Edited by Toluwalase Solanke and Olorundare Oluwapelumi
Cybernetic enhancements involves integrating technology into a living organism. It is essentially the creation of a ‘cyborg’.
The term cyborg refers to a being with both bionic and organic parts and was coined by Manfred Clynes and Nathan.S. Kline.
Through cybernetic enhancements, technology and biology are amalgamated. It is applied in various areas including medicine, the military, art, and so much more.
It can also be used in areas such as cognitive science and space exploration.
Table of Contents
Cybernetics: An Introduction
Cybernetic enhancements use cybernetics and technology to replace lost function in individuals with disabilities. A bionic ear is a small electronic device surgically implanted in the ears of people who are deaf or severely hard of hearing.
It stimulates the auditory nerve and helps those affected hear the sounds of the surroundings.
Though the technologies used in cybernetics are artificial, some look like they are a part of us. Cosmetic prostheses not only look like the part they are replacing but can mimic its movement to a great extent.
Microchips developed and used in cybernetics can detect and diagnose multiple diseases. They do this faster than traditional methods can.
This ground-breaking technology also permits rapid testing.
From its initiation in the mid-twentieth century, cybernetics has made for advancement in the development of artificial intelligence.
The fusing of both fields has birthed the innovation known as neural network which helps computers process data in a way that is inspired by how the human brain works.
The use of cybernetics to enhance human abilities also takes the form of extending normal sensory capability through specialised glasses and advanced hearing aids, brain-computer interface and sensory replacement or substitution devices (SSD).
Applications of Cybernetic Enhancements in Medicine
In the medical field, the various areas in which humans and machines can be merged include:
- Prosthesis
Prosthesis are created using cybernetics. Amputated body parts can be replaced with prosthetic parts. It requires patience and practise to learn to use them.
- Implants
Various types of implants like cochlear, pacemakers, and bionic lenses are all results of using cybernetic enhancements for medical purposes. These implants improve quality of life immensely.
- Neural Restoration
Using cybernetic treatment can restore the body function of those with neuromuscular diseases. The wearable cyborg known as a hybrid assistive limb (HAL) enables neural connections within the nervous system in individuals who have neuromuscular conditions and assists in restoring the wearer’s physical abilities.
In the military, cybernetics has been used to develop and deploy robots for various military tasks like bomb disposal; a very risky affair.
These robots also rely on cybernetic principles to communicate information obtained in the process of reconnaissance, i.e. reporting the activities of a foreign enemy nation.
Cybernetic technology is also used to produce drones which can be used for surveillance.
Cybernetics in sports is employed for data analysis. Referee decisions in sports such as football that are difficult to make based on observation alone and which require detailed analysis of the game footage is done using cybernetics.
Using cybernetic technology to collect and analyse biometric data such as heart rate, muscle activity, blood pressure, etc., during training gives detailed information about the current health status of an athlete. With it, coaches can know when an athlete has fully recovered from a major injury.
Final Thoughts
Cybernetics is influencing diverse disciplines. This is because its basic concepts have proven to be useful in a variety of disciplines.
Cybernetic principles have even been applied to the decision-making process in organisations. It is a self-regulating field that helps to control complex systems and it draws from other fields like computer science, biology, engineering, mathematics, etc.
Its continued application will bring much-needed fundamental changes to society.
Read also: Elon Musk Unveils Humanoid Robot, Touts Revolutionary Potential
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