How we'll become cyborgs and extend human potential | Hugh Herr

Movements through his nervous system, his prosthetic is no longer a separate tool, but an integral part of Jim, his body. Because of this nervous incarnation, Jim does not feel like a robot. He feels that his feet are back and his body is back. I am often asked when I too will be neurologically connected to bidirectional prostheses, when I will

become

a robot. In fact, I have doubts about it. Before my legs were amputated, I was a negligent student. I used to get very low grades, below average, and often failed. Then, after my limbs were amputated, I suddenly became a professor at MIT. (Laughter) (Applause) Now, I'm worried that once I'm connected to my limbs again, my brain will revert to its old, indistinguishable self. (Laughs) But you know, it's okay, because I already have a position at MIT. (Laughter) (Applause) I believe that stereotactic nerve design will

extend

beyond simple use in prosthetics, but will take

human

ity into realms that fundamentally redefine

human

potential

.

In this 21st century, designers will develop the nervous system into powerful exoskeletons that humans can control and sense with their minds. The muscles of the body will be remodeled so that they can control powerful motors and sense the movements of the external skeletal muscles. People will

become

stronger, jump and run faster. I believe that in this century humans will become superheroes. Their bodies will also

extend

into non-corporeal structures, such as wings, where they will control and sense every movement of the wings through their nervous system. Leonardo da Vinci said: “When you have experienced flight, you will walk the rest of your life on earth looking at the sky, because you have experienced that sensation once and you will always long to experience it again.” In the later years of this century, the shape and dynamism of human beings will not resemble what we are today.

Humanity will skyrocket in its development. Jim Ewing fell to the ground and was seriously injured, but his eyes looked toward the sky, where he always longed to return. After his accident, he not only dreamed of regaining the ability to walk, but he also dreamed of returning to practicing his favorite sport, mountaineering. At the institute, the robot team created a special limb for a mountaineering gym, a specialized leg that recognizes various positions and movements and is controlled by the brain. Using this technology, Jim returns to the Cayman Islands, to the site of his accident, after being rebuilt as a robot to ascend into the sky again. (Waves crashing) (Applause) Thank you. (Applause) Ladies and gentlemen, meet Jim Ewing, the first climbing robot. (applause)