Page 176 - Modern Robotics Building Versatile Macines

156 Modern Robotics

electronic.) A cyborg is a human whose nervous, musculoskeletal,
or other systems are integrally enhanced or extended through links
to electronic devices.
In a sense, every person who wears glasses, uses a hearing aid, or
walks with the aid of a cane is a cyborg. All of these devices extend
human physical capabilities in some way. To distinguish users
of simple aids from true cyborgs, most theorists require that the
devices be integral: that is, permanently attached, as well as linked
through sophisticated interactions. For example, a cochlear implant

ISSUES: CONVENIENCE V. PRIVACY

The ability to be continually connected to a network of helpful com-
puters and other devices is certainly convenient. It also provides a
taste of “cyborg-ness” by making the technology a more seamless
extension of the human mind and senses. In order to create this
seamless environment, though, the computer has to know who you
are—and if it knows, who else might know, and what might they
find out?
The use of radio frequency identification (RFID) chips is becom-
ing more common in store merchandise and even in library books.
Many privacy advocates are concerned that the technology will give
government snoops and corporate marketers too much information
about a person’s location, habits, and choices. Defenders of RFID say
that the fear is overstated and that the data cannot be read from
more than a few feet away.
Thus far there seems to be no rush for people to get their own
RFID implants, although a few exclusive nightclubs have provided
them to patrons who want to bypass a screening process. It is pos-
sible that more people would be interested in an implant if it sped
them through usually onerous activities, such as checking in at air-
ports or medical offices. Paroled criminals (particularly sex offenders)
might also be considered for the technology, as it could be used to
enforce restrictions such as entering school property. The desirability
and appropriate restrictions for such surveillance are likely to remain
contentious issues for many years to come.