The military is currently experimenting with augmentation technologies that would enable troops to carry increased loads. Powered exoskeletons could assist the elderly with walking and lifting, improving their quality of life.

And the future holds the possibility of people augmenting their physical capabilities much like is done with cosmetic surgery.

"Future retinal eye implants could enable night vision and neuro-enhancements could provide superior memory recall or speed of thought," the study suggests. "Neuro-pharmaceuticals will allow people to maintain concentration for longer periods of time or enhance their abilities."

But human augmentation comes at a price and will likely be available only to those individuals who can pay for it.