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Cybernetic Augmentations In The Game That Also Somewhat Exist In Real Life
Cyberpunk 2077's cybernetic augmentations are naturally sci-fi, but they do share similarities with certain technologies that really exist.
In 2077, cybernetic augmentations, or cyberwares as Cyberpunk 2077 calls them, are handed out like smartphones. Every person has one, and why wouldn't they? It allows them to advance into the next stage of human evolution where people embrace machinery and slowly discard their biological restraints. You would be surprised that such a movement is also happening now, whether voluntary or mandatory.
Cybernetics has long been researched and developed for amputees and other disabled people while some visionaries opted to "enhance" themselves for the future's sake, like that one man who implanted an artificial ear in his arm. Point is, the future is happening as early as now, and Cyberpunk 2077's outlandish cyborg culture might not be too far-fetched. In fact, some in-game cybernetics have their own low-tech equivalents available in real life.
Bionic Arms
One of the most obvious practical uses for cybernetics would be replacing lost limbs; consequently, bionic arms are the most developed in this regard. Some of them advanced enough to replicate a bit of finger function for daily tasks such as eating.
They're not exactly agile and tactile replacements for actual arms, but every year, companies are striving to push the envelop further. It might only be a matter of time before they start becoming a bit better than organic arms, hands, or fingers.
Bionic Legs
The same goes for lower limbs or legs. There are lots of athletes, veterans, and accident victims who have lost their ability to walk independently. Such is also the case for a lot of the NPCs in Cyberpunk 2077, which is hardly surprising considering how widespread street violence and guns are in Night City.
The real world's versions of bionic legs are also only slightly better than pegs. They can't articulate as well as bionic arms and hands as leg muscle function is harder to recreate. However, some prototypes are now being developed with sensory feedback, which could well pave way for bionic legs to become more and more like their sci-fi counterparts.
Brain Implants
In Night City, tampering with another person's brain to increase their motor functions or heighten their reflexes is about as common as tinkering with automobiles. V demonstrates this well with their gunman skills.
Sadly, there is nothing quite that mind-blowing available today, however, there are silk implants that latch onto the brain. Laden with flexible wire electrodes, these implants are just used to record brain activity at the moment.
Optic Enhancements
Yet another prioritized aspect of cybernetics would be sight or the eyes. Anyone with eyeglasses will know just how much of a hassle visual impairment is. Sometimes you just want to wish that replacing eyeballs is as easily done as in Cyberpunk 2077 — an operation that is showcased near the start of the game.
There is hope for the visually impaired though, as a bionic lens is being researched that hopes to give a vision that's three times better than a regular healthy eye. That's essentially superhuman vision, even if is not exactly as robust as Cyberpunk 2077's optics that come with recorders and thermal detectors.
Pacemakers
When it comes to surpassing human limitations in a cyberpunk world, one would usually aim to augment their organs, particularly the most important one, the heart. That's probably why lots of enemies don't die immediately after getting shot in the vitals, plus cardiovascular implants like the Blood Pump improve the healing rate in the game.
That's way too advanced for today's world. However, heart implants have been around for decades, and they're called pacemakers. Much like the Blood Pump from Cyberpunk 2077, pacemakers also force the heart to exert itself and prolong a person's life.
And as always have a chilled day from the Viking
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