Exoskeleton

If we examine the evolution of computers, we will see a clear meta-trend, going from one computer for many people (the mainframe) to one computer for a single person (the PC), and finally to many interconnected computers for everyone.

The three rules underlying this meta-trend are Moore’s law on the exponential growth of transistors at constant cost (processing speed and storage capacity double every 18 months); Metcalfe’s law on the square value of a network (the usefulness of a network equals the square of the number of users) and Gilder’s law on bandwidth growth (the total bandwidth of communication systems triples every twelve months). The combination of these three laws has resulted in what we know as cyberspace and digital economy, where value has shifted from atoms to bits. The cyberspace consists of networks of networks of networks. These networks connect a range of intelligent devices; they can increase our human potential, acting as an exoskeleton. From the standpoint of applications and services, it is more suitable to think in terms of exoskeleton rather than in terms of cyberspace, because the exoskeleton transmits an improved reality, and consequently it concerns our real lives. It is not just virtual reality as Cyberspace suggests.

Researchers have developed an exoskeleton that helps firefighters, hikers, soldiers and travellers with their backpacks. It lessens the load of their luggage. Furthermore, there is ongoing research that promises amputees with robotic limbs that will improve their strength and mobilty. These are examples of how computers can be used as exoskeletons not only for the human mind, but for the human body as well.

The exponential development in speed, communication bandwidth, material sciences, efficiency and sensor technology is leading to a New Era, the Era of amplified reality. Computing technologies will have a great economic, social and cultural influence on our society. It will be an era where we can have a new external body: the “computational exoskeleton”.