions of dollars in investment across the globe and gut-wrenching uncertainty about whether it was even physically possible, we've proven a quantum computer can work
Read more »
Homicide investigators identify body found in Surrey Dec. 23A man’s body was discovered inside a residence in the 2200-block of 152 Street
Read more »
N.Y. doctor sues Apple for allegedly stealing his patented heart-monitoring technologyHe said he first contacted Apple in September 2017, giving the company detailed information about the patent
Read more »
After Trump Tweet, Canadians Say #ThanksTrudeau For EverythingSome used it ironically, while others took the chance to critique the prime minister.
Read more »
I’m Canadian, my kids are American, so teaching the American Revolution is trickyHistory, our children have learned, is complicated. How you tell it depends on your location and the networks of power and loyalty of which you are a part, writes Nicole Nolan Sidhu.
Read more »