8 Cutting-Edge Technologies That Augment Human Ability

Online publication Futurism released an incredibly cool video earlier this month, featuring eight cutting-edge technologies designed to augment human ability. Some were developed help people with disabilities or dexterity issues. Others simply give humans the power to do extraordinary and once seemingly impossible tasks.

The video is short at just over three minutes. I’ve also listed the technologies below and provided links to websites where you can learn more about them.

1. A third-thumb prosthetic controlled by pressure pads under the foot. Head over to designer Danielle Clode’s website for more visuals and information on the prototype.
2. The DuoSkin tattoo, created by the MIT Media Lab sends off near-field communication (NFC) signals. You can use the tattoo as a trackpad to control your devices.
3. The Hövding airbag helmet could also be called the “invisible bike helmet.” That’s because it looks and is worn like a travel neck pillow. Only once it detects you are about to crash does it open to cover and protect your noggin.
4. EnChroma glasses enable people with color blindness to see the full spectrum of light.
5. The Exo-Glove Poly is a lightweight hand prosthetic that helps people with dexterity issues pinch and grasp objects.
6. The ORA-X headphones from Optinvent is an augmented reality headset that offers hands-free mobile computing. With it, you can download apps and games from Google Play. You can also use it to watch videos, play games, take photos, and even share content on social media platforms. Oh, and you can listen to music with them too, of course.
7. The Pilot live-translation earbuds can decipher at least 15 languages in real time.
8. The Iron man suit is an exoskeleton fitted with small jet engines that let you soar like a superhero.

I don’t know about you, but I’d definitely like to try wearing the third-thumb prosthetic. And if the ORA-X augmented reality headphones don’t get burning hot while working, I’d love to give them a go too. Unfortunately, right now it looks like they are still in the development phase and the team behind them have stopped taking preorders.

Which cutting-edge technologies would you want to test out? Let us know in the comments.

Image sources: Futurism

Originally published at TechAble World.