# 5. Robots vs cyborgs

Now that we have clarified the distinction between robots and humans, we need to consider robot-human hybrids. The word cyborg[^1]¹⁵ was first coined by Manfred Clynes and Nathan Kline in a 1960 essay, when they combined the word cybernetics with organism. Their definition may have been centered around human augmentation, but to them cybernetic organism spanned across different biological species. However, over decades the concept in common usage has come to refer almost exclusively to cybernetically enhanced humans. It would be sensible then to define the word cyborg, in order for us to better understand the nature of robots in relation to them.

{% hint style="info" %}

### A cyborg is a human that has undergone invasive internal augmentation using neural, biological, or electronic implants to irreversibly enhance or exceed baseline biological functions.

{% endhint %}

When Clynes and Kline wrote their paper, their concept was somewhat theoretical. Today however, we have strong cases[^2]¹⁶ for some of the world's first cyborgs already walking among us like Kevin Warwick and Neil Harbisson, pioneers that augmented their bodies with physical implants to enhance their abilities.

It is important to note that to qualify as a cyborg, the implants that a human undertakes have to significantly enhance their human cognition, function or physical abilities, beyond the baseline, defined as the minimum functions for normal biological functions. The baseline is an important distinction, as we do not consider humans with pacemakers or cochlear implants cyborgs. Nor do we consider previously disabled persons with prosthetic limbs or implants cyborgs, unless they go beyond the baseline biological functions of what is considered normal for humans.

Recently, Neuralink was able to publicly share efforts in implanting their first human patient Noland Arbaugh, who can control physical objects simply by thought[^3].¹⁷ This level of virtual-physical manipulation will eventually become more like a form of telekinesis through advanced brain-computer interfaces, unlocking [new senses](#user-content-fn-4)[^4]¹⁸ beyond the five basic ones humans experience. The trend of augmentation will only grow over time, further blurring the lines between what it means to be a robot, human, or cyborg.

[^1]: Clynes, Manfred E., and Nathan S. Kline. "Cyborgs and Space." *Astronautics*, September 1960, pp. 26-27 and 74-76.

[^2]: Pester, Patrick. "Who Was the First Cyborg?" *LiveScience*, 10 Nov. 2021

[^3]: "Neuralink Shows First Brain-Chip Patient Playing Online Chess." *Reuters*, 21 Mar. 2024

[^4]: Warwick, Kevin. *I, Cyborg*. University of Illinois Press, 2004.


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