We are not far off the time when cyborg cockroaches fitted with video cameras could be first responders sent to locate survivors trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings. Researchers are already able to mount microchips and sensors onto cockroaches and other insects to control their motion by remote control.
IEC expert Fran?ois Coallier says cyborg cockroaches are a good example of the convergence of two domains that traditionally are thought of as separate: biology and digital technology. Mr. Coallier, who studied biology before becoming an engineer, was presenting a progress report to the IEC Standardization Management Board on the work of the standards evaluation group (SEG 12) on bio-digital convergence.
The IEC established SEG 12 to investigate current research and technology activities, identify critical challenges and to propose a roadmap for future standardization. SEG 12 is also carrying out important work on terminology, which will help to facilitate the exchange of information and to serve as a basis for future standardization activities.
Bio-digital convergence is a vast, multidisciplinary field, covering everything from biomaterials to human augmentation. Mr. Coallier explained that to address this challenge SEG 12 had set up six working groups to focus on different areas.
The first of these, WG 1, is responsible for communications activities, as well as drafting reports.
WG 2 is focusing on bio-digital standardization opportunities for supporting the reverse-engineering of living systems and systems of systems. This encompasses genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, informatics, microbiomics, neurosciences and synthetics, among others.
WG 3 is looking at standardization opportunities in life systems and bioengineering. Topics covered include but are not limited to: biosensors, biometrics, bio-foundries, bioprocessing, biofuels, drug discovery and engineering, synthetic biological circuit, metabolic engineering, genetic engineering, artificial life, organ-on-chip (OoC), and artificial organs.
The work of WG 4 is centred on bio-digital standardization opportunities in the area of human augmentation. It includes brain-machine interfaces, digital hardware enhancement, ubiquitous and continual monitoring, enhanced strength, enhanced sensing, embodied computing, ambient intelligence and biohacking.
WG 5 is tasked with exploring bio-digital standardization opportunities in the bioengineering of agricultural systems and systems of systems, including forestry, aquaculture, livestock farming, cellular agriculture and molecular pharming. Topics covered include internet of things applications such as precision agriculture, as well as embodied computing for animals and the genetic engineering of food, in the framework of achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goal of zero hunger.
WG 6 is concentrating on bio-digital standardization opportunities in the area of environmental systems of systems. Topics covered include geoengineering, sustainability and the UN SDGs related to climate action, life below water and life on land.
Mr. Coallier said that in addition to cooperating closely with the IEC Market Strategy Board (MSB), SEG 12 was working with experts from ISO and the joint IEC and ISO technical committee (JTC 1), in addition to the European standards development organizations CEN and CENELEC, and several other international organizations. He added that the multidisciplinary aspects of SEG 12's work meant that further expertise would be required in areas such as agriculture.
The SMB thanked Mr. Coallier and welcomed the ongoing work in SEG 12 on terminology. The SMB also acknowledged the strategic importance of bioengineering when planning future IEC technical activities.
(Source: IEC)
