technoembodiment

Technoembodiment refers to the experience or process by which technology becomes integrated with the human body and sense of self. It covers how devices, interfaces, and implanted systems extend or modify bodily capabilities, perception, and agency, leading to a new sense of embodiment that blends biological and technological elements.

The concept draws on embodiment theories in philosophy and cognitive science, such as the idea that the body schema can be altered by tools or devices. In practical terms, technoembodiment describes how prostheses, neural implants, and wearables can be experienced as part of the body rather than as external tools.

Key mechanisms include neuroprosthetics and brain–computer interfaces that translate neural signals into movement or sensation, sensory substitution devices that remap stimuli to alternative modalities, and haptic or exoskeletal devices that provide feedback and control. Sensory augmentation through augmented reality and telepresence also contributes to technoembodiment by expanding what the body can perceive or influence.

Experiments in rehabilitation and assistive technology show that trained users can integrate artificial limbs or interfaces into their body scheme, improving motor control and subjective sense of ownership. The rubber hand illusion and related studies illustrate how quickly embodiment can adapt to artificial surfaces or devices under appropriate conditions.

Applications span medicine, disability support, and consumer technology, including prosthetics, neural interfaces for paralysis, smart wearables, and immersive media. In research and design, engineers and clinicians consider usability, long-term integration, and how devices shape behavior, identity, and social interaction.

Ethical and social considerations include privacy, autonomy, device dependency, access, representation, and the potential for inequality between those with advanced technoembodiment technologies and those without. The field is interdisciplinary, involving neuroscience, engineering, philosophy, and design, and continues to explore how technology redefines human embodiment.