KEY POINTS

  • A Utah cybersecurity researcher has four computer chips implants on his skin
  • He has RFID and NFC chips embedded into his skin
  • Gis work badge and his Tesla key are also in his hand

The 29 years old Ben Workman is a software engineer and is a real-life Tony Stark, who fused technology with his own body, reports ABC News. A natural tinkerer, Workman has NFC and RFID computer chips implanted on his hands. That’s not all; he also has his Tesla key embedded in his right hand and a magnet on his left hand.

The Tesla key on his left hand is mainly for controlling access to his Tesla vehicle, while the magnet on his left hand is the Magneto-like power he uses for pulling metal chains and paper clips. The NFC and RFID chips come with some functionality similar to that of a smartphone. With just a touch of his hand, Workman can copy contact info from someone’s phone onto his chip and add those to his contact database.

The Tony Stark-like Utah man can also configure Wi-Fi. Workman is a programmer and can write code for the implants, says ABC News. He uses his hands to manipulate his home devices, such as turning the lights on and off. Workman also programmed his hand to have his work badge that he smoothly uses to open and close the door at work, cool!

RFID Chip
Yes, these chips are small and won't get in the way as you work throughout the day. Pictured: Patrick Kramer of the company Digiwell shows his microchip implant to a visitor at a press preview of the Wear-it festival in Berlin on June 8, 2017. The Wear It Festival takes place on June 8 and 9, 2017 in Berlin and shows the potentials of wearables with focus on the development of new products allying fashion and digital items. AFP/Getty Images/Adam Berry

I can easily program into my chips anything with home automation; Workman tells ABC News. The implant process is the same as the type of microchipping for cats and dogs, and it is also painful, Workman adds. During the time he wants to have his first implant, he could not find someone who would agree to do the procedure for him, he reveals.

His cousin, who is a phlebotomist, helped him with his first two implants. There is no discomfort once the chips are in, but the large magnet causes a little bit of sensation whenever I move my hand, Workman shares. But, the more involved procedure, according to him, was during the time he implanted the Tesla key.

This kind of body modification is also known as Biohacking. Workman says he wants to push the boundaries of technology when asked why he would do these procedures. At present, Workman is a cybersecurity researcher in Utah and studies about the effectiveness of these implants in improving cybersecurity.