Part 2 – Human augmentation technologies
enhance sensors or the production of bespoke surfaces that act as a neural interface
for implants.^20 Nano-systems have the potential to reduce the size of many human
augmentation-related components. Longer-term possibilities include replacing organs
with functionally equivalent or better systems, as well as adding new capacities, such as
‘nano-blood’.^21 Such developments though are likely to be some way off.Artificial intelligence is perhaps the biggest technological wildcard. It is extremely likely
that even current machine learning techniques will have a transformative effect on many
areas (for example, medical diagnosis, surveillance, management and robotics). Artificial
intelligence could allow software to be developed that could:- perform calculations or simulations via a brain interface to free-up human brain
capacity; - learn individual abilities and quirks to provide customised support and control of
enhancements; and - enhance ethical decision-making, which may also have significant implications in a
military setting.^22
It is likely that artificial intelligence will develop at a faster pace in the coming decades than
it did in the past decade. Even if it were to ‘only’ advance at the present rate we should
still expect a huge increase in ‘implementation capacity’ – the ability to design, develop,
deploy and adapt new technologies, including those relevant to human augmentation.3D bioprinting is a form of
additive manufacturing that
layers biological material to
produce biological structures.
It has successfully been used
to produce skin, bone and
heart tissue for transplants.
Although at an early stage, the
technology could be used to
produce complex organs in the
future. In the longer term, 3D
bioprinting has the potential
to dramatically improve the
success of transplants by
producing organs tailored to
an individual’s biology.20 Kozai, T. D. Y., et al., (2012), Nature Materials, ‘Ultrasmall implantable composite microelectrodes with
bioactive surfaces for chronic neural interfaces’.
21 Freitas Jr, R. A. and Phoenix, C. J., ( 2002), Journal of Evolution and Technology, ‘Vasculoid: A personal
nanomedical appliance to replace human blood’.
22 Giubilini, A. and Savulescu, J., (2017), Philosophy and Technology, ‘The Artificial Moral Advisor. The
“Ideal Observer” Meets Artificial Intelligence’.Complex bioprinted organs are still some way off;
heart structures have been printed at small scale but
are not yet practical