Brief Overview of Human Life Extension Research, Technologies, and Solutions

This blog provides a very brief overview of the latest news and articles about the research, technologies, and initial activities being pursued in the field of ‘Human Life Extension’. Investment and research into anti-aging and life extension solutions has picked up, but major progress still appears to be a long ways off.

Human Life Extension: Involves the concept of slowing the aging process and extending the human lifespan beyond its currently settled limit of 125 years. Researchers postulate that breakthroughs in tissue rejuvenation, stem cells, regenerative medicine, gene therapy, pharmaceuticals, organ replacement, robotics… will eventually enable humans to have much longer, healthy lifespans.

Selected Articles, Blogs, News

The following are some recent news articles about Human Life Extension activities that you might want to read for yourself:

• How close are we to radical Human Life Extension

• Peter Thiel, Jeff Bezos, Zuckerberg and other Billionaires Quest for Immortality
• Tech investor believes we’ll soon live to 150: Lists 7 initial ‘longevity hacks’

• Age Reversal Technology Facts And Myths

• The quest by the Super-Rich to Live Forever
• Doctors Claim to Have Discovered How to Reverse Cell Aging
• Scientists say Humans Could Definitely Live to 130
• Singularity Hub: Longevity News Articles

Again, investment and research into anti-aging and life extension solutions has picked up, but major progress still appears to be a long ways off. In the meantime, it’s time to expand discussions about the many financial, ethical, medical, access, and many other issues related to this topic.

High-Level Overview of Blockchain Technology for Management

The following is a very high level management overview of Blockchain technology at this point in time and next steps to take for those who want to further explore the business potential of this new technology.

Blockchains are a novel approach to the creation of a distributed database that incorporates a number of existing technologies that can now be used in new, innovative ways by individuals and organizations to more securely create, transmit and store seemingly permanent records of a wide variety of data transactions.

The book ‘Blockchain for Dummies’ mentions three types of Blockchains: Large public blockchains like the Bitcoin network, permissioned blockchains like Ripple, and a growing number of smaller private blockchains typically used by a consortium of trusted members. All three types of blockchain solutions are decentralized peer-to-peer systems that make use of cryptography, secure wallets, smart contracts, protocols, tokens… To better understand the key components you’ll need to do some further study on your own.

Bitcoin – This term is confusingly used to refer to the public blockchain Bitcoin network, as well as to the cryptocurrency token used by the system to exchange value when a financial transaction takes place. Don’t get caught up in the obsession about the value of the Bitcoin token.

The open source Bitcoin network was the first and most famous of the blockchain systems to emerge. However it has many limitations and several other prominent blockchain systems have emerged. The key ones include: Ethereum that has a built in programming language and uses a cryptocurrency token called ether; Ripple, that uses a cryptocurrency called ripples; and Factom Inc., which has built a variety of useful tools and apps.

Some of the major companies and organizations working on blockchain networks and solutions for industry include Microsoft, Cisco, Google, Hyperledger, IBM, Intel… and they are working with major financial organizations like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and JP Morgan. They are also now branching out into the healthcare, insurance, real estate and many other industries – including the government and ‘smart cities’..

The coming decades are going to be very exciting as blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, robots, and the Internet of Things (IoT) come to pass. Blockchain technology is going to play a key role in the future for almost every industry. So, if you are a public or private sector manager – Pay Attention!

It may be time for your management team to start putting together a high level Blockchain Development & Implementation Project Plan - so you don’t get left behind over the coming decade by your competitors.

Prior to starting the project, there are a series of preliminary steps that need to be taken, e.g. obtaining senior management support; selecting the ‘core’ members of a proposed project team headed by a business manager; conducting more in-depth research into blockchain technology by the team; developing an initial high-level project plan and budget for the proposed project.

Once management if on-board and approves moving forward with the project, the following is a brief description of the four major stages that should be incorporated into your project plan - no matter what the industry.

• Stage 1 involves the development of a preliminary business use case and an initial information technology architecture.
• Stage 2 involves development and testing of a prototype solution in a laboratory setting to produce a proof of concept (POC) for the new technology.
• Stage 3 involves development of a pilot system in a field setting, which will go through a number of iterations testing a variety of potential features that may eventually be included in the first version of he system to be rolled out in the next stage of the project.
• Stage 4 will involve the phased roll out of the new system over a period of years as more features, partnering organizations, customers, and the technology evolve.
  
  
  Whether doing a blockchain implementation internally or with outside help, it's very important for companies to gain expertise in-house with blockchain technology because it is both new and fairly complex. Most companies will choose to contract for outside help with blockchain. It's going to be way too hard to get up to speed in a sensible way on the multiple complex technologies involved.
   
  Several big IT vendors are active around blockchain, notably IBM, JP Morgan, and Microsoft. Keep these organizations in mind. You might also want to seriously consider partnering with ‘open source’ blockchain community initiatives related to your industry, e.g. Insurance, Healthcare, Real Estate...

Selected Reference Links

Bitcoin Magazine Blockchain Alliance Blockchain Council Blockchain University Blockchain YouTube Videos Ethereum Foundation

Factom Inc. GitHub: Blockchain Hyperledger OpenBazaar R3 Consortium RippleNet

Unraveling the Confusion About Blockchain Technology and Bitcoin

Over the past several years I have paid interested, but half-hearted attention, to the topic of Bitcoin and the Blockchain technology it is built upon. It has been very confusing to try and decipher, but seemed important enough to stay attuned to as we head into the future.

I recently bought a copy and read a copy of the book ‘Blockchain for Dummies’ published in 2017. A great book that is a must read for all managers who are going to be around for the next 20 years. The book finally explained and clarified for me, what Blockchain and Bitcoin are all about.

The following is a very high level management overview of Blockchain based on what I learned from the book along with selected links you might want to check out. If you are a senior management official - Pay Attention!

Blockchains are a novel approach to the creation of a distributed database that incorporates a number of existing technologies that can now be used in new, innovative ways by individuals and independent organizations to more securely create, transmit and store seemingly permanent records of a wide variety of data transactions.

The ‘Dummies Guide’ mentions three types of Blockchains: Large public blockchains like the Bitcoin network, permissioned blockchains like Ripple, and a growing number of smaller private blockchains typically used by a consortium of trusted members. All three types of blockchain solutions are decentralized peer-to-peer systems that make use of cryptography, secure wallets, smart contracts, protocols, tokens… To better understand the key components you’ll need to do some further study on your own.

Bitcoin – This term is confusingly used to refer to the public blockchain Bitcoin network, as well as to the cryptocurrency token used by the system to exchange value when a financial transaction takes place. Don’t get caught up in the ridiculous obsession about the value of the Bitcoin token.

The open source Bitcoin network was the first and most famous of the blockchain systems to emerge. However it has many limitations and several other prominent blockchain systems have emerged. The key ones include: Ethereum that has a built in programming language and uses a cryptocurrency token called ether; Ripple, that uses a cryptocurrency called ripples; and Factom Inc., which has built a variety of useful tools and apps.

Some of the major companies and organizations working on blockchain networks and solutions for industry include Microsoft, Cisco, Google, Hyperledger, IBM, Intel… and they are working with major financial organizations like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and JP Morgan. They are also now branching out into the healthcare, insurance, real estate and many other industries – including the government and ‘smart cities’.

The coming decades are going to be very exciting as blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, robots, and the Internet of Things (IoT) come to pass. Bockchain technology is going to be key. So Pay Attention!

Selected Links

Bitcoin Magazine Blockchain Alliance Blockchain University Blockchain YouTube Videos Ethereum Foundation

Factom Inc. Hyperledger OpenBazaar R3 Consortium RippleNet

What Will Life Be Like In 2050

What will life be like for our children and grandchildren by 2050, as we continue our transition from a Type 0 into a Type 1 Civilization.

A Type 0 Civilization extracts its energy, information, raw-materials from crude organic-based sources (e.g. wood/fossil fuel); information is communicated by books, newspapers, oral tradition; natural and man-made disasters coupled with societal conflicts create extreme risk of extinction; it's capable of orbital spaceflight; limited medical and technological advancement; failure to improve social and environmental conditions often lead to their own extinction. A Type I Civilization extracts its energy and raw-materials from fusion power, hydrogen, solar, and other renewable resources; able to utilize and store energy available from its neighboring star, i.e. the sun; capable of inter-planetary spaceflight, colonization, and communication within its solar system; mega-scale global engineering and trade; regional and world governments; digital access to all known information and knowledge; achieves medical and technological singularity; still vulnerable to possible extinction. * See http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kardashev_scale

My grandparents grew up during the final transition from the 'Agriculture Age' into the 'Industrial Age' back in the early 1900's. They were there at the start-up of the automobile industry, the beginning of aviation, the introduction of home appliances like the washing machine and refrigerators. Long distance travel was largely by steam ships or locomotives. They were there when electricity and telephones were first introduced. My parents got to see these innovative new products and industries mature. They got to travel by jet airplanes and were there when black & white televisions were invented, when color TV sets came into being, and even saw the emergence of computer technology. They were there at the start of the 'Space Age' and when the first man walked on the moon.

I grew up in the 1960's and lived and worked during the transition from the 'Industrial Age' into the 'Information Age' of the 21^st Century. I was there to see the startup and rapid growth of the information technology (IT) industry, the transition from analog to digital communication networks, the birth of the Internet and world wide web (WWW), the emergence of regional and global governing entities, the start of inter-planetary flight, the commercialization of space travel, the emergence of mobile, wearable and implantable IT systems, the mapping of the human genome and the birth of regenerative medicine, in addition to the development and use of artificial intelligence, drone technology, laser beams, 3D printing, virtual reality, and so many other advancements rapidly leading up to the achievement of medical and technological singularity.

So try and imagine what advancements and massive changes our children and grandchildren will see and experience by 2050 and beyond. For example, will they witness:

• Rapid growth in predictive and regenerative medicine leading ultimately to the end of disease and death as we know it;
• Achievement of medical and technological singularity, leading to the transition of humans from our existing life forms into cyborg or android bodies;
• Development of high-speed hyperloop transnational transportation systems on Earth;
• Development, deployment, and use of next generation inter-planetary transportation systems;
• Establishment of initial colonies on nearby planets within our solar system, i.e. Mars;
• Development and widespread use of 3D manufacturing, virtual reality (VR) and teleportation technologies;
• Reduction in Earth's population to more manageable levels, e.g. 5-6 billion people.
• Development and deployment of telepathic methods of communications between people;
• Development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) interfaced to the Internet of Things (IoT).
• Free and 'open access' to all the world's knowledge by human beings as needed;
• Exponential growth of innovative technologies and solutions to facilitate continued advancement of our civilization in order to transition from a Type I into a Type II Civilization in the 22^nd Century.

Some of the many characteristics of a Type II Civilization will include: the ability to harness and control the power of a star; mastery of faster-than-light travel; the capability of inter-stellar travel; the colonization of other solar systems in our galaxy; starships powered by the collision of matter and antimatter; the ability to communicate all knowledge in a short, massive burst; initial contact established with other civilizations in the universe; the extinction of our inter-stellar civilization will be highly unlikely.

What do you think our children and grandchildren will see and experience in their lifetimes? Share your thoughts with us.

 

Latest Update on Human Augmentation & Exoskeleton Technologies

News continues to proliferate about the development, deployment and use of emerging human augmentation and exoskeleton technologies.

Human augmentation technologies have the potential to enhance our innate human abilities in many ways. For example, it could be used to replace missing limbs or correct physical disabilities. In fact, some of the latest prosthetic devices have now reached the stage where they offer equivalent or slightly improved functionality over human limbs.

Military organizations are now experimenting with a wide range of 1st generation human augmentation technologies, including exoskeletons that allow personnel to carry increased loads and perform at a higher level. These devices also have the potential to be adapted for use in healthcare and many other industries.

Elderly people could benefit from powered human augmentation technology, such as powered exoskeletons, that can be used to assist wearers with simple walking and lifting activities, improving the health and quality of life for aging populations.

New implantable brain-machine interfaces have been developed and are being tested that are demonstrating that directly bridging the gap between brain and prosthetic devices are becoming a reality – allowing prosthetic devices to be directly integrated with the user’s body.

Neuro-enhancement technology under development could also provide superior memory recall or speed of thought for humans. Think of the possibilities for the those suffering from some form of dementia.

Exoskeleton Technology

Powered exoskeletons consist primarily of an outer framework worn by a person coupled with a powered system of motors or hydraulics that delivers part of the energy needed for limb movement.

The main function of a powered exoskeleton is to assist the wearer by boosting their strength and endurance. To date, powered exoskeletons have primarily been designed and developed for use by the military.

Powered exoskeletons are now also being designed for use by firefighters and other rescue workers operating in dangerous situation.  The medical field is another prime area for exoskeleton technology development and use. For example, it could be used to assist nurses in moving heavy patients. It could also be used by patients with major physical disabilities, missing limbs, and many who are currently wheelchair-bound.

 

Exoskeleton for the Military

The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) initiated development of exoskeletons in 2001 under the Exoskeletons for Human Performance Augmentation program. Check out some of the following examples:

• XOS Exoskeleton is a robotics suit developed for the US Army. The XOS system was originally developed as the Wearable Energetically Autonomous Robot (WEAR) by Sarcos Research. The company was subsequently acquired by the defense contractor Raytheon.
• The DARPA Warrior Web program aims to develop a soft, lightweight suit that would help reduce injuries and fatigue and improve Soldiers’ ability to efficiently perform their missions.
• Human Universal Load Carrier (HULC) is an untethered, hydraulic-powered anthropomorphic exoskeleton developed by Ekso Bionics , under an exclusive licensing agreement with Lockheed Martin. It is intended to help soldiers in combat carry a load of up to 200 pounds at a top speed of 10 miles per hour for extended periods of time.
• A light weight robotic exoskeleton is also being developed and tested by Harvard scientists for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) called the Soft 'Exosuit'.

Exoskeletons in Medicine

Several companies have also created exoskeleton systems for use in medicine. For example, check out the following solutions:

• The HULC System developed by Ekso Bionics for the military is also working on a modified version of the system for medical use. The Ekso Exoskeleton Lower Extremity Gait System (eLEGS)  is a hydraulically powered exoskeleton system that helps paraplegics to stand and walk. A variant of the system known as Mantis is being developed for use in other industries.
• Cyberdyne has developed the Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL-5),  a wearable exoskeleton cyborg-type suit, that allows the wearer to lift 10 times as much as they normally could. It is expected to be applied in various fields such as rehabilitation support and physical training support in medical field, activities of daily living (ADL) support for disabled people. Cyberdyne's HAL-5 system could also provide support for rescue workers at disaster sites.
• Honda has been working on their Walk Assist & Body Support systems that is now being readied for the marketplace. It is designed for use in activities requiring extended standing or repetitive lower-body tasks.
• ARGO Medical Technologies has partnered with innovative robotics experts YaskawaElectric Corporation as it continues the global expansion of its ReWalk exoskeleton device which enables individuals with lower limb disabilities such as paraplegia to walk.

Exoskeletons & Open Source

Various organizations and projects teams have now tapped into the 'open source' movement and practices to collaborate, share, and speed up the development of a wide range of innovative human augmentation solutions, including exoskeleton systems. For example:

• OpenExo is a project to build and program an open source assistive lower limb exoskeleton. Also visit the OpenExo Project on GitHub.
• Open Prosthetics Project is producing useful innovations in the field of prosthetics and freely sharing the CAD designs, open source code, and open source hardware, e.g. Arduino boards.
• Rehab Rex is designed and developed by Rex Bionics for use in rehabilitation centers to assist with the treatment of patients under their care.
• Titan Arm is a robotic exoskeleton which was developed using low-cost manufacturing and production techniques to cut the cost dramatically. The project team used open source software to run the device and reduce development costs.

The development of human augmentation technology and exoskeletons is primed for significant growth over the coming decade(s).  Think of the many benefits to the military, manufacturing, factories, healthcare, gaming, and many other industries. As we move into the next generation of this technology and become more aware of its potential, more and more actors are getting into the game.

Latest Exoskeleton Technology News

Finally, some of the most recent articles this year about this emerging market and specific exoskeleton products include the following:

• Panasonic thinks you'll hike, run, and build stuff using its Robotic Exoskeletons - Panasonic has developed three different types of exoskeletons designed for specific tasks. Their Panasonic Assist Suit is designed for warehouse and factory workers who lift heavy things, reducing strain on a wearer's lower back by up to 33 pounds. The much sleeker-looking PLN-01, which Panasonic has dubbed "Ninja," assists with motions like walking and running, and is shown being worn by people hiking steep mountain trails. Finally, the Power Loader suit is a very large exoskeleton that's designed for construction, public works, and disaster relief.
• FDA Clears Parker's Indego® Exoskeleton for Clinical and Personal Use - Parker Hannifin Corporation, the global leader in motion and control technologies, today announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given clearance to now market and sell their Indego^® exoskeleton for clinical and personal use in America. Indego is already commercially available in Europe. With annual sales of approximately $13 billion in fiscal year 2015, Parker Hannifin currently employs approximately 55,000 people in 50 countries around the world. Visit the company's website at www.parker.com
• Ekso Bionics has now developed and delivered their Ekso GT robotic exoskeleton which enables individuals with lower extremity paralysis or weakness to stand and walk. In fact, the first Ekso GT was delivered to the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago several years ago. The FDA is now hoping to see Ekso Bionics conduct a post-market study to assess the use of their products by patients.
• Advances in exoskeleton tech provide the gift of walking to Paraplegic Patients - Recently, the California-based bionics firm suitX was selected as the winner of the $1 million top prize at the event for its pediatric medical exoskeleton at the 2016 UAE Artificial Intelligence & Robotics Competition. The company’s Phoenix exoskeleton is a modular unit which has a maximum weight of 27 pounds and is adjustable in size. The pediatric version of the Phoenix exoskeleton has been envisioned for helping children suffering from cerebral palsy or spina bifida to gain ambulatory mobility.
• Global Exoskeleton Robots Market 2016-2020: Key Vendors are Cyberdyne, Ekso Bionics, Rewalk Robotics and Rex Bionics - The global exoskeleton robots market is expected to grow at a fairly solid Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 50.85% during the period 2016-2020. Then the industry will really take off!

If you're looking for a hot new field to enter that will start to play a dominant role in the marketplace in the 2020-2030 timeframe, this is it – human augmentation and exoskeleton technologies.

The Future: Selection of Specific Technology Predictions for 2030

What new technologies are coming down the road? The following is a brief selection of fairly specific new technologies that will be widely deployed and used by 2030. These predictions were extracted from multiple reports and studies by groups around the world.

• There will be another 1,000-fold increase in computer power, storage, data transmission rates...
• Telecommuting workforce across the U.S. and around the world will continue to grow.
• New materials for housing, clothing, technology ... will be developed and used, e.g. carbon nano-tubes.
• More cost-competitive private, online schools and universities will dominate the landscape, i.e. MOOCs.
• Free and open access to much of the world's digitized information will be available to almost everyone.
• Widespread deployment of a range of renewable energy technologies, e.g. wind, solar, fuel cell...
• New financial systems, economic development, business models and tools will have emerged, e.g. Bitcoin, Micro-financing, Electronic Wallets.
• Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) will be used on farms everywhere.
• Language translation technology will improve global business and communications.
• Extensive use of smart 3D Printers by industries and consumers.
• Widespread use of drone technology by many industries, e.g. agriculture, military, transportation...
• A wide range of mobile 'wearable' technologies will be available.
• Implantable technologies will start to gain acceptance in healthcare, military...
• Trillions of 'Internet of Things (IoT)' and Smart Appliances will be deployed and interconnected.
• Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, and Data Analytics will play a dominant role in every business.
• Robots will become a common feature in homes and workplaces around the world.
• Hybrid electric cars will largely dominate the automobile industry by 2030.
• Light-duty hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles will also be widely available.
• Use of Hi-tech, autonomous self-driving vehicles on the road will become ubiquitous.
• High-speed rail system between most major cities across the U.S. and around the world.
• Maglev trains and HyperLoop technology will augment many existing transportation systems.
• Rise of 'Regenerative Medicine', Genetic Engineering, Stem Cell Research, and the development of 'Human Augmentation' technologies will dramatically alter people's life spans and capabilities.
• 3D-printed human organs will be available for many medical patients.
• LED technology will dominate the lighting industry.
• 5G Wireless standard and systems will be fully deployed and used across the globe.
• Ultra High Definition Television (4320p) will be widely used in most homes.
• Holographic TV will begin to enter the marketplace.
• NASA's Quiet 'Supersonic Aviation' systems will enter the marketplace.
• Mind control interface to computer technology will begin to spread and be used.
• Wireless electricity systems will be widely used.
• Small modular nuclear reactors will see widespread adoption.
• Europe's Galileo satellite navigation system will be fully operational.
• Spaceflight technology will take a major leap forward allowing for Inter-Planetary travel.

To conclude, the rate of technological change will continue to increase and amaze us. The U.S. and many other countries will rapidly adopt these new technologies as they jockey for a leadership role in the business world of tomorrow.

Share other major predictions about new technologies that you think have a high probability of being developed and widely deployed for use by individuals and organizations by 2030.

* Check out http://www.futuretimeline.net/21stcentury/21stcentury.htm and http://americanvision2050.blogspot.com/2015/05/our-changing-world-by-2050.html