Are We Building Superman?
Author: Dan Ronco

As the greatest of all the superheroes, Superman possesses
extraordinary powers represented as "faster than a speeding
bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, and able to leap tall
buildings in a single bound," a description made famous in the
Superman TV series of the 1950s. Superman's capabilities include
flight, super-strength, invulnerable skin, super-speed, x-ray
vision, super-hearing, and the ability to blow with the power of
gale-force winds. Besides that, he was pretty much invulnerable
to disease and smart as a whip. This is one tough dude.

These certainly are abilities "far beyond those of mortal men"
as the old TV series proclaimed, but is technology pushing us in
this direction? Is our destiny to create a new, greatly enhanced
version of humanity? In other words, a new species of
superhumans?

I believe that's exactly where we are heading. As we continue
to advance the big four technologies — genetics, artificial
intelligence, robotics and nanotechnology — we will create a new
version of humanity that will have as little in common with us
as we have with Cro-Magnon man. The next three to five decades
will place humanity firmly on the path to this new reality.

I don't mean to sound gloomy, because the destination will be
pretty damn good for the most part. It's the transition that
concerns me; technological evolution will proceed so rapidly
that many will fall by the wayside. Underdeveloped countries may
fall far behind, lost forever. Even in technology-rich North
America, pockets of people may lose their way. Don't let it
happen to you.

Genetics

DNA can be considered the program code guiding the development
of our bodies. Each of us caries DNA in our cells, and this DNA
provides the instructions that lead to the growth and formation
of our minds and bodies. As we begin to understand this code, as
well as the other mechanisms of our bodies, we have an
increasing capability to intervene. By manipulating DNA, by
adjusting processes, we will be able to prevent or cure disease,
enhance intelligence, strength, speed and other factors and
increase the human lifespan. Are there any limits? Probably, but
we have a long way to go.

Artificial Intelligence

In comparison to other animals, our bodies are weak, we don't
have lethal teeth or claws, we're not that big, we don't
reproduce quickly or in large numbers, we can't fly or even run
very fast … well, you get the idea. So why are we such a
successful species? You know the answer, of course — our
magnificent brain. Intelligence wins out. At least it has so
far.

It's clear that increasing our intelligence improves our
survival prospects. We have learned that the computer, combined
with the right software, can display a certain degree of
intelligence, which we can harness for our own purposes. In
certain limited areas — such as playing chess — artificial
intelligence can defeat the best humans. Although humans are far
ahead of the machines in broad based intelligence, the
differential is shrinking. Some experts predict artificial
intelligence will catch and then surpass us in as little as
three or four decades. I'm not sure about the timeframe, but I
am sure that we will enhance the not so magnificent capabilities
of our brains with artificial intelligence. Wireless connections
to networked AI will provide these fortunate individuals far
greater intelligence than unconnected humans. Over the coming
decades, we will begin to rely more on artificial intelligence
than our native brainpower, even for individuals with minds
genetically enhanced. The combination of genetic enhancements
and networked AI will push us up the evolutionary scale.

Robotics

If artificial intelligence will gradually surpass our natural
intelligence, what about our bodies? Sure, they will be
genetically enhanced, but it's not going to stop there. Robotics
will play a big role, but not the kind of mechanical man we have
become familiar with through the movies. No, the type of
robotics I anticipate are the artificial components built into
our bodies. We are already familiar with artificial hips and
knees, prosthetic leg extensions and replacements, hearing aids
and glasses. Why not a second mechanical heart for a backup or
to supply extra blood when the workload is extreme? Why not
super strong but lightweight supports built into your arms and
legs, all run by your artificial intelligence? Get the picture?
Like our brains, our bodies will gradually give way to
mechanical devices superior to our original body parts.

Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology is the process of building with molecules, even
atoms, which will allow us to precisely design and fabricate
virtually any body part. This could be a tiny object that would
fit into a human cell or something as large as a bone or organ.
At some point, we may be able to build tiny medical bots in the
cells, which could monitor the performance of biological parts.
Or we could build more efficient blood cells, perhaps
self-powered so that a heart is no longer required. In any case,
nanotechnology will enable us to fabricate replacements that may
be superior to the original items.

Considerations and Conclusions

Some people would ban most, if not all, of the technological
developments that we have outlined. This may be due to religious
or moral beliefs that we shouldn't tamper with God's design. Or
they may be concerned that these technologies could get into the
wrong hands, such as terrorists or rogue states. Even with the
best of safeguards, serious problems that may endanger human
health, or even survival, might appear many years after
implementation. In any case, the development of a superman could
lead to conflict between the haves and have-nots in our society.


These are serious considerations, but there is no turning back;
the genie is out of the bottle. Superman is coming and he's
moving with super speed. Our best hope is to combine government
regulation with scientific self-monitoring. If the advanced
nations can agree on a course of action, Superman may be the
best thing that's ever happened to us. But if things get out of
control …


About The Author: Dan Ronco's expertise in engineering and
computer science infuses his fast-paced techno-thriller Unholy
Domain with detail and authenticity. His second novel, it warns
of the looming clash between religion and advanced science.
Visit http://danronco.com.