By Katherine Gregory.
Augmented humans that combine technology and biology, including apps for the brain and hard drives wired straight into people’s veins are just around the corner, according to a business software company.
The MYOB future of business report said the innovation could mean big benefits for businesses and society.
However, psychologists are wary the innovation will impact how humans think and their ability to make choices.
Chief technology officer with MYOB Simon Raik-Allen said augmented humans were just around the corner.
“They’ll know what is happening in your heart rate and what’s actually happening inside your blood. And that’s a whole opening up of another dimension of visibility we’ve never had before”
He said there were already examples of embedded technology in human bodies now.
“Pacemakers are an amazing piece of technology, they sit under the skin and it’s plugged into their heart,” Mr Raik-Allen said.
“We have some very advanced technology already that we embed; it’s not a big step.”
App store for the brain
Beyond that Mr Raik-Allen said rewiring of the brain may be possible with its own version of an app store.
“So you go to your phone today, and you go, ‘OK, what can I add to my phone that will give me some functionality?’ You’ll be able to do that for your brain,” he said.
“That’s artificial intelligence, but embedded and accessed through your brain.”
Mr Raik-Allen said he thought the augmented human had benefits for medicine, health and business development.