The advances of bioengineering and medical technology allow us to glimpse into a future of man that stands unprecedented. Not only are scientists able to develop bionic limbs, muscles and mock skeletal systems, but the prospect of implementing these devices and extensions to prolog or promote human life is greatly imminent. This article will elucidate the different technologies that scientists have researched, the progress in making bionic limbs, and the ultimate future of the ‘Bionic Man’. It is evident through technological advancement that all elements of the human body and ailments to the human condition will be eradicated. While it is a matter of time before advancements can rectify a variety of illneses that we suffer with today, there is significant research for the benefits that limb enhancement and bionic prosthetics can offer people alive today. Even over the past decade there have been a great number of patents registered to promote technology that is life saving and promotes the benefit of superior human abilities.

The mechanisms behind bionic limbs and musculoskeletal systems is interesting and based on years of research in the field of biology and genetic technology. A research project taking place at MIT , The Human Bionic Project, tests the limits of human development and the healing process. Their findings demonstrate the prospect of helping people recover from disabilities and illnesses in addition to becoming integrated with technology for non-medical reasons. They promote the prevalence of bionic knees, ankles and other musculoskeletal elements. Further, there is evidence that bionic eyes and other body parts are possible (Senegh).

Research in the past decade has demonstrated the ability for muscles and bones to be woven together to create bionic and dynamic human systems. These synthetic muscles convert chemical energy into heat. Dr. John Madden, a head scientist from the University of British Columbia describes that “”The muscle consumes oxygen and fuel that can be transported via a circulation system; the muscle itself supports the chemical reaction that leads to mechanical work; electrochemical circuits can act as nerves, controlling actuation; some energy is stored locally in the muscle itself; and, like natural muscle, the materials studied contract linearly” (Scientists make ‘bionic’ muscles).

There is a great deal of evidence that mankind can merge with technology in the future. According to current studies, it would not be out of the ordinary for the ‘bionic man’ to exist by 2050.The Smithsonian has been gathering individual bionic parts and assembling a collage entitled the Bionic Man. This demonstration creates a visual for the future of humans and particularly the prospect of humans merging with technology in the future. While the Bionic Man has limbs and looks like a person, he does not have a nervous system and is therefore remotely controlled by a computer. ( Brumfiel).

This brings about the question of whether bionic technology should be limited to those who are medically impaired alone. While multiple bionic organs cannot function together yet, the prospects for stroke victims or those suffering with dismembered limbs can greatly benefit from this technology. I don’t think that this technology should be limited just to those with medical disability because there is a vast amount of progress to be made for mankind on a whole with enhancements of this sort. They can be applied to different sectors of society to increase life and prevent harmful conditions. One example could be soldiers with bionic limbs that protect them from damaging themselves during battle. People who may have decided their profession early in life, such as doctors, could be outfitted with special bionic equipment to enhance their senses so that they can help others to the best of their abilities, even those abilities are man made. These are just some simple practical applications of this technology.

Further, there has been a significant amount of research conducted to develop and distribute electrically powered prosthetics. The i-limb was developed relatively recently and reflects this research and the prospect of individuals being able to control their limbs like a personal electronic device. An accompanying app allows those using the prosthetic to have access to a variety of intensities of grips at the touch of a button. Technicians can program the app and limbs to correspond to an individual and their particular needs. This is highly effective in allowing disabled customers to maximize their benefit of the device and retain comfortable management of their device. Dozens of patents certified this technology in its early phases, and scientists work to create more distributable models that can meet market needs and costs (Brumfiel). The examples documented by the Smithsonian Institute showcase the prowess of the scientific method and attest to the future of mechanically integrated human beings.

Overall, the advances in bionic technology provide a great deal of insight into our future as mankind and society. With several advancements, internal organs and even lungs will be able to be comfortably replaced for human beings within the next hundred years (Brumfiel). This is a positive advancement because it will allow for those suffering from a variety of disabilities and illnesses to have a solution that does not require losing a body part long term. Ultimately, the question of whether this is possible becomes futile. The real question we must ask ourselves as a society and individual communities is how we will react to those who incorporate these technologies in their lives, and to what extent we expect this to be normal versus super human.