A cyborg (/ˈsaɪbɔːrɡ/), short for “cybernetic organism”, is a being with both organic and artificial (e.g. electronic, mechanical or robotic) parts. The term was coined in 1960 by Manfred Clynes and Nathan S. Kline in an article about the advantages of self-regulating humanoids in outer space, but it has been applied to many different kinds of entities since then.
Dating back to at least the early 1940s, when Jack Williamson’s science fiction novel Frankenstein Among the Arts popularized the idea, there has been interest in creating human-like robots and other artificial beings capable of feeling and showing emotions. In literature, cyborgs are often portrayed as physically stronger and more intelligent than humans, although this is not always the case; they may also be emotionally colder or even entirely lacking empathy for humans. Some fictional cyborgs may feature cybernetic implants designed to assist them emotionally or cognitively; others have advanced prosthetic limbs or organs which replace those lost during combat or accidents.
Early examples of real-life cyborgs include people with heart pacemakers, individuals with cochlear implants who can hear again, as well as recipients of artificial organs such as kidneys and livers. More recent examples include soldiers fitted with exoskeletons which increase their strength and endurance, as well as people suffering from paralysis who can now walk thanks to electrical stimulation of their muscles.
The term “cyborg” is not limited to physical modifications, however; it can also refer to someone who uses technology on a daily basis to enhance their abilities or lifestyle. For example, people who rely on computers for work or entertainment could be considered cyborgs. Similarly, those who implant devices into their bodies for cosmetic reasons (such as subdermal piercings) could also be seen as fitting into this category. In general, anyone whose life has been significantly changed by technology can be seen as a cyborg.