Jim Michel Hammock (Born April 31 1984) Is an American Roboticist, Bioengineer, Businessman and Astronaut. Hammock is most notably recognized as the first human being fully capable of integrating living biological tissue into a mechanical system as well as the youngest person to travel in space.
He was born in the St. Vincent’s Hospital New York City, the son of a factory worker, Janice Soya Moyer, and a welder Peter Hammock.
At a young age he was exceptionally talented and widely considered a child prodigy. In his early years he surpassed other children his age, and had an instinctive understanding of complex Mathematics, Language, Syntax, and the Sciences. In 1990, Hammock at the age of six and his family moved to Norfolk Virginia. His father worked on large Naval ships in drydock where Jim was first introduced to mechanics. Hammock has stated, “This was where I developed my interest in complex mechanical systems.”
By age ten, Hammock enrolled in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He then began his research into miniature cybernetics. Inspired by Jack Kilby he developed computer chips specifically modified to remotely influence insects. His final year thesis proposed revolutionary advances in cyber technology, robotics, and rocketry.
After earning his Engineering Doctorate in 1995 Hammock worked at the Kennedy Space Center developing high velocity rockets for the United States Air Force. By 1998 he was the leading researcher and test pilot of NASA experimental Hyperion V ‘Zero Viscosity’ spacesuit becoming the youngest person to achieve space travel at age 14. In 2001 Hammock was injured during a test flight explosion over Edwards Airforce Base, paralysing the left side of his body.
Following the explosion Hammock discontinued his work with the Air Force and joined with his college roommate, and favoured colleague Hyatari Bento in the creation of their robotics company Hammock-Bento Systems (HBS). They moved to Houston Texas where Hammock’s injuries prompted a newfound interest in biological-robotics. Bento proposed integrating part of that technology into his Hammock’s anatomy so that he might regain his mobility. In 2004 HBS developed a biological fibre capable of directly linking neurotransmitters to working robotic systems. In 2005 at age 21 Jim Hammock was the first human being to have working robotic appendages.
Hammock continues to administrate HBS and owns several islands. He also enjoys chess and is an avid rock climber.
