The Cyborgs Are Coming!

And wouldn't you know it, they are from ROME!!!
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_ITALY_ROBOTIC_HAND?SITE=ILEDW&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

(lets hope this link stays alive for a long time!)

This kind of stuff has been progressing quite rapidly the past few years. I remember reading an article about a cybernetic eye for people who had lost their sight having good results in the labs, but needing several more years.

on an intellectual level, I have no issue with cybernetics that replace limbs or such on those who lost them. I have real issues, however, with such things for elective or cosmetic use bu those who don't really need them to begin with.
I think it was said best by the Tachikoma in Ghost in the Shell: That when you blur the line between man and machine as a new normal, you are in serious danger of losing your identity as human.

But then again, I am also opposed to the idea of aerial drones dropping bombs as an acceptable new standard. When you take the humanity out of warfare, it no longer is something appalling and to be avoided.

On all points, I agree, Mav.
It is at a point where we are already 1/2 way there.

I'm on the fence about warfare being automatic/remote. On one hand, I agree. The reason why a lot of wars ended was because the loss of life was too much for one side or the other. On the other hand, that's exactly what drones are for - to reduce the loss of life (well, for the side using them at least.)

In my opinion war is one of those things that will never be removed from human society, so if all wars were settled on battlefields with robots and not humans, part of me thinks that wouldn't be so bad. The side who loses it's robots first loses, unfortunately I highly doubt wars like that would occur.

On the issue of people getting cybernetic "enhancements" that don't need them, if they make them available I can almost guarantee people will get them. Who WOULDN'T want cybernetic eyes that functioned more clearly, more efficiently than human eyes? From someone who has worn glasses/contacts his entire life, I would be highly receptive of such things. Would I need them? No, I can see fine with corrective lenses. Would I want them to so I could have superhuman acuity? Hell yeah.

I love seeing stuff like this in the news. I'm really into all kinds of new technology, especially stuff like this. I think it's amazing how we are able to do stuff like replacing missing limbs with artificial ones. However, I kind of agree with Maverick, about how these kind of things should be reserved for those who actually need it, not those who want it.

Who WOULDN'T want cybernetic eyes that functioned more clearly, more efficiently than human eyes?

Although, this sounds pretty cool. Besides, it would give me a reason to go around saying "My vision is augmented".
If you guys don't get that joke, I swear I will melt you. Raiders Of The Lost Ark style.

the cybernetic eye isn't the great device of fiction,its not a recognised treatment under US law, so it was very experimental,one of the people who had the electrodes fitted may have to have them removed as the electronic eye is failing and there is no replacement parts available

As long as they are as cute as Henrietta and Angelica (but with more stable personalities), I for one welcome the arrival of our cyborg masters.

rusty-spring wrote:In my opinion war is one of those things that will never be removed from human society, so if all wars were settled on battlefields with robots and not humans, part of me thinks that wouldn't be so bad. The side who loses it's robots first loses, unfortunately I highly doubt wars like that would occur.

That would reduce humans to a race of wimps.

Better live wimps than dead hulks.

depends on just how many of us you want around... the rate of expansion of the human race is pretty frightening. We've been getting out of hand for a good century at least now...

I can just see the Government billboards after the problem gets out of hand once too often and becomes regulated:
Do you feel you're ready to raise children? Apply for your breeding license today!

Guess it's time to vote Soylent Greenpeace Party!

rusty-spring wrote:Who WOULDN'T want cybernetic eyes that functioned more clearly, more efficiently than human eyes?

Depends, if it reduce my remaining life span to about five-ten years, not so much..... Otherwise, I'm game for it. Also, it depends if these cybernetic eyes are proven technology..... Then again, it's probably expensive, so I'll stick with my biological eyes until they give out...

This research certianly is complelling. My Mother has is an amputee and I would love to see the day when she could have her leg replaced.