Microchips could be the way of the future

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA — A tech festival in Melbourne is shining the spotlight on microchips, implanting the 'injectables' into 10 volunteers who will personally test them out.

According to The Guardian, the microchip is roughly the size of a grain of rice, and is capable of holding only one access code and limited information.

The tiny device is typically injected in between the thumb and forefinger, using a needle as thick as those used in body piercings.

Each microchip uses NFC or near-field communication to unlock a specific door, vehicle, or device.

The volunteers' chips come preloaded with a 30-day VIP pass for Pause Fest, and will be programmed to unlock the door to their home, gym or work. Alternatively, it can also function as a public transportation pass.

When the festival finally comes around in February 2018, the ten volunteers will join a panel and talk about whether they found the chip useful.

Developers are already working on a model of microchips that can store multiple access codes, and even be able to handle payments.

In due time, people will have no need for keys or wallets. But until that day comes, we'll just be here fumbling with our keychains.