The next species of human

In my talk, I described 'BigDog' as being 'as close as you can get to a physical Turing test' — computers are now reaching human levels of intelligence. And I noted that even though those of us of a certain age had the sense not to expect R2D2 in the near future, what we saw was primitive and underwhelming, so we underestimated robots. Since then, Google has bought Boston Dynamics and several other robotics companies. These acquisitions, plus Amazon’s purchase of Kiva, make robot-human interactions even more important for short-term commercial advantage. Eventually, as we seriously consider colonizing other planets, these types of machines and capabilities will be essential building blocks.

This article tracks the fascinating tale of the Paralympian athlete and reminds us that enhanced physicality does not always mean enhanced ethics, judgment and brains. As we acquire and deploy greater physical, and someday maybe mental, powers, we also have to deal with our emotions and profound human flaws. In a sense this fairy tale has a very dark ending. But still, Pistorius' pre-jail life leads the way and will inspire many others to follow the path from handicapped to too able.

In the talk, I also mentioned Robert Wood's work on robots the size of flies. As drones get smaller, cheaper and more autonomous, we change the nature of warfare, surveillance, toys and even commerce, as shown by the global awe and fear of Amazon’s potential delivery drones. We are struggling with how and where we can deploy what. This will only get more complex as things miniaturize.

Inspired by geckos, 'StickyBots' relate to the field of biomimicry, a source of inspiration to all who have ever wanted to fly like a hawk, swim like a dolphin or enjoy life like a bonobo. Now we are taking our dreams of enhancing life and bodies and applying it to robots, creating a strange triangle of what we learn, want for ourselves and project onto our mechanical creations.

Speaking of brains, Ed Boyden has gone on to create a synthetic neurobiology group, bringing together new ways of mapping and downloading memories with synthetic biology-like programming capabilities, something that ought to enthrall some and scare others. It is the kind of research that could fundamentally change humanity. See also Enriquez's conversation with Ed Boyden on just this topic.