Intro:
This movement towards the merger of man and machine, according to
Kurzweil, is already starting to happen and is most visible in the field of
biotechnology. As scientists gain deeper insights into the genetic processes
that underlie life, they are able to effectively reprogram human biology
through the development of new forms of gene therapies and medications capable
of turning on or off enzymes and RNA interference, or gene slicing. This shows how technology is slowly merging
with mankind as a whole.
Details: In some fields, the pace of technology has become so fast
that humans can no longer comprehend it without augmenting their own
intelligence. This is particularly true of computing, nanotechnology, medicine
and neuroscience, all of which have seen exponential progress. The technological singularity, or simply the singularity, is a hypothetical moment in time when artificial
intelligence will have progressed to the point of a greater than human intelligence, radically
changing civilization, and perhaps human nature. Because the capabilities of such
intelligence may be difficult for a human to comprehend, the technological
singularity is often seen as an occurrence beyond which the future course of
human history is unpredictable or even unfathomable.
The first use
of the term "singularity" in this context was by mathematician John
Von Nuemann. In 1958, regarding a
summary of a conversation with von Neumann, Stainislaw Ulam described ever accelerating
progress of technology and changes in the mode of human life, which gives the
appearance of approaching some essential singularity in the history of the race
beyond which human affairs, as we know them, could not continue. The term was popularized by science
fiction writer Vernon Vinge, who
argues that artificial intelligence, human biological enhancement, or brain
computer interfaces could be possible causes of the singularity. Futurist Ray Kurzweil cited von Neumann's use
of the term in a foreword to von Neumann's classic The computer and the Brain
Details:
The typical home PC of today has an
integrated equivalent to over a billion human brains. This machine can think for itself,
communicate with its user and suggest new ideas in ways that surpass even the
greatest minds on Earth. Due to the flood of data being exchanged on the
Internet and elsewhere, these computers receive literally millions of emails
and other communications each day. The only way for a user to interpret this
avalanche of information is to merge their consciousness with that of the
machine. A growing segment of society is now turning to on-person hardware to
achieve this. The most advanced method involves the use of microscopic,
wireless, implantable devices linking neural activity directly to electronic
circuitry. These nanobots have already been used in full immersion VR and medical
procedures. The latest versions are capable of connecting with human
intelligence in ways that combine the best aspects of both. No monitor or projector of any kind is
required for the latest generation of computers. The nanobots can instead
produce a virtual image of the screen which is augmented in the user's field of
vision.
Details:
Biotechnology is the use of living systems and organisms
to develop or make useful products, or "any technological application that
uses biological systems, living organisms or derivatives thereof, to make or
modify products or processes for specific use. Biotechnology harnesses cellular and
bimolecular processes to develop technologies and products that help improve
our lives and the health of our planet. We have used the biological processes
of microorganisms for more than 6,000 years to make useful food products, such
as bread and cheese, and to preserve dairy products. Modern biotechnology
provides breakthrough products and technologies to combat debilitating and rare
diseases, reduce our environmental footprint, feed the hungry, and use less and
cleaner energy, and have safer, cleaner and more efficient industrial
manufacturing processes.
Conclusion: Technology has come a long way from
when the first computer was created till now. Our technology has enhanced
dramatically overtime and is continuing to do that still. This generation might
see a piece of humans merging with machines however the generation after this
will feel the full affect of humans and technology becoming one. Technology
already works side by side with humans so it should only be a matter of time
until technology becomes compatible with the human body. Humans and machines
are the future of man-kind.
