Prosthetics

[SandQueen]

With the rise of Kurzweil and Foxconn the world has seen the advent of an entire new industry. Biotechnology is not only big business but it's in the mainstream. What began as cures to hearing, sight, and physical handicaps is now viewed with the same regard as purchasing a new car or computer... simply a logical step in improving one's life and ability to live. But this level of acceptance has lead some to question the overall morality of such purchases. It's one thing for someone to receive artificial sight to restore lost vision but what if someone has no issues with their own senses and simply wants to see better than their neighbors? In some respect technology has surpassed the human body. And with the creation of Wet Drives these systems can be modified and maintained in a myriad of different ways to meet the needs of any customer.

So long as they can afford it.

[SandQueen]

Wet Drives

A Wet Drive isn't usually the first thing that someone will purchase but its frequently the most expensive in the long run. Wet Drives either remove or shunt part of the human brain and rest within a person's skull. Interface probes and transmission bands ring the device and allow its software to communicate fluidly with someone's mind (hence the term "Wet Drive"). A Wet Drive can allow expanded intellect, improved memory, and can be used to store programming information for nanomachines and interfacing software for other prosthetics. Depending on the make and model a Wet Drive can perform a wide array of tasks, this is best conveyed through a series of Tiers:

Tier 1 Wet Drives: These can be found on the shelves of most stores like Walmart, Target, and similar retailers the world over. They're usually relatively inexpensive and their installation is covered by most insurance plans. Low end Wet Drives do not interface with the cerebrum as deeply as more expensive models. The installation process requires that a section of the skull be cut away with a bone saw. The Wet Drive is then placed within socket and held in place with a series of screws that attach to the surrounding bone. The unit itself is as big around as a sewing spool and generally an inch long with the attachment cuff extending a centimeter out from the top. The sinks slightly into the brain but most of the unit is flush with the surrounding bone. A tier 1 Wet Drive allows basic data storage an helps the interface between the user and any other prosthetics they might have. Because of how low profile and minimally invasive it is it is easy for doctors to simply peel back a patient's scalp, mount the unit, and reattach the skin with a few stitches. After the swelling goes down it's as if nothing is there. Also due to how they are mounted Tier 1 Wet Drives can be damaged by head injuries and impacts which can sometimes be a threat to the user if electronic components become exposed. Most Tier 1 Wet Drives are powered by thermal receptors beneath the scalp, using the user's body heat to run. These receptors are often the first thing to be damaged in any sort of impact which cuts power to the unit instantly.

Tier 2 Wet Drives: A step up from the basic unit these Wet Drives can be found at most medical stores. They can be found alongside things like crutches, wrist supports, and breast pumps. Tier 2 Wet Drives are larger and provide more storage. Physically they're very similar to Tier 1 models but are usually twice as wide. Their attachment cuffs are usually bevelled to allow a snug fit to the surrounding bone. A major difference between Tier 1 and Tier 2 models though is that Tier 2 models have enough storage and memory to support real time superimposition of data into Cyber-eye units and Cell-ears. Most Tier 2 Wet Drives can also use cellular connections to download Wet Drive Apps such as a GPS system or a cloud-based interfacing protocol that allows a user to stream music from their home computer and play it over their Cell-ears so that only they can hear it. A similar service can also allow a User to sync their contacts, including recent photos, as well as social medial with their vision in order to quickly identify their friends out in public.

Tier 3 Wet Drives As Wet Drives become more advanced obtaining them becomes more complicated. Tier 3 Wet Drives usually require the written permission of a Doctor or Surgeon but some companies offer them for sale from their websites. Tier 3 Wet Drives support basic, semi-sentient AI programs which not only help manage information in real time but can also provide subliminal information to the user. Reminding them of meetings, appointments, monitoring the weather in real time, or managing their contacts are all possible. A Tier 3 Wet Drive is the size of a deck of cards and half as thick. It is usually inserted between the lobes of the brain and requires some time for the skull to mend itself and for the AI to familiarize itself with synaptic pathways before the user can return to their life. The unit is powered by electrical receptors that feed off of but to not interrupt the synaptic cross chatter of the user's brain.

Tier 4 Wet Drives The primary feature of a Tier 4 Wet Drive over a Tier 3 Wet Drive is an expanded AI interface. This is most apparent in the AI's ability to handle multiple tasks at once and interface them. For example it could monitor the weather and your schedule to suggest that a meeting might be canceled or that road conditions might be hazardous and to plan accordingly.

Tier 5 Wet Drives A fifth Tier Wet Drive contains a Artificial Intellect (Artilect) as opposed to an Artificial Intelligence. The primary difference being that an Artificial Intelligence would have access to only what a user shares with and then be able to manage it on its own an Artilect can gain knowledge and information on its own. This allows for a seamless integration between the user, their memories and knowledge, and the Artilect. As part of the instillation process and recovery period the Artilect analyzes the user's memories, knowledge, physical data, and any other prosthetics they might have in order to program itself into determining what kind of person they are. An Artilect not only manages your schedule and monitors what's going on around you but can superimpose suggestions as well. For example it could monitor social networking and media feeds, cross reference them with your tastes, and then suggest things that people might like to get on their birthdays. An Artilect can also flag memories associated with a pronounced sensory or emotional stimulation and either sharpen them or make them more accessible. Tier 5 Wet Drives have been found to help users that have suffered severe physical or emotional trauma cope with their issues quickly and reenter society. Tier 5 Wet Drives also support Neural Networking between users in which their Artilects can share and disseminate memories and personal information directly into the minds of others. This functionality along with other Artilect Protocols has lead some to question whether the device crosses the line of moral and ethical privacy. In a high speed business environment or combat scenario though being able to share your exactly knowledge, memories, and feelings on a subject can be vital to success though.

[SandQueen]

Limbs

Prosthetic limbs have been a staple of the medical field for centuries but it was not until the advent of computers that limbs could be constructed that are true analogues of their flesh and bone counterparts. Thanks the Kurzweil Biotech and Foxconn prosthetic limbs now not only interface with preexisting nerve endings but can even surpass their biological counterparts. Of course there's a wide margin when it comes to the quality of these limbs, much like Wet Drives.

Tier 1: An entry-level arm or leg is just that, entry level. It contains interfacing uplinks for key nerve endings and little else. A small digitization unit will be contained near the hand or foot to calculate data and update the nervous system, a way of mimicking a sense of touch to allow users to better grasp objects, balance, and navigate the environment around them. Most Tier 1 hands will only have three fingers, the minimum needed to grasp an object tightly. Tier 1 legs will only have two broad toes in front to allow them to flex and grasp at loose or uneven surfaces in order to generate better traction and deliver a more comfortable experience when walking.

Tier 2: The biggest difference between Tier 1 limbs and all other models is the inclusion of power. A powered wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip, or ankle allows a limb to not only mimic the real thing in appearance but also in functionality. Powered knees and elbows can provide additional leverage to the user allowing them to easily walk up and down stairs, big up things that would require two hands, and push and pull heavy objects. Much like basic limbs though powered limbs often only have three fingers or two toes, the minimum needed to function and also requires the fewest nerve endings to interface with. It should be noted that some construction companies have been freely hiring people with powered limbs. Craftsman, Black and Decker, and Ryobi have begun producing prosthetic hand replacements to allow users to perform their jobs even better. In place of a hand a user could have something like a drill, wrench-like manipulator, saw, or clamp. Powered limbs require energy cells which can be charged off most computers and wall sockets. Some energy cells come with inbuilt solar receivers. On a single charge a powered limb can function for 12 hours. This can drop off dramatically if the user has a tool appendage.

Tier 3: The biggest hallmark of Tier 3 limbs is that they begin to visually resemble an organic limb. A Tier 3 hand will have four fingers and a thumb. A Tier 3 foot will have five toes and full arch flexibility. Tier 3 limbs are full articulated and always powered. Integral processors calculate things like pressure and strength and interact directly with dozens of nerve endings allowing control just shy of the real thing and in many cases superior strength. Prosthetic limbs do not feel pain which allows users to utilize them for longer periods and under greater stresses. Tier 3 limbs can also interface with Wet Drives to allow the user to manage their functionality and assess wear and tear in real time. Tier 3 limbs run off of energy cells or can have power cables that feed into the users chest and attach to a mesh interface surrounding the users heart. The action of their heart beating charges internal batteries in the limbs themselves. So long as they have a pulse they'll never run out of power.

Tier 4: Tier 4 limbs are rare but not unheard of, especially amongst the wealthy. Tier 4 limbs support a full neural interface allowing precise control and with a Wet Drive that control can in some cases begin to surpass their organic counterparts. A user can fine tune things like reaction speed, pressure, and timing to suit their needs. With the right software a set of Tier 4 hands could make you a better musician, faster typist, or more talented surgeon. Tier 4 legs and feet could make someone a capable rock climber, swimmer, or sprinter. A number of Tier 4 limb owners also have aftermarket parts fitted to them and there's a growing industry of companies supplying secondary components for Tier 4 limbs. Examples include small tools that can conceal within fingertips, data uplinks, cameras, lights, magnetic panelling on ones feet to allow them to scale vertical surfaces or allow them to hold their footing, fold-out flippers, and also concealed weapons. Tier 4 limbs always have internal cardio-assisted batteries.

Tier 5: Tier 5 limbs stop looking like human arms and legs and instead are custom made to suit specific roles. Instead of an arm a user could have an extending tendril, completely freeing them from traditional concepts of reach or flexibility. An arm such as that could be the ideal appendage for complex wiring or precision engineering. Other arms might have hydraulic or pneumatic pistols built into them to grant the user strength far greater than even a Tier 4 limb. Tier 5 legs could resemble those of a gazelle, allowing speed far superior to that of a traditional human leg. Reverse-joints and longer feet could allow someone to jump and spring in a manner similar to a Kangaroo. No Insurance companies cover Tier 5 limbs and they are universally outlawed from athletic competitions. They are a true symbol of dedication and specialization in a given task as well as a sign of wealth in many circles.

[SandQueen]

Senses

The human senses have become digitized and enhanced. What began as an attempt to manage blindness and simplify cell usage has become a market in itself. Refinement, enhancement, and... alternatives... are all available. Unlike other prosthetics, sensory replacements are not so easily categorized by Tiers.

Sight
Basic: Prosthetic Eyes more or less mimic the intricacies of human eyes. Stereoscopic vision, depth perception, and comparable ranges of ability in dark, light, and peripheral awareness. Occasional pitfalls of cybernetic eyes are that they can occasionally fall out of sync which produces symptoms similar to being near or far sighted. Basic prosthetic eyes, as with most prosthetic eyes, are powered by integral solar cells that absorb ambient UV energy. Even people that work at night can usually charge them off of ambient moonlight.

Enhanced: Enhanced Vision features augmented reality, the superimposition of data over ones vision. This comes in the form of information regarding one's surroundings.... facial recognition, pulling up a restaurant's menu simply by looking at the sign, pulling up e-mails and text messages in real time... all are common features of vision enhancement. Enhanced vision is frequently combined with other vision types as well.

Spectral: Spectral vision packages are common for people that in delicate occupations; scientific and medical being the most common. Spectral vision packages expand the range of human vision to include other spectra. Infrared and Ultraviolet are the most common but some companies also offer eyes that can view Radio waves and data transmissions as well as variable depth x-ray vision.

Combat: Combat vision is highly restricted but not prohibited for anyone to buy. It offers targeting information as well as threat indicators, mapping and GPS overlays, and IFF markers are common features. Some packages also include Thermal imaging or Night vision as well as an electro-magnetic visualization protocol that paints prosthetic limbs and other electronics as light sources.


Hearing


Basic: Basic prosthetic ear drums are extremely common. Everything from personal injury to abusing bass speakers can force someone to get their ear drums replaced. Cyber Hearing isn't so different from normal hearing but there's a wide range of quality available depending on how much someone is willing to spend. Everything from simple imitation to orchestral-grade pitch and clarity can be bought but none of the basic components are vastly different. Much like analogue watches there's a difference between something you got out of a claw-game and something you had to go to Switzerland for even though they both tell time. Damaged prosthetic ears can be a serious issue though, with problems ranging from deafness and static to difficulty balancing. Most forms of cyber hearing are powered by small sub-dermal batteries that install behind the ear or are worn as earrings. Batteries can last for months or even years at a time and replacing them costs next to nothing. Some companies even sell "designer batteries"... beautiful earrings built around a battery unit that can be bought to match any outfit.

Cellular: Cellular hearing, just as the Kurzweil Cell-ear, combine a cellphone with a person's hearing. They can make and receive calls through voice activation or by interfacing with a Wet Drive.

Enhanced: The primary feature of enhanced hearing is the ability to isolate and amplify sounds. How useful this is is highly dependent on the user. From a DJ separating the audio channels of a song to a police officer picking out the sounds of a fight on a busy day or just someone having a conversation at a crowded party many people have enjoyed enhanced hearing. Enhanced hearing is also frequently synced with prosthetic eyes in order to vastly improve someone's overall situational awareness.

Scent

Basic Olfactory nerves and sensors can become damaged or degrade over time. During the US's first war with Iran many soldiers lost their ability to smell due to the smoke produced when the nation's military leaders ordered that oil platforms be burned. Basic Olfactory replacement revitalizes the nerve endings and improves their functionality. The device is powered by a series of minute turbines installed in the sinus cavities. The turbines are kept clean by the simple act of sneezing and they function in a similar manner to wind farms. Olfactory prosthetics can occasionally fail though, often indicated by the user smelling burning metal for a long period of time. This does not indicate that the prosthetics are literally burning out, just that the sensors are sensing their own degradation

Enhanced: Few people require enhanced scenting abilities. It simply allows them to identify trace chemical signatures and identify smells from a long distance, in essence making their ability to smell similar to that of a dog's.

Touch

Aside from pressure sensors in prosthetic limbs the only true way to enhance the sense of touch is through the use of nanomachines. Nanomachine cultures can be uses to stimulate and augment the nervous system to allow users an even greater sense of touch. Heat, cold, pressure, wind, and texture can all be amplified and if the nanomachine colony is allowed to interface with a Wet Drive they can be turned on an off to dampen or strengthen one's sense. An uncommon enhancement but favored by those that require acute senses in their work; particularly precision machinists, artists, and also those willing to invest a little in improving their sex lives.

Taste

Despite leaps and bounds in nanomachines and cyber technology no company has been able to accurately replicate or improve the sense of taste. Nanomachines such as those uses in Touch can improve a person's sense of hot or cold but the taste buds themselves, while occupying similar locations from person to person, can contain wholly unique variations and qualities from person to person. Not only that but the rather caustic nature of the human mouth has made mechanical enhancements difficult. Sensors degrade at an alarming rate due to the acids found in saliva and foods themselves.