Dr. Scott-Morgan used a computer-generated avatar. Image Credit: YouTube / This Morning
Struck down with motor neuron disease, Dr. Peter Scott-Morgan wanted to reinvent what it means to be human.
Humans augmented with technological enhancements have been a staple of cyberpunk science fiction for years, but for robotics expert Dr. Peter Scott-Morgan, making it possible for people with physical disabilities to bypass their limitations through the science of cybernetics became a life-long passion.
Dr. Scott-Morgan, who suffered from the same neurodegenerative disorder as Professor Stephen Hawking, developed and implemented a range of systems including a life-like avatar through which he could display emotion, a voice box that was equipped with recordings of his own voice and eye-tracking technology through which he was able to control computers.
As his body failed, these systems became an increasingly important life-line and served as the primary way in which he was able to communicate and interact with the world.
"I wanted to reinvent for everyone what it means to be trapped in your own body," he said.
"This isn't just about MND. It's about any disability, whether from accident, disease, genetics, or even simply old age, even dementia. But ultimately, it's about everyone on Earth breaking free."
"I'm lucky enough to be a prototype, and neo-human, an early experiment in how humanity can make a huge leap into our future."
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