Part 2 – Human augmentation technologiesSection 5 – Linked technologies
The potential of human augmentation is significantly enhanced when used in combination
with other fields of science. Often mentioned in this context is nanotechnology,
biotechnology, information technology and cognitive science (NBIC). This refers to the
expected synergy of advancements in these four fields of technology. Nanotechnology,
artificial intelligence and 3D bioprinting are discussed here as specific examples.
Nanotechnology is the term given to those areas of science and engineering where
phenomena that take place at the scale of individual atoms (dimensions in the nanometre
scale) are used in the design, production and application of materials, structures,
devices and systems.^18 While there have been advances in some niche areas, overall
progress has been slower than expected. This is principally due to concerns about
the harmful effects of nanoparticles accidentally released into the environment and
the siloed nature of science and engineering.^19 More integrated practices and artificial
intelligence-enabled testing to address safety concerns is, however, likely to accelerate
progress. Nanotechnological systems have significant potential for human augmentation
technologies, for example, the use of energy or chemical transducing nanoparticles to
18 Further information can be found at https://ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/opinions_layman/
en/nanotechnologies/l-3/1-introduction.htm
19 The initial vision of mechanosynthesis for engineering molecular machinery (outlined in Drexler, K. E.,
(1992), Nanosystems: Molecular Machinery, Manufacturing, and Computation) motivated research projects in
the 1990s that were to a large extent implemented by scientists in chemistry and material science interested
in studying nanoscale phenomena but sceptical about and unable to produce engineering solutions (due to
the fundamental difference between science and engineering and sociological border-work). See Drexler, K.
E., (2013), Radical Abundance: How a Revolution in Nanotechnology Will Change Civilization for a personal
perspective of the affair.
Cross reality in the militaryThe UK’s Royal Navy is working with
industry to develop an augmented
reality system that could enable ships
to be operated from the land. It is also
trialling augmented reality glasses on
the bridge of its frigates to improve
situational awareness, increase efficiency
and mitigate adverse environmental
conditions.The augmented reality systems
in warfare could include overlaid
information on friendly, enemy and
civilian locations, geography and weapon
engagement zones. This enhanced
understanding could improve the speed
and quality of decision-making, as well
as the application of military capability.