View source for Cyberware

{{Short description|Hardware implanted in the human body and/or brain}}
{{other uses}}
{{more footnotes|date=April 2008}}
'''Cyberware''' refers to technology that integrates directly with the human nervous system, typically through implants or interfaces that enable communication between machines and the body. 

Once largely a concept within ''[[science fiction]]'', cyberware is now an emerging field of biomedical research and ''[[neurotechnology]]'', with applications ranging from brain–computer interfaces to advanced prosthetics. The term encompasses both sensory-enhancing implants and control systems that translate neural signals into digital outputs. 

While still in its early stages, cyberware has gained renewed interest in the 21st century through companies like ''[[Neuralink]]'' and ''[[BrainGate]]'', as well as ongoing research into human–machine symbiosis.

==Interfaces ("headware")==
{{see also|Brain–computer interface}}
[[File:EEG Recording Cap.jpg|thumb]]
It is the most difficult object to implement, but it is also the most important in terms of interfacing directly with the [[mind]].<ref>Hooper, Simon (October 21, 2004) [http://edition.cnn.com/2004/TECH/10/20/explorers.braingate/ ''Brain chip offers hope for paralyzed''] CNN</ref> In science fiction the data-jack is the envisioned [[Computer port (hardware)|I/O port]] for the brain. Its job is to translate thoughts into something meaningful to a computer, and to translate something from a computer into meaningful thoughts for humans. Once perfected, it would allow direct communication between computers and the human mind.

Large university laboratories conduct most of the experiments done in the area of direct neural interfaces. For ethical reasons, the tests are usually performed on animals or slices of brain tissue from donor brains. The mainstream research focuses on electrical impulse monitoring, recording and translating the many different electrical signals that the brain transmits. 

A number of companies are working on what is essentially a "hands-free" mouse or keyboard.<ref>Lusted, HS and Knapp, "RB Controlling Computers with Neural Signals". ''[[Scientific American]]'', October 1996</ref> This technology uses these brain signals to control computer functions. These interfaces are sometimes called ''[[Brain–computer interface|brain-machine interfaces]]'' (BMI).

The more intense research, concerning full in-brain interfaces, is being studied, but is in its infancy. Few can afford the huge cost of such enterprises, and those who can find the work slow-going and very far from the ultimate goals. Research has reached the level where limited control over a computer is possible using thought commands alone.  After being implanted with a Massachusetts-based firm [[Cyberkinetics]] chip called [[BrainGate]], a quadriplegic man was able to compose and check email.<ref>Khamsi, R. (2004). Paralyzed man sends e-mail by thought ''News@nature'', doi:10.1038/news041011-9</ref>

In April 2021, BrainGate became the first technology to transmit wireless commands from a human brain to a computer. The clinical trial involved two participants with spinal cord injuries, using a transmitter connected to the brain’s motor cortex to send neural signals wirelessly. Researchers reported that the speed and accuracy of cursor control and typing matched that of previous wired systems.<ref>{{cite news |title=BrainGate: First Human Use of High-Bandwidth Wireless Brain-Computer Interface |url=https://neurosciencenews.com/braingate-bci-18164/ |work=Neuroscience News |date=1 April 2021 |access-date=4 May 2025}}</ref>

In 2016, entrepreneur [[Elon Musk]] co-founded [[Neuralink]], a neurotechnology company focused on developing implantable brain–computer interfaces. The company initially aimed to address neurological disorders, with a long-term vision of human cognitive enhancement. As of its early funding rounds, Neuralink had raised $158 million, including $100 million from Musk personally.<ref>{{cite news |title=Elon Musk launches Neuralink, a venture to merge the human brain with AI |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/3/27/15077864/elon-musk-neuralink-brain-computer-interface-ai |work=The Verge |date=27 March 2017 |access-date=4 May 2025}}</ref>

==Prosthetics ("bodyware")==
[[File:Brain-Controlled Prosthetic Arm 2.jpg|thumb]]
The second variety of cyberware consists of a more modern form of the rather old field of [[prosthetics]]. 

Modern prostheses attempt to deliver a natural functionality and appearance. In the sub-field where prosthetics and cyberware cross over, experiments have been done where [[microprocessor]]s, capable of controlling the movements of an artificial [[Limb (anatomy)|limb]], are attached to the severed [[nerve]]-endings of the patient. The patient is then taught how to operate the prosthetic, trying to learn how to move it as though it were a natural limb.<ref>Houston, V. L., Mason, C. P., Beattie, A. C., LaBlanc, K. P., Garbarini, M., Lorenze, E. J., & Thongpop, C. M. (1995). The VA-cyberware lower limb prosthetics-orthotics optical laser digitizer. Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, 32(1), 55.</ref>

Crossing over between prostheses and interfaces are those pieces of equipment attempting to replace lost [[sense]]s. An early success in this field is the ''[[cochlear implant]]''. A tiny device inserted into the [[inner ear]], it replaces the functionality of damaged, or missing, [[hair cell]]s (the cells that, when stimulated, create the sensation of [[sound]]). 

This device comes firmly under the field of prosthetics, but experiments are also being performed to tap into the [[Human brain|brain]]. Coupled with a [[Speech processing|speech-processor]], this could be a direct link to the speech centres of the brain.<ref>Branwyn, Gareth "The desire to be wired". [[Wired (magazine)|''Wired'']] Issue 1.04, October 1993</ref>

==In popular culture==
A brain data-jack is heavily featured in works of fiction, including [[Cyberpunk 2077]],  ''[[Johnny Mnemonic (film)|Johnny Mnemonic]],'' the cartoon ''[[Exosquad]]'', and ''[[The Matrix]]''.

==See also==
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
* [[Biomechatronics]]
* [[Biorobotics]]
* [[Brain–computer interface]]
* [[Brain-reading]]
* [[BrainGate]]
* [[Cybernetics]]
* [[Neural engineering]]
* [[Neuroprosthetics]]
* [[Neurotechnology]]
* [[Posthumanization]]
* [[Simulated reality]]
* [[Transhuman]]
* [[Wetware (brain)]]
{{div col end}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://pceeg.sourceforge.net/ The open-source programmable chip Electroencephalography project]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070311152402/http://pceegbci.blog.com/ The programmable chip Electroencephalography project BLog]
* [https://openeeg.sourceforge.net/doc/ The open-source Electroencephalography project]
* [http://www.cyberpunks.org/freeside/mab_cyber.html ''Cyberware Technology'' by Taryn East] - Source containing the rest of the work found on this article
* 
[http://www.cyberpunks.org/freeside/mab_cyber.html ''Cyberware Technology'' by Taryn East] - Source containing the rest of the work found on this article
* 
[http://www.cyberwarepr.com''Cyberware Solutions'']
* 
[http://www.wetwarehacker.com ''Wetware Technology'']

{{BCI}}
{{Robotics}}

[[Category:Brain–computer interface]]
[[Category:Neuroprosthetics]]