Cyborgs & Machines

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Highlights:

Implant Experiments win real Dangers of Machines win real Experiment Results win real

Date:	08-12-04
Host:	George Noory
Guests:	Kevin Warwick, David Morrison, Nick Begich

Professor of Cybernetics, Kevin Warwick(1) discussed his experiments in becoming a "cyborg," as well as the inherent dangers in the rise of intelligent machines. In his 2002 surgery, he had an implant "fired into his nerve fiber," which remained there for three months while various tests were conducted, he said. Through wires coming out of his arm he was linked to a pad which relayed information to a computer and the Internet. He noted that he was able to successfully control the movements of a wheelchair just using his thoughts, which showed this technology holds great promise for paralyzed people.
In another other experiment, brain signals sent through the Internet from Columbia Univ. were able to move a mechanical hand in the U.K., he detailed. Warwick also described wearing an ultrasonic sensor in which he was able to detect when something moved closed to him, even though he couldn't see it.
He views humans moving towards becoming cyborgs as a necessary evolutionary step, as eventually intelligent machines (which can learn and adapt on their own) will surpass human abilities. He foresees a future, in which regular humans if they don't upgrade, will be like the animals of today, and be relegated to fields or a zoo.

1. http://www.kevinwarwick.com/

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Cybernetic Images

In March 2002 a one hundred electrode array (such as pictured left) was surgically implanted into the left arm of Professor Kevin Warwick. This photo shows him with the connector pad attached to his arm. He also underwent surgery in 1998 for his first implant. More images are on view at the Photo Gallery(1) of his website. 1. http://www.rdg.ac.uk/KevinWarwick/html/photo_gallery.html

Bumper Music

Bumper music from Thursday August 12, 2004

1.	Break My Stride Matthew Wilder	2.	Bring on the Night Police	3.	Everybody Wants to Rule the World Tears for Fears
4.	Inca Dance Cusco	5.	Magnet and Steel Walter Eagan	6.	Midnight Express (The Chase) Giorgio Moroder
7.	Midnight Express (The Chase) Giorgio Moroder	8.	Red Skies The Fixx	9.	Return to Innocence Enigma
10.	Silent Running Mike & the Mechanics	11.	Way Down Now World Party	12.	Who Are You The Who
13.	I Keep Forgettin' Michael McDonald	14.	I Guess That's Why They Call it the Blues Elton John	15.	Welcome to the Machine Pink Floyd
16.	Mr. Roboto Styx	17.	Venus Shocking Blue	18.	Venus Frankie Avalon