Replicate and Replace
Humans are creatures of imitation. We’ve spent millennia watching nature closely, then replicating what works. Now, our latest creation is perhaps our most ambitious act of biomimicry yet—the human brain. We call this invention Artificial Intelligence, built upon a structure aptly named the “Neural Network.” Its architecture isn’t coincidental; it literally mirrors the complex web of neurons within our own minds.
Indeed, the human history of biomimicry is long and rich:
- Airplanes and Wings: The ancient dream of flight, inspired by birds, leading to creations surpassing natural abilities.
- Camera lenses and the Human Eye: We replicated biological vision, critical to robotic perception and image recognition.
- Velcro: A simple yet revolutionary invention, sparked by observing burr seeds clinging to fabric—a testament to nature’s subtle genius.
- Drones: Insect-inspired flight has informed our autonomous navigation systems, pushing robotic agility into new frontiers.
- Climbing Robots: Gecko-inspired adhesives have allowed robots to explore complex, previously inaccessible environments.
- Artificial Photosynthesis: Solar cells replicating the sun-energy conversion of plants, powering our future.
Now, we find ourselves replicating not just nature, but our very selves.
We’ve already outsourced our arms and legs to machinery; the industrial revolution saw to that. Our mechanical limbs are far superior in strength and speed. Human limbs have almost become optional—used mostly for sport or leisure.
Soon we’ll embed this replicated mind into humanoid robots, complete with human-like neural network brains, sophisticated sensors, eyes, and even soft exoskeletons. We’ll teach them just like our own children—by having them observe and copy us.
We’re already in the era of the Replication Society, where every aspect of human capability, including our bodies and identities, is cloned. Obsessed as we are with ourselves, humanity is creating the ultimate “selfie.”
Buckle up, because soon you won’t know exactly who—or what—you’re interacting with.
Steve