Broadly speaking, bionics applies natural biological systems to the design of technology. The current study of hybrid bionic systems (HBS) “is concerned with the integration of robotic devices with the human nervous system,” with a particular focus on the ethical issues of human autonomy and freedom. Since HBS is in its infancy, the authors’ concerns attempt to integrate ethical analysis into a developing body of knowledge, rather than the typical grafting of ethics into an established discipline. Researchers and ethicists will find this study of special interest.

The introduction provides, essentially, European examples of contemporary HBS research and “the role of the newborn discipline roboethics.” Rather than being restrictive, roboethics may “identify research developments that can be pursued to develop technologies which are less vulnerable to ethical concerns.”

Part 2 considers “ethical issues in hybrid bionic systems research.” While the use of brain wave and neural sensors to control devices has great potential to provide freedom of action to the disabled, experiments involving the remote control of rats show the dark side of this technology. These external signals could also “[impair] memory or the sense of the self.” This, in turn, suggests research into the human brain “in order to create accurate and stable HBSs.”

Part 3 explores human control issues. The potential compromise of human autonomy is discussed in some detail, with reference to contemporary research and practice. Research that allows control by a few important neurons may be the best way to insure human autonomy.

Part 4 addresses brain plasticity research that studies brain adaptations, changes, and loss of function due to HBS. More study concerning changes in the brain and HBS devices is required. Most fundamentally, how are “higher-order goals represented and processed in the brain”?

The authors conclude that “the analysis of techno-ethical issues is a unique opportunity to promote responsible research.” An extensive list of references is available for detailed research.