Humans are the 'computers of the future'

In the not-too-distant future, humans will have computers built into our bodies.

So claims prominent futurologist Robin Mannings, an ex-manager of the research department at BT, who predicted a future where we would just not carry technology but become the technology ourselves.

"Today the coolest things on the streets are smartphones," he said at a VMware event held yesterday in London.

"It is a smart bit of computing that you carry with you in your pocket or your handbag. Soon we will start to wear technology [advanced computing contact lenses for example] but where will that go next?"

He added: "The science is in its early days but we will have the computer become part of ourselves."

He admitted that the idea of having computer parts built into our bodies may not appeal to the masses but the science was getting there.

"Lots of people will be scared of the idea but that is why we will have to work on cultural issues but from the science and technology point of view the next thing will be bio-computing," he said.

"We are the computer that is the future of evolution."

Mannings had further predictions about how technology will improve our lifespan although admitted retirement may not be as close as people hope.

"It is now far less unusual to come across someone who is 100. It is said that babies born today will live to 150 and people in this room will be likely to see 100 if not more," he said.

"The traditional career is 30 to 40 years [but] this will change."