I would like to write a story about getting a human-replica robot body, or an equivalent upgrade, and escaping the pain and coping with the sensory bombardment. All wish-fulfillment. I mentioned it in an earlier post.
I have some genre problems though.
(earlier post here: http://bigclosetr.us/topshelf/blog-entry/59707/where-begin-w... )
First: I wouldn't want to be a guinea pig for a spy agency or other powerful organization.
Second: If it's in the present or the near future, there'd be a lot of issues with identity documents, metal detectors, arranging emergency repairs, etc.
Third: If it's in the present, it's going to need some explanation why the technology isn't known to everyone, yet is being made available to my character. There are several possibilities, but either they don't fit the story I'd like to write, or they could take over the story I'd like to write. If it's in the near future, it's likely to run into emerging crises. If it's in the distant future, or sideways involving a parallel earth, it's likely that other societies will have different social structures, economic systems, and disability issues.
Fourth: If remote-controlled bodies are widespread, then it would be easier to develop mind transfers and possible to conceal robot bodies among the remote-controlled ones, but I have to work out how this affects society.
Fifth: If a parallel earth is involved, then I have to work out when the two diverged and how theirs developed.
Comments
Interesting concept
This is a really interesting concept. I've been toying with writing something on humanoid robots ever since watching the UK TV series Humans. My story conception is about the initial developers of a humanoid robot, but I'm not going to give away that story idea!
You seem to be wallowing around for an idea and wondering about the implications - I find its better just to mentally pick on an idea, mentally develop it for a day or two and then go with it. You'll find a way around the problems as you encounter them.
For example, you talk about the problem with metal detectors; there's no reason why your robot shouldn't be made from plastics, although control is obviously going to be a challenge. A chemical based computer perhaps, as natural life invented millions of years ago?
But remember, you're not writing an essay or a history lesson. You need people to empathise with and create the story. Without people, there is no story. Why not read some of Asimov's works. A wonderful example of humans and robots working (and sometimes fighting) together.
Remember, it's your story. You decide where it's going.
Good luck
Charlotte
I was actually kind of
I was actually kind of working on something similar, mostly in my head. Maybe i can give you some insight, since i too love cyborgs.
First: Medical or Judicial. An established technology that could either voluntarily or force an individual into a prosthetic body, why? Well that'd be up to the writer.
Second: Cyborgs in a near future setting likely have various methods of alerting others to the fact that they are indeed cybernetic, it could be something as simple as a scanner or silent detector in a door that marks someone who enters for security purposes. Also cybernetic bodies are going to be more durable than flesh-and-blood, so that likely means that they'd have different needs. Physicians would probably be aware of this (cyber physicians) and be trained in repairing bodies. Bodies also likely have universal adaptability, unless it's customized for one reason or another (IE: military)
Third: Prosthetic bodies would likely face opposition from religious groups and purists, and potential rejection from older generations, at the same time there could potentially be cyborg cultists or fetishists. It would be an interesting time socially, as prosthetic bodies are a giant middle finger to gender and gender rolls.
Fourth: Remote control? I'd disagree. I'd say it's more likely that a brain is put into a body a-la Ghost in the Shell, with substantial cyber security, and electronic security as well as being hardened against tampering and electronic warfare. Generally speaking, these bodies would be durable and far better than any flesh-and-bone body. But crimes surrounding them would likely be new and severe. hijacking someone's body would probably be incredibly illegal, as well as hacking and other potential cyber crimes unique to a cyborg.
Something to remember
There's something to remember when writing. It's fiction! The only limitations on the possibilities is your imagination. Don't limit yourself. Just go for it. Whatever happens, there's always someone against it. Most times conflict makes the story work. You set the extremes and the limits. Just go for it. See where it goes.
Much Love,
Valerie R