Wearable Technology Requires a Balancing of Privacy Risks: AZ Podiatrist
The concept of wearable systems goes beyond increasing strength or stamina. Some researchers are developing technology to combat diseases or find a workaround for spinal injuries. Dr. David Armstrong, a professor of surgery at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, said wearable robotics could help address foot decay among diabetes patients. “We don’t think of a hearing aid, we don’t think of bifocals, as some sort of cybernetic device, but in fact they are – they augment what we do,” Armstrong said. “In the future, this is not going to be so exotic and crazy. This is just going to be another part of our life.”
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Dr. David Armstrong |
As with any new technology, especially one so heavily tied to the human body, ethical dilemmas are bound to arise. For example, governments or companies could track technology, such as implanted chips, bringing the issue of privacy to the forefront. “We have to balance the creepy factor … with the great innovations that are happening,” Armstrong said.
Source: Travis Arbon and Ziyi Zeng, The Arizona Republic [2/12/16]
