What Do Military Researchers Think About Human Augmentation Technologies

In the midst of researching the UK’s artificial intelligence policies for the AI Safety Summit, I unexpectedly stumbled upon a gem hidden within the Ministry of Defence’s section of government publications. Titled ‘Human Augmentation — The Dawn of a New Paradigm,’ this document, with its intriguing subject matter, immediately captured my attention.

Over the last few days, I delved deep into this 110-page report so that you wouldn’t have to. The report explores the enhancement of human capabilities — physical, psychological, and social — through emerging technologies, unveiling a realm filled with both possibilities and ethical quandaries. This exploration unravelled the nuances of human augmentation from a defence angle and illuminated its far-reaching societal impacts.

What Is the Human Augmentation — The Dawn of a New Paradigm About?

“We want ‘warfighters’ — whether they be cyber specialists, drone pilots or infantry soldiers — to be stronger, faster, more intelligent, more resilient and mobile to overcome the environment and the adversary”