A common definition of human augmentation is “technologies that enhance human productivity or capability, or that somehow add to the human body”. We would add that in order for something to be an augment, it must become so integrated into the user’s life that it becomes an extension of them. For instance, a hammer is only relevant when you need it and thus would not be an augment. But a sufficiently discreet exoskeleton could become as normal to your life as your ability to walk, and thus would be an augment. So, following this rule, a laptop would not be considered an augmentation, but a smartphone—and especially a mobile smartwatch—could easily be considered an augmentation. It’s almost always with (or on) you, and it augments your ability to access any information at any time.

Types of Human Augmentation

Human Augmentation can be further divided into three main categories with different functions:
Replicating human ability: Human augmentations that restore or replicate typical human abilities fall into the category of replication. This includes things like prosthetic limbs for the disabled, hearing aids for the deaf, and voice synthesizers for the mute.
Supplementing human ability: Human augmentations that improve our ability to do something fall under the category of supplementation. This includes devices that artificially increase our strength, enhance our sight beyond normal limits, or increase our intelligence.
Exceeding human ability: Human augmentations that allow us to do things that we cannot do on our own fall into the category of exceeding augmentation. This includes things like the ability to fly, breathe underwater, see ultraviolet or infrared light, and smell chemicals not currently detectable by the human olfactory sense.