Of robots and men

Almost every work of science fiction depicts the future replete with humanoid robots. For example, Asimov's robot series mostly portrays robots as highly-intelligent machines governed strictly by the three laws of robotics. However books/movies such as AI and Bicentennial man explore robots that evolve to become more human than humans themselves. Rationally speaking, I do believe that we cannot create machines more intelligent than us. However I do optimistically wonder if "more-intelligent, more-human" robots can perhaps evolve from the sub-intelligent robots that we create. However after joining the medical device industry, I have become increasingly aware of various recent (and not so recent) technological developments that made me realize that there is more to this issue.

One of the most fascinating technologies is BrainGate. To paraphrase its description, "BrainGate is a system consisting of a sensor that is implanted on the motor cortex of the brain and a device that analyzes brain signals". To put it simply, it aims to interface the human body and mind with a computer. Other interesting breakthroughs include Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago reporting that Jesse Sullivan could control his artificial limbs by "just" thinking about it and McGill University Health Centre performing trials on mechanical hearts that have more longevity than transplanted hearts. While these technologies are far
from commercial use, there are other interesting (atleast to a layman like me) commercial products like Boston Scientific's* 30 year old spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system for chronic pain which uses electrical impulses to mask pain signals.

Amidst all this human-machine integration, the geek in me began wondering if we would create robot-like humans (artificial body with human brain) before true humanoid robots evolve. On the other hand, the minuscule non-geek part of me began wondering more philosophically... What exactly makes us human? Perhaps as long as we do not become Dr. Octopus and the human brain is controlling the machine-body complex, we will remain human. Perhaps we are all already robot-like .... continuing our day-to-day existence without acknowledging humans around us. Which brings us back to the same question "What makes us human?". Perhaps the answer is "empathy" or "compassion" or 42. I guess only time will tell.

Update: Financial times reported that the UK government is expecting sentient robots by 2056 and is discussing their rights and status.

*I work at Boston Scientific/Guidant :)