Interview, The Guardian

I robot

Kevin Warwick is Professor of Cybernetics at Reading University
Interviewed by Hamish MackintoshGuardian

Thursday October 4, 2001

How would you define cybernetics? Cybernetics is about humans and technology operating together. A good example is the Cyborg, a cybernetic organism, and a creature that is part human, part machine. As a kid I was always into robots and the possibilities of "upgrading" humans with technology. I also enjoyed Michael Crichton's book The Terminal Man while I was working in telecoms and computers for BT. When this position came up in 1988 it seemed to neatly pool everything I was interested in into one job.

What led you to have your implant? A few scientists were talking about the possibility. At Reading University (see www2.cyber.rdg.ac.uk/cyber/default.asp we had the technology and I wanted to find out what it was like. The first implant merely identified me to the computer in my building, which opened doors and switched on lights when it knew I was nearby. The second implant links my nervous system, by radio, to the computer. So we are looking at remote control movements, extra sensory input, counteracting pain and new communication.

How important is nanotechnology? That and sub-nano are the direction it is all going. Nano should allow us to do things particularly as far as the human body is concerned to connect technology with biology and open up more possibilities in the medical world.

Is convergence the "grail" of technology? Even Stephen Hawking has come on board to the idea of the importance of convergence. It is just a matter of getting over some of the attitudes we have had. People with pacemakers and cochlea implants are getting a benefit from technology. What is wrong with adding something that gives you extra capabilities?

Is a sentient machine an imminent possibility? As I understand it, sentient means perceiving by one's senses. Many robots, with computers as their brain, do this already - particularly present-day robots that exhibit learning. As for perceiving in a human-like way, I don't know that would ever happen. Robots and computers would perceive in their way, dependent on their brain structure and senses, surely in a different way to humans.

Anyone whose work you admire? Philip Kennedy at Emory University in Atlanta is coming more from the medical side of implants but he is doing fantastic work.

How do you feel about the perception of your work in some media? Other than The Register, where they enjoy giving an alternative view of my work, and a couple of digs in the Guardian, most of the media is fine at reporting what is actually happening. Putting myself out on a limb probably makes a few people jealous more than anything else. If our work can help someone who is blind have some extra sense and increased ability to move around then what the hell about some media people!



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