The Guts Game

Next Steps for Human-Computer Integration

“…Figure 2, include: 3 MetaArms [69] (depicted also in Figure 1), a system in which the agency is almost entirely with the user, but the technology feels like a natural extension of one's body; 4 Muscle-Plotter [48], a system that controls the user's hand via electrical muscle stimulation to empower the user with computer based simulations (also depicted in Figure 1); and, 5 Ping Body [82], an art piece by Stelarc in which the performer's body is controlled by via muscle stimulation in a way that only minimal agency remains with the human. Fusion might also occur with implanted devices [28,84], ingested devices [41,81], or epidermal electronics [80], as well as devices which extend or manipulate the body (e.g. [86,74]), or stimulate the senses [47,73,83,98].…”

“…The advantage is that these devices automatically exit the body or dissolve after a certain time. Examples include digested pills that are able to track body temperature [41,42], chewing-gum-like interfaces that provide hands-free interactions [22], and some early artistic performances by Stelarc [81].…”

“…We note that the biocompatibility is dependent upon how a device is integrated. For example, an on-skin device only needs to be skin-compatible [94], whereas devices that are implanted [28] or ingested [41] must meet higher requirements to avoid immune system responses. When nonbiocompatible materials cannot be avoided, sealing the device is an option; these seals, however, must be robust enough under high mechanical and chemical stress to avoid leakages or compromising the user's body.…”