This special issue of SELT, titled: The convergence of the physical, mental and virtual, is dedicated to state-of-the-art body/brain-machine interfaces and companion robotics. It takes as its point of departure the gap that exists between the visionary work and experimentation undertaken by scientists, and the results of theoretical and practical reflection on issues of ethical, legal and social relevance. We bring together here experimenters, philosophers and ELSA scholars, to describe and explain cutting-edge research and to communicate some of the implications for individual and social well-being. In doing this, we hope to set an example of how radically different disciplines can communicate and complement each other’s work.