Watch I Am Human

I Am Human is a 2019 documentary that explores the latest advances in neuroscience and robotics to paint a fascinating picture of the future of humanity. The film tells the stories of three individuals who are at the forefront of this technological revolution - Anne, a quadriplegic who is using brain implants to control a robotic arm; Stephen, a man with Parkinson's disease who is undergoing deep brain stimulation surgery to alleviate his symptoms; and, Ben, a top engineer who is developing cutting-edge AI technology that is intended to help humans connect more deeply with machines.

The three subjects of the film are united by their desire to overcome the limitations of the human body and brain. Anne, for example, was paralyzed in an accident that she describes as a "freak occurrence," and the film charts her journey as she undergoes surgery to implant electrodes in her brain that can translate her thoughts into actions on a robotic arm. The resulting technology allows Anne to regain some of the freedom of movement that was taken from her by the accident, and she talks extensively about the ways in which this has changed her life.

Stephen's story is similar in some ways, but there are key differences. While Anne's paralysis was caused by an accident, Stephen's condition is the result of a degenerative disease. He suffers from Parkinson's, and while medication can help to control some of his symptoms, it is increasingly less effective as time goes on. Stephen turns to deep brain stimulation, a surgical procedure that involves implanting electrodes in the brain that can send electrical signals to areas that control movement. For Stephen, the benefits are life-changing - he is able to walk more easily, and even more importantly, he is able to play with his young granddaughter without fear of losing control of his body.

And then there's Ben, the mastermind behind the AI technology that is the subject of the film's most futuristic storyline. Ben's goal is to create tools that allow humans to connect more deeply with machines. He believes that this will be the key to unlocking a new era of technological innovation and progress, and he's working tirelessly towards that goal. But as the film progresses, we see that his vision comes with some dark implications - what happens to human relationships when we are able to bond with machines in ways that were previously impossible?

What I love about I Am Human is how it manages to be both intensely technical and deeply emotional. The filmmakers have done an excellent job of weaving together the stories of these three individuals in ways that draw out the human side of the technology that is on display. The film is not just about showing off the latest advances in neuroscience and robotics, but using those advances as a platform to explore bigger questions about what it means to be human.

Of course, that's not to say that the film isn't impressive from a technological standpoint. The footage of Anne controlling a robotic arm with her thoughts is genuinely incredible, and it's amazing to see how the deep brain stimulation surgery has transformed Stephen's life. And the scenes with Ben as he tries to develop his AI technology are also fascinating, in a sometimes unsettling way. It's a reminder of just how fast technology is advancing, and how little we sometimes understand about the consequences of that progress.

But what really makes I Am Human stand out is the way it explores the broader implications of these technological advancements. The film asks big questions about what it means to be human, and what kind of future we want to create for ourselves. It's not afraid to delve into the ethics of these issues, either - we see arguments both for and against the use of technology like AI and brain implants, and the film allows viewers to come to their own conclusions.

Overall, I Am Human is an engrossing and thought-provoking documentary that should appeal to anyone interested in the intersection of technology and humanity. Whether you're a scientist or a layperson, there's something here that will inspire wonder and spark conversation. It's a testament to the human spirit that, even as we push the boundaries of what is technologically possible, we remain focused on the ways in which we can use those advancements to become more fully ourselves.