Posted October 02, 2022 by Synthnostate
#notes
Notes on actual/speculated real-world technologies which may appear in Synthnostate and sequels.
Transhumanism
Posthumanism
Uplift
“Cyborg Soldier 2050” - 2019 unclassified US Army technical report identifies the following militarily relevant technologies as technically feasible by 2050:
Optogenetics uses light-activated enzymes in gene-edited nerve cells
“Nextgen Nonsurgical Neurotech” program - aims to improve precision of EEG, transcranial stimulation, etc, to develop wearable bidirectional neural interfaces with capabilities comparable to implanted electrodes. Feasability unknown.
“Safe Genes” program
“Measuring Biological Aptitude” program - mapping genes+biomarkers to provide individually tailored diet/workout guidance, and ultimately realtime feedback in combat.
Past predictions - in 1989 we were told we’d be there by 2020 but all we have are better graphics, smaller faster computers, slightly better batteries, a few percent of our electricity from wind/solar, cellphones for all, mass surveillance, a Dumpster-fire Internet and a dying society much like early 3rd-century Rome.
Brain bandwidth - can neural interfaces overcome the human brain’s limitations? Consider the difficulty of displaying a simple HUD overlay augmentation: we can’t simply stimulate optic fibers in the corners because our peripheral vision is low-res; when we read text or examine objects, our eyes rapidly scan side to side so the high-res center can take in the details, and our visual cortex pieces everything together.
Quality - can augmented abilities actually surpass those of motivated individuals with good base stats?
Atrophy - will augmentations undermine naturally-acquired stats/skills? If smartphones are any indication, yes.
Opportunity cost - why bother with cyborg soldiers when hacking and drones are so effective?
Who would win in a real war - transhuman cyborgs or rednecks with rocket artillery and hypersonic missiles?