Biochip

Biochips are a crucial aspect of all mechanical augmentations. They act as the interface between flesh and machine and thus control all augmentations in a person's body.

Function
The biochip is located in the augmented individuals brain, and is referred to as the neuroprosthetic junction. This junction allows implanted cybernetic augmentations to communicate with the biological nervous system.

Types
In the 2020s, the biochips that are predominantly used by augmented people are based on the PEDOT-cluster array developed by Darrow Industries. The PEDOT electrode interface of these chips improves the effectiveness of the link between augmentations and nerves compared to conventional metal electrodes. However, it still suffers from the problem of a glial tissue buildup around the junction. Darrow Industries solved this problem by creating the drug Neuropozyne which most users of Darrow's PEDOT biochip must administer regularly. Neuropozyne negates the effect of the glial tissue buildup which can ultimately lead to rejection if left untreated.

Due to groundbreaking research by Megan Reed and other Sarif Industries scientists, an alternative to Darrow Industries' PEDOT biochips was developed. Reed discovered a unique genome during her Patient X study that could tolerate augmentations without suffering from DDS. This experimental chip, known as the X1 biochip, experienced none of the symptoms associated with DDS. In addition, this biochip showed signs of encouraging the meshing of augmentation and nerve tissue. Completely new tissue that is fully compatible with Reed's PEDOT-cluster array formed at the junction. However, due to the interference of the Illuminati, this biochip never makes it onto the market.

Biochip recall of 2027
In 2027, augmented people around the world experience a series of glitches that interfere with their augmentations and cause them pain. The World Health Organization state that this is due to their biochip malfunctioning and urges them to visit a LIMB clinic for a replacement.

The replacement biochips distributed at LIMB clinics are manufactured by the Tai Yong Medical corporation under the instructions of the Illuminati. The "glitches" themselves are caused by extreme radio-frequency interference using excessive airwave broadcasts generated intentionally by Picus Network and, by extension, the Illuminati, to compel augmented people to receive the replacement biochip. This biochip was developed at Omega Ranch by Megan Reed and her team, under the guidance of Hugh Darrow. The Illuminati intend for it to be used as a "killswitch" of sorts that is capable of shutting down augmentations at will. However, Darrow has other plans and instead creates a biochip that will over-stimulate the vagus nerve and induce hallucinations.

This biochip recall culminates in an event known as the Aug Incident when augmented people across the world lash out violently against their will. This is due to the hallucinations caused by the activation of Darrow's biochip with the necessary signal.