A recent phenomena known as "extra-personal technology" is resulting in people having chips implanted in their skin in the name of making daily life a bit easier.

The practice is particularly taking off in Minnesota, where Tim Shank -- spurred on by a scene from the 1995 film "Johnny Mneumonic" -- recently had one implanted in his wrist, with the hope being it will make the task of unlocking his doors, operating his smartphone and sending emails as easy as a tap of the wrist.

"That to me is a very inspiring concept, that we can be more than we're built to be," Shank said. "That's really where a lot of my passion comes, because there are so many limitations and conditions that we have as people that we can overcome if we put a little energy into it and a little technology."

A software engineer by trade, Shank already has several other microchip implants and sounds as if he wouldn't be averse to adding more.

"This is an NFC chip so it's similar to what phones have nowadays where you can tap them to stickers or key-chains," he said. "It's the same technology as that uses."

Procedures not Medically Performed

To date the implant procedures aren't performed by doctors or nurses, but rather body piercers, with the revered go-to person in Minnesota currently being a man named Verno. A chip can cost up to $100 and the implant procedure typically runs around another $150.

During a recent procedure, Shank endured six stitches without anesthesia as he had the rice-sized device implanted, all with an eye toward the future.

"I'm hoping that this will make it possible for me not to have to carry a wallet or credit cards or keys," he said of what could be yet to come. He shares his optimism with a group of other tech disciples known as Twin Cities Plus.

Still, there are critics.

"As far as I know, nobody knows the long term health implications of those things so I would never do it myself," said professor Maria Gini.

Method Could be Wave of the Future

In the meantime, Shank has outfitted all his dogs with microchips and has started a non-profit to help people with disabilities take advantage of the technology.

"I think every indication of it is we're all moving closer and closer to internalizing our technology," he said.

To date, the procedure is not regulated by the Minnesota Department of Health.

Across the globe in Argentina, a pro soccer team is now offering season ticket holders the option of having a microchip implanted to make it easier for them to enter the stadium and renew their ticket plans.

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