Begone, Orthot: A Near-Future Exploration of Bodily Autonomy

Abstract

This design fiction explores the concept of cyborgs and the evolution of body modifications through the lens of the Febris Suite™, a fictional implant technology that aims to enhance human capabilities and relieve burdens on the body. Through this exploration, we engage with the historical context of cyborgs, the growth of the biohacking movement, and the commercialization of embedded technologies. We discuss the potential applications of this fictional technology, including emergency medical interventions, reproductive control, and access to gender-affirming care-alongside potential drawbacks and concerns, such as planned obsolescence, proprietary control, and potential social divisions based on who can afford the enhancement. We conclude by posing critical questions about the balance between bodily autonomy and the proprietary nature of implanted technologies, raising ethical considerations for the future integration of artificial systems with the body.