University of Arkansas – CSCE Department
CSCE 4613 Artificial Intelligence – Preliminary Report – Fall 2011
Human Augmentation
Chad Richards
Abstract
Most, if not all, of us have dreamed of having abilities beyond human capability. Human
augmentations are devices that give humans these capabilities. The objective of this project was
to document the state of current and possible future human augmentation technology and to
discover how well current augmentations on the market work. The project tested a sight
enhancement, HD Vision Aviator sunglasses, which claim users will be able to see everything in
the world in high definition with clarity users will not believe [1]. A hearing enhancement by
Silencio was also tested.
1. Introduction
1.1 Problem
Have you ever wished you could see hundreds of yards ahead of you or hear sounds a great
distance away with crystal clarity? Most of us have. With human augmentation technology
advancing at an exponential rate, it is only a matter of time before these dreams become real.
Already, technological advances have made certain human augmentations possible. The goal of
this project was to discuss human augmentations that exist today and augmentations that could
exist in the future. Also, this project determined through experimentation how well two
augmentations that currently exist on the market today work.
1.2 Objective
The objective of this project was to document the state of current and possible future human
augmentation technology and to discover how well current augmentations on the market work.
1.3 Context
Artificial intelligence is the science and engineering of intelligent machines [2], and human
augmentations fit this definition well because any highly functional human augmentation capable
of granting superhuman capabilities needs to be an intelligent machine. Already, superhuman
capabilities exist in 3D virtual worlds. Users of virtual worlds can literally fly around their
environment, fall from great heights without feeling pain, and lift objects of immense size. In
the real world, human augmentations of the future will need to be implantable and contain a
network of sensors capable of readjusting to environmental conditions so that, as in ubiquitous
computing, the devices will fit in the human environment instead of humans being forced into
theirs.
Today, this can be seen in advanced bionic arm prosthetic technology, which not only allow
users to regain normal functionality by being able to grasp objects and open doors, for instance,
but also allow users to control the arm using only their minds, which includes adjusting grip
strength just by thinking about it [3]. Another example, hearing aid technology, is nowhere near
as advanced as prosthetic arms. They are currently susceptible to environmental conditions, such
as wind, and also need frequent volume readjustment, which currently have to be sent to a
hearing aid specialist to readjust. In the future, this technology will advance to automatically
adjust to environmental conditions and will have an automatic smart volume control. To
accomplish this, though, a network of smart sensors will need to be implemented in the device.
These are just two examples of the vast world of human augmentations, a world that will one day
cease to consist of the mostly unintelligent devices of the present and help to fulfill the goals of
pervasive computing.
2. Related Work
2.1 Key Technologies
Artificial intelligence - Artificial intelligence is the science and engineering of intelligent
machines [2]. It is a very broad area consisting of many fields, such as ontologies, neural
networks, knowledge representation, game playing, and search methodologies. Limitations are
speculated that machines can never be truly intelligence. In other words, strong AI may not be
possible. Others believe that artificial intelligence has no limits and that machines will be
capable of true intelligence.
Ubiquitous computing – Ubiquitous computing involves making machines fit into the human
environment rather than forcing humans into theirs [4]. Ubiquitous computing implies that the
machines will be widespread and constantly encountered. Ubiquitous computing is limited in
that it requires all devices to be intelligent and also requires a worldwide network of wireless
sensors. Not only that, but machines must also have a universally accepted code that
differentiates every instance of every device on the planet in order to be controlled by smart
controllers.
Virtual worlds – “A virtual world is an online community that often takes the form of a
computer-based simulated environment through which users can interact with one another and
use and create objects.” [5] Virtual worlds often have three-dimensional avatars to represent
users in the world. One limitation of virtual worlds is the requirement of downloading a virtual
world browser onto a computer. Also, objects in the virtual environment are supposed to
represent similar objects in the real world. Most objects in the virtual world, though, are
severely limited in the ways you can interact with them.
2.2 Related Work
Research is currently being done in many areas of human augmentation to pave the way
for a future where augmentation is a reality. For instance, neurophysiologist Samuel Deadwyler
and biomedical engineer and neuroscientist Theodore Berger recently developed the first
memory prosthetic device, which gives rats restored brain function and improved short-term
memory retention [6]. This is just a first step in the dream of improving human memory;
nonetheless, it is a remarkable milestone. DARPA, the Defense Advanced Research Projects
Agency, recently invested $100 million in creating revolutionary prosthetic limbs [7]. In that
same area, scientists are working on creating a prosthetic arm that can feel [8]. Moreover,
scientists have also created a prosthetic arm that can be controlled by thought alone [3].
2.3 Related Class Projects
Our project on Human Augmentation relates to these other class projects:

Ontology – The project relates to ontologies because ontologies involve a great deal of
research into their areas to be able to associate concepts concerning a specific domain. The
Human Augmentation project required significant research into the augmentation domain.

Smart Devices – Smart devices make devices, people, pets, and all other things, smarter and
easier to use. In other words, smart devices attempt to improve on existing technologies.
Human augmentations attempt to do the same, but are specific to humans. Human
augmentations improve human capabilities, much like smart devices improve device (and
later, all other things) technology.
3. Human Augmentation Experiments
3.1 Silencio Super Ear Experiment
3.1.1 Setup
The volunteer wrote ten sentences, in which the observer was not privy. A distance was
measured of 90 feet from the observer with no obstructions. At that distance away, while
wearing the Silencio Super Ear personal sound amplifier, the observer listened as the volunteer
spoke each sentence with a 30 second pause in between and recorded what he heard. The
volunteer was asked to speak at a normal speaking volume. The sentences recorded by the
observer were compared to the actual sentences written by the observer. The experiment was
repeated for distances of 75 feet and 60 feet. From 0-50 feet, the observer could hear the
volunteer accurately without the Silencio Super Ear. It is important to note that any obstruction
of sound in front of the volunteer or behind or above the observer would distort the sound
coming from the volunteer beyond recognition. Instead, all obstructions were cleared from the
path between the observer and volunteer. An error calculation based on total words wrong/total
words *100% possible was calculated for each distance, ignoring any tense errors, like was/is,
and change of point of view, like your/my.
3.1.2 Results
Weather Conditions: Temperature: 39 degrees F, 4 degrees C; Humidity: 89%; Wind Speed: N
3mph; Barometer: 30.13”
Sentences written by observer:
1. The quick brown fox jumped over the log.
2. The forest was filled with giant white oak trees.
3. This is the first day of the rest of your life.
4. Imagination is more important than knowledge.
5. Sam and Dean had a heck of a time fighting off the viathin.
6. Things that are hard should not have to be learned.
7. I will have the large salad and diet Pepsi, please.
8. I am hungry.
9. If exercise was a pill people would do it all the time.
10. These are the ten sentences I came up with.
Sentences heard by observer:
Distance: 90'
Sentences:
1. The quick brown fox jumped over the light.
2. was filled with light.
3.
4. Imagination is more
5. Sam and dean . never
6.
7.
8. 8. hungry
9. 9. people would do it all the time.
10. These are the ten sentences I
Error calculation: 62/91 total words*100% = 68.13% error, 31.87% correct.
Sentences heard by observer:
Distance: 75'
1. The quick brown fox jumped over the light.
2. The forest is filled with blue cheese.
3. This is the first.
4. Imagination is more important than the moon.
5. Sam and Dean had a heck of a time fighting.
6. Things that are.
7. I will have the large salad and diet Pepsi, please.
8. I am hungry.
9. If exercise, people would do it all the time.
10. These are the ten sentences I can remember.
Error calculation: 26/91 total words*100% = 28.57% error, 71.43% correct.
Sentences heard by observer:
Distance: 60',
1. The quick brown fox jumped over the moon.
2. The forest was filled with giant wonton trees.
3. This is the first day of the rest of my life.
4. Imagination is more important than I am.
5. Sam and Dean had a heck of a time fighting for their life.
6. Things that are hard should not have to be learned.
7. I will have a large salad and diet Pepsi, please.
8. I am hungry.
9. If exercise was a pill, people would do it all the time.
10. These are the ten sentences I came up with.
Error calculation: 7/91 total words*100% = 7.69% error, 92.31% correct.
3.1.3 Conclusion
The results of these calculations show that, since the observer could hear the volunteer
without the ear from 0-50 feet, a 10 foot increase in hearing was demonstrated with great
accuracy. 92.31%. Also, a 25 foot increase in hearing was demonstrated with decent accuracy,
71.43% correct at a range of 75 feet from the observer. Therefore, even with problems with
obstructions and interference, devices such as the Silencio Super Ear are a respectable step in
human augmentation technology.
3.2 HD Aviators Experiment
3.2.1 Setup
A 250-watt bulb was placed above a piece of paper with a large sentence on it, written in
Times New Roman 54pt font. The font was colored white with a black background. The
volunteer attempted to read the sentence both without and with the HD Aviator glasses at a
distance of 10 feet and a distance of 15 feet to the bulb.
3.2.2 Results
The volunteer was not able to read the text from either distance with the HD Aviator
glasses. At a distance of 15 feet, the volunteer was not able to read the text on the piece of paper.
At a distance of 10 feet, the volunteer was able to read the words without the glasses, but not
without. The volunteer did note that glare was reduced with the glasses but clarity of reading
was not enhanced.
3.2.3 Conclusion
The HD Aviator glasses provided no enhanced reading capabilities. In fact, the
experiment shows that the glasses reduced reading capabilities. Their primary function seems to
be to reduce glare from the Sun and computer screens. Further experiments should be conducted
on how well the glasses reduce glare.
4. Human Augmentation Progress
4.1 Introduction
The idea of being able to see hundreds of times farther, have enhanced strength, and gain
new abilities is on the horizon. Certain human augmentations already exist today, but most of
these are used to repair malfunctions, such as hearing and vision correction and prosthetic limbs.
Many more are used for cosmetic purposes, such as breast augmentation. There are three
different types of human augmentations: those used to repair malfunctioning human parts, those
used to modify existing parts, and those used to give brand new abilities to human beings. This
project is entirely concerned with those augmentations that can be used to grant new human
abilities. The current progress of human augmentations in the area of each human sense (sight,
hearing, smell, taste, and touch), along with enhancements to the human brain and miscellaneous
enhancements, is discussed next.
4.2 Vision
There has been little progress in the way of implantable human vision enhancements.
There are many corrective surgeries available, such as PRK, Lasik, EpiLasek, and even a newly
approved telescope that is implanted into the retina [9], but beyond basic corrective vision, there
has been little work done to enhance human vision beyond human capabilities through
implantable means. The only notable visual enhancement by an implantable device beyond
normal vision was a side-effect of the way the Retina Implant AG was designed [10]. The array
of photodiodes actually allowed the patients to be sensitive to infrared light [10].
On the other hand, there are many external, non-implantable, devices that enhance vision
beyond normal human capabilities. MIT created a new device that allows users to see moving
objects through walls [11]. The device is an 8.5 foot array of antennae arranged in two vertical
rows, with eight signal receiving elements resting above thirteen signal transmitting elements
[11]. Though it cannot see at-rest objects, it is able to see moving objects from a range of 15 to
40 feet [11]. Along the same lines of that project, DARPA is also working on extending the
range of current see-through-wall technology past the eight meter maximum limit that has
existed thus far [12].
There have been night vision devices utilized since World War II, but these have
remarkably improved over time [13]. Now, they are even capable of instantaneously adapting to
changing light conditions [13]. Binoculars provide telescopic vision to consumers and members
of the military, alike. These devices have existed since the 17th century, when the first telescope
was invented [14]. The latest advancement in binocular technology is image-stabilization, which
lowers the effects from shaking [14].
There have been numerous applications for helmet mounted displays (HMDs). Helmet
mounted displays allow computer-generated images to be produced by the display and shown to
the user [15]. The purpose of HMDs is to show more information about an environment, such as
distance to objects, than regular vision can display. Some of these devices show only computergenerated images, while others are capable of mixing real world images with computergenerated images [15]. Though many of these devices are used to enhance the video game
environment, the military has also been using them in aviation and paratroopers [15]. One
application for military use has been to display thermal imaging data of the wearer's
surroundings [15].
In the future, vision augmentations could also include microscopic vision. Human eyes
do not have the ability to zoom in on any object. The University of Washington has developed a
contact lens that is capable of having electronics implanted in it [16]. According to the project
head, Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering Babak Parviz, “Using nanotechnology you
can extend the sophistication of the contact lens as far as you like. There is interest in including
cameras on the contact lens and incorporating other lenses so that, for example, if you were
looking at something very small, you would be able to zoom in to get a closer look. Similarly, if
something is far away, you would be able to zoom in.” [16] An update to this project has already
shown a possible improvement in head-mounted displays, which would involve using contact
lenses instead of HMDs [17]. This could provide a much more adaptable solution for ground
military units and intelligence agents. Instead of having to wear a bulky HMD, a user could
wear a pair of small contact lenses that display information in real-time to them in front of their
normal vision.
Vision augmentations today are mainly corrective in nature, but there are many wearable
devices that enhance normal human vision, granting superhuman capabilities. With advancing
technology in night vision, microscopic and telescopic vision, extending vision into more than
just the visible light spectrum, heads-up display technology, and an exciting, new electronic
contact lens that has numerous enhancement possibilities, it is only a matter of time before
humans have bionic eyes. Vision isn't the only progress being made by human augmentation
technology, though. Next, hearing augmentations will be discussed.
4.3 Hearing
Corrective hearing aid technology has been available since the simple ear trumpet was
used in the 1700s, though humans have used various objects available in nature, such as
seashells, for correcting hearing problems for thousands of years [18]. Now, hearing aids boast
digital processing to maximize clarity [18]. These devices are used for correction, though, not
for super-hearing.
Several devices, such as the Bionic Ear and Booster Set by KJB Security, do claim to
provide super-hearing capabilities [19]. KJB Security claims their device is capable of
enhancing sounds up to 100 yards way [19]. A similar device, the Silencio Super Ear, was tested
for this project, and the amplification of that device does grant a modest amount of super-hearing
capabilities. Unfortunately, these devices are highly affected by environmental factors, such as
wind speed, rain, and also by objects that obstruct the path of the device.
It would be nice to see further advancements in the area of super-hearing. There are a
range of possibilities for future hearing augmentations. Focused hearing would grant humans the
ability to focus closely on hearing one or several people or things while simultaneously
eliminating the sounds any other person or object makes. Secure hearing would allow only the
people you wish to hear you to be able to hear you [20]. Granting the ability for humans to have
selectable frequency cut-offs for hearing, such as when loud construction is going on, would also
be a possibility [20]. Unfortunately, devices available today, such as the Bionic Ear from KJB
Security, are the only currently pursued target area for hearing augmentation. As this technology
continues to improve, though, these devices will become small enough to be portable and
concealable, or even become an implantable part of the human ear itself.
4.4 Smell
Dogs can see up to a thousand time better than humans, and are able to track things such
as illegal drugs or escaped prisoners [21]. The sense of smell has provided animals with a great
way to “investigate the world”, but why not humans [21]? There is evidence that the human
sense of smell degraded after the evolution of trichromatic vision, the ability to see red, green,
and blue color spectrums [21]. However, the olfactory genes that exist in animals still exist in
humans today, but around 70% of those are not activated [21]. If those genes could be activated,
it is quite possible that people could be granted superhuman smelling capabilities.
Reactivating the inactive nasal genes are not the only possibility for augmenting human
smell capabilities. The entire nasal pathway must be taken in consideration. In fact, there has
already been one study done that changed the way the olfactory sensors sent signals to the brain
by deleting “a subtype of voltage-gated potassium (Kv 1.3) channel in mice.” This resulted in the
production of super-smelling mice, becoming 1,000-10,000 times more sensitive to odors [21].
Past the potential for enhancement, currently there are no augmentations that augment a
human's sense of smell. The super-olfactory mice study holds potential for human development
in the future, though. There is another technology that combines taste and smell to produce a
false sensation, however, and the Meta Cookie shall be discussed in the next section on the sense
of taste.
4.5 Taste
One of the most interesting taste augmentations discovered was created by a group of
university students at Keio University created a device that uses a lollipop that, when plugged
into an electronic sensor, can give different sensations back to the taster, such as fizzy soda, crisp
apple, and even some very unusual sensations such as fireworks and airplane [22]. The
TagCandy device works by detecting that the user has inserted the lollipop into his or her mouth
and sends vibrations back to the user to simulate the different sensations the user chooses [22].
The device won two awards at the 2010 International Student Virtual Reality Contest, and future
plans include being able to buy a candy from any local market and download different sensations
to experience with the device [22].
Another very exciting taste augmentation found was Meta Cookie, which “uses virtual
reality to make a cookie taste like anything you want.” [23] Meta Cookie consists of a headmounted display device that contains many scented air flavors and an augmentation marker
branded on a plain cookie [23]. The HMD displays the look of any selected cookie instead of the
plain cookie, depending on what augmented reality code was branded on the cookie [23]. Along
with that, the HMD device determines what scented air flavors to release to the wearer based on
the augmented reality code [23]. The wearer eats the plain cookie and fully believes it is another
type of cookie. This could have many potential uses, such as making plain or distasteful foods
taste like any food the wearer wishes.
With these innovations, it seems augmented reality holds the key to the future of taste
augmentations. As devices get smaller over time, one can speculate that in the distant future,
these sensors will be small enough to fit on the human tongue, or even implantable in the taste
buds of the tongue. Thus, augmented taste reality today could become a commonplace human
augmentation of the future.
4.6 Touch
Four senses have been discussed thus far: sight, hearing, smell, and taste. The final
human sense is feeling. Many possibilities exist for augmenting touch. Skin could become more
durable and able to withstand extreme temperatures without causing bodily harm. In the case of
the superhero, Daredevil, superhuman touch granted superb reflexes, such as being able to easily
land on a tightrope and run instead of walking very carefully across it. Healing through touch is
something that has been explored since biblical times, with Jesus Christ said to have healed two
blind men by touching their eyes [24].
Already, researchers are working on creating prosthetic limbs that can “feel what they
touch” [25]. Such technology can be used to return people missing limbs to full functionality.
This technology can also provide haptic (sense of touch) feedback to surgeons using robots for
surgery [26]. By being able to feel what the robot touches, surgeons can operate more
effectively without the need to operate on a patient in person. This method could not only be
more accurate, but also prevent possible diseases and infection from human contamination. The
technology could also be used for military units to control remote vehicles more precisely by
being able to feel the way the vehicle is operating [27].
Aside from haptic feedback, NASA has been using spacesuits for decades that can
withstand extreme temperatures, beyond the range of -250 to +250 degrees Fahrenheit [28].
Spacesuits have to be made to handle the extreme cold temperatures of space and the extreme
heat from the Sun. There are also heat-resistant work gloves that can handle up to 800 degrees
Fahrenheit in short durations [29]. In extreme cases, some gloves can be heated up to 2000
degrees Fahrenheit for a short time [29].
These are not the advancements mentioned in comic books or in biblical references, such
as improved flexibility and healing through touch; haptic feedback can provide a similar
functionality to healing through touch by allowing surgeons increased precision and less chances
of infection and disease, but it is not an instantaneous healing process. However, extreme
temperature-handling provided by heat-resistant gloves and spacesuits and haptic feedback are
important steps in the future of human skin augmentations that can lead to many more
advancements. After having looked at the augmentations provided by the five senses of humans,
it is now time to dive into one of the most exciting fields of human augmentation study, the
improvement of the human brain.
4.7 Mental Capabilities
To this day, the mysterious gray matter that is the human brain has continued to baffle
scientists. This makes the brain an exciting area of study, with each new scientific study
producing profound new revelations. Many human augmentations could be related to the brain:
never forgetting, telepathy, telekinesis, downloadable and implantable memories, and enhanced
productivity [20].
The first of these, never forgetting, has been a work-in-progress for a long time now.
Biomedical engineer and neuroscientist Ted Berger has been involved with improving human
memory for over fifteen years [30]. Recently, as mentioned in section 2.2 of this document,
neurophysiologist Samuel Deadwyler and Berger developed the first memory prosthetic device,
which gives rats restored brain function and improved short-term memory retention [6]. The
scientists created an artificial hippocampus, attached electrodes to the rats' brains, and had the
rats press levers in a specific order [6]. When the artificial hippocampus was turned on, the rats
could remember which order they had pressed the levers [6]. When turned off, they could not
[6]. The team is currently working on moving their research into primates, and are very hopeful
for human testing [6]. Charles Wilson, a neuroscientist and emeritus professor at the University
of California, Los Angeles, believes, “the fact that it could be done in animals suggests to me
that a similar thing could be done in humans.” [6]
Telepathy, also known as mind-control, is also a viable avenue currently being pursued
by both the military and the video game industry. The military recently awarded $4 million to
three universities to “begin developing 'thought helmets' that would harness silent brain waves
for secure communication between troops.” [31] The ultimate goal of the program is to have
“direct mental control of military systems by thought alone.” [31] The video game industry is
also working on mind-control. In fact, Emotiv has already released a mind-control device that
“uses a set of sensors to tune into electric signals produced by the brain to detect player thoughts,
feelings and expressions and connects wirelessly to most PCs.” [32] The purpose of the Emotiv
is to allow users to control games and applications using only their minds. This augmentation is
currently available on the market for consumers for $299 and for developers for $500 [32].
Telekinesis is the ability to move objects with your mind. Today, telekinesis exists in
prosthetic limbs that can be controlled using only the brain [3]. However, that technology
requires the device to be attached to the user's nerves in order to work. With the development of
smart technology, however, this may be a limitation that is soon overcome. Smart devices,
unlike regular devices such as toasters, coffee makers, microwaves, and washing machines, are
able to be controlled using a smart controller which is able to access all of the device's features
and control every smart device instead of only one device. It is quite feasible that a universal
smart controller in the future could be implanted in the brain to control every smart device the
user has security privileges to control using only his or her mind. In this way, telekinesis could
become more than just science fiction. It, very well, could one day become a reality.
The same technology that the military seeks with telekinesis could also allow for
downloadable memories. Currently, this technology does not exist, but the technology to receive
brain waves does. When science has unraveled more of the mysteries of the human brain, such
as exactly how memory works, the thought helmets sought out by the military could take brain
waves produced when a person is remembering something and download these to a computer.
There could also be new technology that would simply scan a person's brain for all memories
and download them to a computer. Implanting them would require more of the type of
technology that the conceptual implantable smart controller would contain. If the smart
controller could also receive signals instead of just sending them out, it could interact with
memory and store new memories. Being able to control many smart devices at once could also
enhance productivity. A single cashier could scan all smart items customers are purchasing at
every register simultaneously, for instance. If someone tried to steal from the store, the cashier
could automatically lock the smart exit doors and call the police without ever touching a door or
a phone.
The brain is an exciting area of study because so little is known about the way the brain
works, and each discovery is, literally, a revelation. There are numerous technologies that make
use of the knowledge we do have, and many possibilities exist for brain enhancements in the
future. So far, augmentations affecting the five human senses and the human brain have been
discussed. There are several miscellaneous human augmentations that could prove to be just as
useful, however.
4.8 Miscellaneous
4.8.1 Blood
The demand for blood replacement currently exceeds the rate of donations [33].
Artificial blood could mean less chance of infection, longer storage life, less to no need from
donors, and immediately available full oxygen transport [33]. Moreover, patients that need
blood immediately, such as heart transplant and bypass patients, would have a “guaranteed
supply of blood on hand.” [34] Very recently, scientists have been successful in creating artificial
blood from stem cells and believe it could be used in transfusions the next two years [34].
Within two decades, after several series of large-scale trials, artificial blood could be made in
enough quantity to meet an entire nation's demands, 2 million pints per year [34].
Along with artificial blood, nanoparticles inserted into the bloodstream yield the potential
to destroy drug-resistant bacteria without destroying red blood cells [35]. Unlike traditional
antibiotics, “these nanostructures are physically attracted to infected cells like a magnet, allowing
them to selectively eradicate difficult to treat bacteria without destroying healthy cells around
them.” [35] Furthermore, “the nanoparticles also prevent the bacteria from developing drug
resistance by breaking through the cell wall and membrane.” [35]
4.8.2 Bone
Making human bones less brittle using different, stronger, materials would be a terrific
augmentation, but replacing the entire skeleton with new, stronger material bone would be
extraordinarily difficult and extremely painful. Current bone augmentation technology is
focused upon the creation of new bone to repair old bones. A modified inkjet printer has been
used to produce artificial bones [36]. The technology works in a four step process. First, a “scan
creates a precise image of the damaged area.” [36] Next, “a three-dimensional image of the bone
to be made is sent to a computer linked to the printer.” [36] Then, “an accurate model of the
bone is created by inkjet-style technology. Layers of cement-like powder one tenth of a
millimeter thick are hardened by acid into the precise shape required.” [36] Finally, “the bone
graft acts as a bridge to allow the body to regrow new bone. The graft will eventually dissolve
into the body.” [36] Current bone replacement involves metals and ceramics. The new bone
graft technology would allow users to produce their own bones. This process is a long way from
being available in hospitals, though [36].
Another technology being used to replace metals and ceramics is wood [37]. Live bones
would heal faster with wood bone substitutes than with ceramics [37]. Live bones would also
grow more quickly into the bone substitutes and be more secure [37]. Ceramics also put added
stress on bones since they are much harder than the surrounding bone, which may lead to
breaking down the surrounding bone until they break. Wood substitutes, which are significantly
softer than ceramics and metals, would put less stress on the surrounding bones, potentially
causing fewer broken bones [37].
5. Conclusions
5.1 Summary
There are many augmentations available today and many more that are in the works for
tomorrow. Sometimes, infomercials, such as ones for augmentations like KJB Security's Bionic
Ear, result in good products. Though not tested, the Silencio Super Ear is similar to the Bionic
Ear and is assumed to have similar to even better results with the technology advances that have
been gained since the Silencio was created. Other times, such as in the case of the HD Aviator
glasses, the manufacturer claims are highly exaggerated. Experimenting is a good way to find
out one way or another. With so many exciting developments occurring in the human
augmentation field, whatever the near future brings, it looks like an exciting time to be a human.
Whatever the distant future brings, it looks like an exciting time to become a superhuman.
5.2 Potential Impact
The project provides a good look at the state of human augmentation technology. With
knowledge of where things are in the field of human augmentations, it has the potential impact of
determining what avenues of research to pursue in the future and how close we are to having
human augmentations available. It also determined how well two augmentations that already
exist on the market work. With that knowledge, the project can provide insight into how well
these particular areas of human enhancements have progressed.
5.3 Future Work
One of the future areas of work for this project would be to test better quality
enhancement technologies available on the market today and compare them to the ones already
tested. Also, there were many augmentation areas covered by this project, but there are always
more areas to pursue. There could be many more augmentation technologies that exist or that
will exist that were not pursued by this project and need to be further researched to determine the
state of that area. With one researcher, it is easy to miss areas of interest. Several more
researchers could add to this project with more research on the areas pursued and research into
those areas of human augmentation not pursued.
Bios

Chad Richards – Richards is a senior Computer Engineering major in the Computer
Science and Computer Engineering Department at the University of Arkansas,
Fayetteville. He has completed relevant courses in algorithms and virtual worlds. He has
been a professional web designer for the past five years, with experience in various
scripting and database languages. In his design job, he has also created several web
applications, requiring the use of programming languages such as C, C++, and Java and
scripting languages such as Flash Actionscript, SQL, and PHP. He has also recently
undergone corrective eye surgery, giving him first-hand experience into what human
augmentation can be like. In the Human Augmentation project, he was responsible for
researching and documenting human augmentation technology and setting up and
performing experiments to test current human augmentation technology. In order to
obtain ideas of where augmentation technology may go in the future, the type of
augmentation technology tested was decided to be those that claim to give superhuman
capabilities.

Dr. Craig Thompson, Mentor – Thompson is a professor in the Computer Science and
Computer Engineering Department. He leads the Everything is Alive research project
that is currently focusing on how to simulate pervasive computing using 3D virtual
worlds. See http://vw.ddns.uark.edu.
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Appendix A – Deliverables Manifest
TERM PROJECT FINAL REPORT—Human Augmentation—Richards.zip contains:
TERM PROJECT FINAL REPORT—Human Augmentation—Richards.doc contains this
document, the final report for the term project.
TERM PROJECT FINAL REPORT—Human Augmentation—Richards.ppt contains the
powerpoint presentation for the term project.