A professor of cybernetics at the University of Reading, who embedded silicon implants into nerve fibres in his arm, delivered a lecture at Trinity College, Dublin, last night about his experiments with artificial intelligence, robotics and cyborgs.
The implants in Prof Kevin Warwick's arm transmit signals to a computer and, by connecting to the web, has enabled him to move a robotic hand on another continent while he sits thousands of miles away.
"It isn't painful," he told The Irish Times before his lecture. "In fact, I kind of missed the implant when it was taken out after some 90 days."
He predicts that, within three years, the technology will be able to help people with disabilities to lead more normal lives. He is now planning new experiments to explore these possibilities.
The British professor, who has become a media star since publicising his experiments, holds controversial views on the use of cyborg technology to enhance human capability. People should view implants as a way to increase ability and become able to accomplish things, he said. Within 10 years people could use similar neural implants to boost their memory or speak new languages, he said. "Some people who do not want to go forward will be left behind," Prof Warwick added.
The free public lecture is one of a series organised by the Royal Irish Academy and The Irish Times, with sponsorship from DEPFA Bank. The event was attended by 470 people.