Transhumanism ideas
The main goal of transhumanism is the endless improvement of man,
- to support technical development in every possible way;
- study the achievements of science and technology, timely prevent the dangers and moral problems that may accompany the implementation of these achievements;
- to expand the freedom of each individual person, using scientific and technological advances;
- as far as possible to distance, and ideally - to abolish the aging and death of a person, to give him the right to decide for himself when to die and whether to die at all;
- to radically reduce suffering and increase the level of happiness in humans and (according to a number of transhumanists) other animals;
- confront teachings and organizations that havegoals opposite to the ideas of transhumanism - environmentalism in a fanatical form (rejection of technical development, "return to nature"), religious fundamentalism, traditionalism and other forms of ideologies of anti-modernism and anti-progressiveism,
- resist government initiatives,limiting advanced scientific research and prohibiting the use of certain new technologies (bans on human cloning, psychotropic drugs, embryonic stem cells).
What is the ultimate goal of transhumanism?
There is no consensus among transhumanistsregarding the final (terminal) goal of the transhumanistic transformation of a person. As a rule, various representatives of the movement put forward the following as such goals:
- Progress for the sake of progress.By modifying nature, man acts as an evolutionary factor and thus fulfills his “universal mission”. The ultimate goal of evolution is unknown, and the question about it may be incorrect.
- Maximizing the happiness of humans and other beings.This goal is based on the philosophy of hedonism and utilitarianism. Its adherents call themselves abolitionists (hedonistic transhumanists). In the distant limit, the transformation of the Earth, and then other matter in the Universe, into a giant superorganism (utilitronium), optimized for the constant receipt of great pleasure, is possible. At the same time, it is possible that further progress will not be needed (since in utilitarianism it is only an instrumental value)
- Maximizing the mind in the universe.Reason and knowledge are valuable in themselves, and man is a product of the universe, capable of making it intelligent. In the far reaches, the transformation of the Earth, and then other matter, into a gigantic cognizing and calculating superorganism (computronium) is possible.
DNA change
One of the areas of transhumanism is also biohacking. The international Human Genome Project is the most famous research in the field of DNA.
Determining the structure of human genes isan important step for the development of new medicines and the development of other areas of health care. But this project does not ignore the ethical, legal and social aspects of DNA decoding: there have already been cases of genetic discrimination in the insurance industry.
But understanding genetic information is onlythe first step towards the perfect person. Technologies are being developed that will allow scientists to alter the genome with unprecedented precision. For example, the CRISPR-Cas system, which can be used in medicine to treat hereditary diseases.
It is also worth noting that Chinese scientists, for the first time in the world, have already used modified genes to treat cancer.
Chipping
In 2016, Elon Musk created the Neuralink company,which was supposed to make a device for connecting the brain to a computer. There were no details about the development for two years, and last summer Musk gave a presentation where he spoke about technical details, for example, that the company is creating ultra-thin filaments that it plans to use to read information from the brain. Then he reported that Neuralink allowed the monkey to control his brain.
Musk said that first of all Neuralinkintended for the treatment of diseases such as paralysis, dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The presentation is aimed at finding talented specialists to work on the project, and not collecting investments, Musk noted.
The chip is implanted by a fully automated robotic surgeon - it drills a small hole in the skull and connects Link to the brain through flexible threads.
How to fly a jetpack?
Great North Ambulance Service (GNAAS) in the UK and startup Gravity Industries have successfully tested a paramedic jetpack.
Gravity Industries Founder Richard Browningflew from the bottom of the valley to the designated place in 90 seconds. Usually, it takes 25 minutes to cover this distance, the organization noted. According to GNAAS Director of Operations Andy Mawson, the participants were able to understand how the device works in practice.
Engadget notes that before mass adoptiondevices will probably take a long time: the flight time of a backpack from Gravity Industries is limited to 5–10 minutes, and the flight itself requires good physical training of the tester. In addition, the backpack should not be used on too steep terrain.
How does an exoskeleton work?
Exoskeletons created to date, or at the stage of advanced development, can be classified according to the following criteria:
- Actuator type
- The presence of a drive for reinforcing joints
- Anatomical arrangement of reinforced joints
- Built-in energy source
- Type of power drive used
- Method of obtaining a control signal
- Type of power plant and energy source
- Practical application area
- Development direction
The main direction of development is militarythe use of exoskeletons to increase the mobility of tactical groups and units operating on foot, by compensating for the physical load of soldiers caused by the excessive weight of the equipment. Increased mobility and speed of a person can also be accompanied by an increase in the strength of the person using the exoskeleton.
Integration of the exoskeleton into equipment will beaccompanied by its transformation into a multifunctional system. In addition to its main purpose, it can perform the functions of an electric generator, battery storage, a frame for attaching armor protection modules, telecommunications, various kinds of sensors and sensors, laying power lines and data transmission.
Noteworthy is the use of structural elements of the exoskeleton as an antenna system for transmitting and receiving radio signals.
Examples of exoskeletons
- X-Soft
Passive industrial exoskeleton of Russian design (Magnitogorsk, Chelyabinsk region). Made taking into account anthropometric and biomechanical data of a person.
Designed to relieve the muscles of the back, arms and legsworker, reduce the likelihood of injury and the development of occupational diseases. Tested in companies from the top 30 list of the Russian Federation, serial production and sales are organized.
Flexible and durable base and built-in corsetcompensate for the load on the spine and correct posture. The springs and the distribution system based on a kind of elastomer "help" are designed to increase the efficiency of work during inclines and ascents (up to 30% reduction in the load during extension).
- X-RISE
X-RISE is a passive exoskeleton that provides hand support for assembly line workers. Can be combined with the X-Soft model for increased efficiency when lifting loads.
While automated technology,has certainly reduced the burden on factories around the world, hard work and long hours of work by people still make up a large part of the production process.
X-RISE is a passive upper body exoskeletonbody that raises and supports the worker's arms (relieves the load on the shoulders) by transferring the weight to the hips to assist the operator in tasks involving lifting and / or holding the arms (with or without weight) above the chest. The exoskeleton is designed taking into account the physiological characteristics of a person, which makes it comfortable to wear in any conditions, ensuring freedom of movement and high efficiency.
- ExoHeaver
ExoHeaver Active Electric —activeindustrial exoskeleton, developed by the Norilsk Nickel Digital Laboratory in partnership with Southwestern State University (SWSU, Kursk) and the Exomed company (Kursk).
Industrial exoskeleton of lower limbsExoHeaver is designed for lifting, carrying and holding loads, as well as for performing work associated with long-term static conditions, is used to prevent injuries at work and helps improve production efficiency.
Equipped with an intelligent electric drive control system and a set of on-board sensors that analyze the environment, user parameters and cargo.
- Raytheon xos 2
XOS 2 is a robotic suit of the secondgeneration, developed by Raytheon for the US Army. The company first demonstrated the exoskeleton's capabilities at its research center in Salt Lake City, Utah, in September 2010. The robotic suit increases the strength, agility and endurance of the soldier inside it.
XOS 2 uses a hydraulic systemhigh pressure, allowing the wearer to lift heavy objects in a ratio of 17: 1 (actual weight to perceived weight). This allows the load to be lifted repeatedly without fatigue or injury.
Agency for Advanced ResearchThe United States Defense Projects Agency (DARPA) initiated the development of exoskeletons in 2001 as part of the Exoskeletons for Human Performance Augmentation program. The agency funded $ 50 million to various participants through a five-year program. However, only two of them are actively involved in the development of prototype exoskeletons for the US military.
- MS-02 PowerLoader
Panasonic subsidiary project - companyActiveLink. The exoskeletons used are used to increase the strength of the soldiers; also, robotic leg supports can help paralyzed people walk, and can be used by workers at nuclear power plants and employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations in case of natural disasters.
ActiveLink suits are designed in such a way thatusers can pin them and get started in 30 seconds or less. Powered exoskeletons for rehabilitation or other medical applications often use muscle electrical activity sensors that take time to calibrate.
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