I loved the TV show The Six Million Dollar Man. 1974 – 1978. I was 5-9.
I had the toys. Waited impatiently for each episode. Pretended I was Steve Austin and ran in slow motion while making the noise (IFYKYK).
Steve Austin was a cyborg. Here’s the definition from the opening credits of the show:
“A human being whose original parts have had to be replaced to one extent or another by machines that perform the same functions.”
The opening theme moves on. Steve crashes the space plane (real footage from NASA M2-F2), and then…
“Gentlemen, we can rebuild him. We have the technology. We have the capability to make the world’s first bionic man. Better than he was before. Better. Stronger. Faster.”
And they replaced his legs, one arm, and an eye.
Now, he was bionic. A cyborg. Better. Stronger. Faster. At least physically.
We’re already there. AI — the standard $20 / month AI — can make you better, stronger, faster. Maybe not enhanced physical performance (that’s coming, though), but certainly enhanced mental performance.
AI is leveling the playing field. Studies show that when embraced, current AI enhances productivity, efficiency, and innovation, with the most junior and least skilled workers receiving the most benefits.
You don’t have to crash a test vehicle. It doesn’t cost you or the government $6 million. You don’t need surgery. The government doesn’t own you.
You just need a credit card.
We’re all already Six Million Dollar Men and Women.
