Cyberpunk as a genre and cultural phenomenon emerged in the mid-80s. Since then, it has spawned numerous subgenres and has cinematic, gaming, and literary manifestations. There is something both attractive and repulsive about it.
Fictional technologies grant humans additional abilities, but it seems they also take away a part of human nature itself. At least, this idea dominates in such iconic works as “Blade Runner” or “Ghost in the Shell.” Well, we have long since reached one of the main attributes of cyberpunk in the form of neon signs, and it seems it’s time to move forward.
Bionic Limb Prostheses
The first prostheses date back to Ancient Egypt, and it’s worth noting that they haven’t changed much since then. Until the end of the 20th century, they were merely imitations, almost devoid of functionality. However, the ever-increasing population means a higher demand for prosthetics. People lose limbs in industrial accidents, armed conflicts, and other unfortunate incidents. The new generation of prostheses uses myoelectric technology, has external power sources, and is controlled almost by the power of thought. Of course, it’s not quite that simple, but they detect subtle electrical signals sent by muscle contractions. This allows for wide functionality, smooth movements, and precise control of applied forces. In other words, bionic prostheses not only enable the mechanical arm to perform gripping functions but also to cook food, turn the pages of a book, and even play musical instruments.
Bionic Eyes
Artificial eyes are still in the stages of development and early testing. The eye is one of the most important and complex organs in the human body. While not everyone is destined to lose an eye due to mechanical trauma, vision inevitably deteriorates over a lifetime. The best of today’s artificial eyes can perceive changes in light. They send signals to healthy areas, bypassing damaged cells. This allows a person to discern object shapes, notice movement, and differentiate light intensity. This is certainly better than nothing but obviously far from perfect.
Near-future technologies are focusing on contact lenses equipped with telescopic systems and augmented reality. Nanotechnology will not only restore full vision but also enhance the capabilities of implants, making them even better than biological eyes. One day, we may reach a point where a video camera that stores images in the cloud is embedded in every pair of glasses, contact lens, or eye.
Mind Control
Neurotechnology companies worldwide are working on creating systems that allow people to control devices with the power of thought. The most significant advancements have been made by Neuralink, as evidenced by their experiments reported in the news. A monkey with an implanted chip played Pong. A paralyzed person played chess with Elon Musk on a computer, moving pieces with their thoughts. This sounds truly fantastical. The technology is still far from widespread adoption, but just 10 years ago, such feats were purely science fiction.
The Neuralink chip connects directly to the brain. It uses extremely thin threads capable of detecting electrical signals from neural activity. These signals are transmitted to a computer, which translates the operator’s desire, or thought, into direct action. In the future, this same technology could enhance all types of bionic implants. The concept of “brain-computer interface” is actively being developed by various corporations. The goal is the same: to create an interface, a kind of intermediary, between the human brain and a computer’s operating system.
Advanced Artificial Skin
The concepts of next-generation bionic prostheses look cool, almost like something out of cyberpunk movies or games. But advancements in biomaterials are keeping pace. The new generation of artificial skin goes beyond mere aesthetics. It can not only conceal prostheses, deep scars, or burns but also restore more natural sensations. This skin can mimic all functions—from tactile sensations to temperature response. According to leading neurobiologists, this skin will sweat for thermoregulation and grow hair. The latter feature, scientists claim, can be disabled at the owner’s discretion.
If we recall Kyle Reese’s stories, such skin first appeared on the T-800 model. Earlier types of Terminators had rubber coverings and were easily distinguishable from real humans. Artificial skin with all the familiar functions offers a much more natural feeling of interacting with the environment through prostheses.
New Metabolism
Research in the field of metabolic changes allows us to glimpse a future where a modified human organism gains fantastic advantages. One of the most promising directions is enhancing mitochondrial functions. Simply put, this means increasing the efficiency of converting food into energy. Manipulations with metabolism will enable us to become more resilient when needed and recover our strength much faster. Some scientists are working on the concept of special bio-supplements, which can be imagined as a super pill providing an almost instantaneous boost of energy. Another approach considers the possibility of short-term but controlled release of the body’s reserves. Finally, there is the possibility of completely abandoning traditional food intake. Instead, people of the future might recharge from special networks, although these would likely come at a cost.
