Sci-Fi writer Anne McCaffrey wrote a book called "The Ship Who Sang," years ago. The premise was that smart, but physically deformed people could have their brains, spinal cords and major nerves transplanted into machines. This gave the machines the processing ability of a bright human and gave the bright human a "shell" that could do things, albeit not necessarily "human" things. In this case a female's brain was used to control a space ship. All the "brains" were encouraged to acquire a hobby - this one's was singing opera, hence the title of the book.

Though I read this book years ago, the idea has stuck with me, because it seems so sensible and humane. The author presents a compelling and thoughtful vision of this particular brave, new world.