Skip to main content

Ever see a chip implanted in someone? One of our own puts his body on the line

Oops! We couldn't load this video player
When you want to find out the latest on emerging technologies, you turn to Digital Trends’ Cool Tech editor Drew Prindle. And when you need a guinea pig to try out those same technologies — no matter the pain required — well, Prindle’s there for that, too.

As those who watched Digital Trends’ live-stream saw, Prindle sat down with Dangerous Things founder Amal Graafstra to discuss his work on implants, which could provide a variety of functionality and make all kinds of things — from safety locks for guns to work badges — a thing of the past.

Recommended Videos

We’ll warn you: The process requires an exceptionally large needle (it’ll seem especially large to those who are not fans of needles). But according to Prindle, it only feels like a bad hornet sting, and there was little if any discomfort afterward. “I’ll be able to wave my hand in front of the door to get in the office,” he quipped after both those on YouTube, Facebook Live, and dozens of shocked onlookers had gathered themselves from what they witnessed.

Graafstra stands behind his products and also their safety. Just like the implantable jewelry that has become all the rage in body piercing in recent years, Dangerous Things’ implant is 100-percent safe and causes no issues. Graafstra should know: he has five different chips — including a large one on the top of his arm that was the prototype for all his work.

“After a few weeks it becomes a part of you,” he said. “Eventually you don’t even realize it’s there.”

But why, you ask? The possibilities are endless. Prindle is going to use it to replace his work badge for access to Digital Trends’ office, for starters. But just about anything that uses RFID and NFC can be copied onto the implantable chip — and it has high-grade security to prevent hacking or spoofing, too.

The kits are available from Dangerous Things starting at $99, which include all you need to perform the process yourself. However, Graafstra strongly discourages that and is working with body piercers across the country to have its implant injected in a safe and hygienic way.

Digital Trends is live all week at CES 2017 in Las Vegas. Check out our continuing coverage live on YouTube, Facebook, #DTces, and DigitalTrends.com/ces/.

Ed Oswald
For fifteen years, Ed has written about the latest and greatest in gadgets and technology trends. At Digital Trends, he's…
Hyundai Ioniq 5 sets world record for greatest altitude change
hyundai ioniq 5 world record altitude change mk02 detail kv

When the Guinness World Records (GWR) book was launched in 1955, the idea was to compile facts and figures that could finally settle often endless arguments in the U.K.’s many pubs.

It quickly evolved into a yearly compilation of world records, big and small, including last year's largest grilled cheese sandwich in the world.

Read more
Global EV sales expected to rise 30% in 2025, S&P Global says
ev sales up 30 percent 2025 byd sealion 7 1stbanner l

While trade wars, tariffs, and wavering subsidies are very much in the cards for the auto industry in 2025, global sales of electric vehicles (EVs) are still expected to rise substantially next year, according to S&P Global Mobility.

"2025 is shaping up to be ultra-challenging for the auto industry, as key regional demand factors limit demand potential and the new U.S. administration adds fresh uncertainty from day one," says Colin Couchman, executive director of global light vehicle forecasting for S&P Global Mobility.

Read more
Faraday Future could unveil lowest-priced EV yet at CES 2025
Faraday Future FF 91

Given existing tariffs and what’s in store from the Trump administration, you’d be forgiven for thinking the global race toward lower electric vehicle (EV) prices will not reach U.S. shores in 2025.

After all, Chinese manufacturers, who sell the least expensive EVs globally, have shelved plans to enter the U.S. market after 100% tariffs were imposed on China-made EVs in September.

Read more