An Introduction To The Internet of Bodies
The Internet of the Bodies is coming. At each new turn of the decade, some technologies consolidate, and perspectives emerge with higher intensity on the possible novelties that could become a trend. Examples are the consolidation of IoT (Internet of Things) and the expectations that a new era is approaching, that of Internet of Bodies (IoB). You haven’t read it wrong. Internet of Bodies, that’s right.
What is the Internet of Bodies
The Internet of Bodies, in a way, is an extension of the Internet of Things. It is the collection of data made in human beings, with sending for external processing. The concept may seem a bit frightening, but other new technologies also seemed at first.
If we stop to think, the first generation of IoB has already started to become viable. It is popularized, through the use of devices external to the human body, such as gadgets for monitoring physical activities and some essential health elements. In this generation, which theoretically can become a reality in a short time, we would only need to send data in real-time for processing and decision making, such as alarm generation or recommendations. A practical example could be an external heart monitor (such as running belts or smartwatches with cardiac measurement), sending real-time alerts about possible unexpected variations in heart rate.
The second generation of IoB would be performed with devices internal to the human body, such as pacemakers, hearing aid devices, or brain implants, for example. Likewise, the concept is complete when these devices send data and information in real-time to an external server. It is easy to imagine the vast benefit that could arise from instant and real-time alerts about possible problems in heart rhythm or other organs. Some steps have also been taken with devices that fit this generation, such as monitoring pills that are swallowed (for imaging examinations) and brain-wave command devices. There are already RFID microchips implanted in pets, a concept that is probably also extended to humans, not only for health monitoring but also for personal identification and even payments.
The main difference in this generation is that the devices could assume some control functions, or intervention, actively. This could mean an intelligent pacemaker remotely controlled by doctors or even, in the future, by Artificial Intelligence. Another possibility, not so intricate, would be to have defibrillators that “talk” with intelligent pacemakers for greater effectiveness.
And the evolution of IoB, what would it be?
As technology advances, no one can say with certainty that this will not happen in the next 10 years. In the so-called third generation of IoB, devices would merge with parts of the human body. Through biotechnology, it is possible to expect that in the future, certain parts of the human body would be constructed with intelligence to collect, send data, and even active interventions.
Points to consider
As (almost) always, the main concern that may arise is related to privacy and ethics resulting from the use of personal information. Perhaps the most persuasive example is related to the price of health plans or life insurance that could be practiced by companies, holding such sensitive information about a person’s health. The issue of monitoring personal habits by others is undoubtedly another point to consider. It would be up to individuals to decide whether or not to share the data, considering the possible benefits and their costs.
