Neil Harbisson invented the eyeborg, which allows him to hear colors, even those beyond the range of sight, is now in Dubai attending the World Government Summit. He was recognized as the world’s first cyborg in 2004 and is the Co-Founder of the Cyborg Foundation, an international organization that stands for cyborg rights, promotes cyborg art and supports those who want to become cyborgs.
Harbisson, a Catalan-raised, British-born cyborg artist, explained how the antenna in his head has helped him cope with color blindness. “I see this as a body part, not a device, but as an organ. And I don’t wear an antenna, I have an antenna. So I see this as part of me,” he said.
“I have an antenna that is implanted inside my head, which allows me to extend my perception of reality beyond the visual spectrum. I can sense infrared and ultraviolet, and I also have internet connection in my head that allows me to receive colors from other parts of the world, or connect to satellite so I can send colors from space,” he said.