Human/Machine hybrids (Cyborgs) are already here. Surgeries are performed every day, replacing worn and damaged hips and knees with steel and titanium parts. Implants are used to enhance life, such as enable hearing, regulate heart contractions, control prosthetic hands, arms, and legs, and allow communication with a computer. As we move forward with technology could this be the next step?
People are living longer than ever before and by 2030, 1 in 6 people will have reached the age of 60 and over. A longer life brings many opportunities as well as challenges. As people age, they often face declining health and mobility, resulting in isolation and loneliness. Robot assistants for the elderly have gained increasing attention as a potential solution to address the challenges of an aging population. These robots are designed to provide support and companionship to the elderly, especially those who may be living alone or experiencing physical and cognitive limitations. Here are some key features and functions of robot assistants for the elderly:
The world’s population continues to grow, creating an urgent need for food and a more efficient way of farming. To meet these necessities, today’s farmers are turning to technology, particularly agricultural robots. Agricultural robots are playing an increasingly crucial role in transforming traditional farming methods into sustainable, efficient operations. These robots are helping farmers address labor shortages and improve efficiency. Able to work around the clock performing tedious tasks that would otherwise be labor-intensive and time-consuming; they are making a dramatic impact on productivity.
After decades of technical manufacturing jobs taking a back seat to roles requiring a college education, jobs in high-tech manufacturing are quietly making a comeback. Several factors are driving the trend:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly disrupting various industries, posing immediate challenges to employment in the United States. Unlike previous transformative technologies such as cars, computers, the internet, television, and the telephone, the adoption and impact of AI are occurring at an accelerated pace, within months rather than years.
The James Webb Space Telescope is the successor to the Hubble Telescope and is one of the most expensive single devices built in human history. So far, the cost of the telescope has been more than $10 billion and operational costs will continue to add up over the years. The question is, is it worth it? What will be the return on the incredible investment in time, money, and resources? Some people argue that we should be investing in other more urgent issues, like healthcare, education, or environmental issues. But others believe that the search for new knowledge is essential for humanity's future and that every bit of new knowledge is invaluable.
We are living in the Cyborg Epoch. What does that mean for humanity? We are already beginning to augment our bodies with technology. As computer connections to the brain and machines become more sophisticated, the line between human and machine becomes blurred. The ability to directly control machines with thought has made creating a fully functioning cyborg a real possibility. At what point does a human stop being human? Is it by percentage? Or maybe it is by conscious awareness? How will we define humanity in the future?
We've long been fixated on using our bodies to control devices and software, from video game joysticks to iris-scanning security tools. You may only recently have gotten the hang of your voice-activated speaker, but now it's time for the next frontier: controlling devices with your mind.
Virtual Reality (VR) is one of the most discussed and anticipated technologies in recent years. With increasing advancements in hardware and software, VR is moving closer to becoming a mainstream technology. This blog post looks at the current state of VR, its future potential, and some challenges that need to be addressed for it to reach its full potential.
Addictive and habitual digital distractions stem from more than just technology. Workplace culture (in particular, the “always on” culture), social norms, and individual behaviors all contribute to society's addiction to digital distractions. Read Slaying the Digital Addiction to discover how digital distractions are stealing your time.
To have the correct perspective on technology, we must understand not only how technology is changing, but how technology is changing us.