Multi-Level Perception Systems in Fusion of Lifeforms: Classification, Challenges and Future Conceptions
The emerging paradigm of "fusion of lifeforms" represents a transformative shift from conventional human-machine interfaces toward deeply integrated symbiotic systems, where biological and artificial components co-adapt structurally, energetically, informationally, and cognitively. This review systematically classifies multi-level perception systems within fusion of lifeforms into four functional categories: sensory and functional restoration, beyond-natural sensing, endogenous state sensing, and cognitive enhancement. We survey recent advances in neuroprosthetics, sensory augmentation, closed-loop physiological monitoring, and brain-computer interfaces, highlighting the transition from substitution to fusion. Despite significant progress, critical challenges remain, including multi-source heterogeneous integration, bandwidth and latency limitations, power and thermal constraints, biocompatibility, and system-level safety. We propose future directions such as layered in-body communication networks, sustainable energy strategies, advanced biointerfaces, and robust safety frameworks. Ethical considerations regarding self-identity, neural privacy, and legal responsibility are also discussed. This work aims to provide a comprehensive reference and roadmap for the development of next-generation fusion of lifeforms, ultimately steering human-machine integration from episodic functional repair toward sustained, multi-level symbiosis between biological and artificial systems.
Authors
- Y. P. Liu
- Jingjing Xu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0443-547X)
- Bingao Zhang
- Xinyan You
- Shengyong Xu
Institutions
- Shandong University (CN)
- Peking University (CN)
- Beihang University (CN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Sensors
- Published
- 2026-01-15
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/s26020576
- Primary Topic
- Neuroscience and Neural Engineering
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00