The majority of gadgets and technology devices developed in early 80’s and 90’s are obsolete now. Think of the floppy disk (holding a storage capacity of 1.44Mb), audio cassettes, Walkman and big bulky radios and video cassette recorders (VCRs). Most of the millennial would associate them with their childhood memories.
Who would have thought of Virtual Reality, Bionic Hand, and smartphones in those years; just seemed to be a fiction or a Hollywood Movie fantasy. However, the fact is, all of these technologies have overwhelmed the users, and innovation is swelling exponentially.
Pew Research has found that:
– 53% of Americans think it would be a change for the worse if most people wear implants or other devices that constantly show them information about the world around them.
– 65% of Americans think it would be a change for the worse if lifelike robots become the primary caregivers for the elderly and people in poor health.
The best thing about scientific discoveries is that they are growing at quicker pace and allows us to make breakthroughs even faster.
Let us have an overview on amazing innovations taking place in different sectors of life, and how it would influence our lives in the coming years.
1. Bionic Hand
Not designed for everyone, and might not interest you much, but the bionic hand is a major breakthrough for the people without fingers. Bionic hand is controlled by brain signals and it does not require going through any painful surgeries.
The bionic hand is able to install the hand with plastic covering similar to a human skin. The bionic hand comes with a price tag of $50,000, which is not a hefty price for a new hand. There is much more to come in the future to replace lost limbs and recover functions.
2. Revolving Tower in Dubai
The extravagant Dubai is on the verge of developing and constructing state of the art skyscrapers with something unique to offer, just like Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest building). At present, developers are building a tower with 59 independent rotating floors. The dwellers will see the changing view, every now and then.
The floor has the capacity to rotate six meters per minute, without the movement being noticed by the dwellers. The exterior of the building can be transformed into complex designs, changing the view of the building completely.
With all that said, you might not be stunned very much, but what I am going to reveal will jolt you. The wind turbines built in between each floor will help in releasing pollution free energy, which would be enough to power the tower and the surrounding buildings.
3. 3D Bio-Printer
Organovo has developed 3D bioprinter commercially that builds custom organs cell by cell. The cell of an individual is based on sample cells recovered from the body. The printer comprises of two robotically controlled precision print heads.
One of them is used for placing human cells while other is for placing a hydrogel, support matrix or scaffold. The biggest challenge in the making of bioprinter was to position the cell dispensing capillary tip fastened to the print head in microns.
The focus of the bioprinter is fabricating simple tissues, like nerve conduit and blood vessels, however, any organ or tissue can be formed.
4. Nanotechnology in Clothing
Nano Fibers will make your clothing durable and more comfortable. The textile products can be made stronger and responsive to customers. The fiber-based Nano-generators will produce electrical energy in clothing from blood flow, physical movement, and ultrasonic waves.
If the same thing is offered in double or triple layers of clothing, the result can be a flexible, wearable and foldable power source. This will allow people to generate electrical current on their own while walking. The hydrophobic Nano-filaments allow complete waterproof clothing. For instance, if it is dipped in the water for two months, it will remain dry to touch (thanks to nanotechnology).
5. Computers are Everywhere (Yet Unseen)
Persuasive Computing also called Ubiquitous Computing is just about to come. The use of computers has widespread in our toys, homes, cars, phone and even appliances. However, we still have to input the information through the keyboard and hold it in our hand. These devices are however getting tinier with the miniaturization revolution.
In simple words, we will be living in a rainbow’s end world, where information-processing devices will be omnipresent, but completely unseen. The devices will be in our fashion accessories, clothing and contact lenses, capable of ambient intelligence to help them function secretly under certain conditions.
6. Solar Energy
The solar energy will take the place of fossil fuels and wind farms. According to Kurzweil, “the amount of solar energy is growing drastically while the cost per watt is decreasing. It is growing double the rate every two years for the past twenty years. It is just eight doublings away from meeting the world’s energy needs”.
Sandia, an emerging technology is moving closer to the reality, which is made of 100 times less material than the top solar cells without sacrificing efficiency. The biggest challenge in the path of solar power is the mass nature of solar panels with a huge cost. While the new microscopic cells will be a game changer.
Currently, the panels are operated by large motors to move them in the direction of the sun and come in a massive volume. While the Sandia Cells will only require being moved a fraction of a millimeter to track the sun efficiency. Can we ignore this technology?
7. Robots
Robotics is a branch of technology that has shown remarkable innovation and has modernized the way humans work. There has been a major development in the fields of medical and construction, where robots are responsible for the construction work or operation of a patient.
However, in the recent times, it was able to teach human facial expression by arbitrarily grimacing its face and receiving feedback on what looks a lot like real expressions.
BigDog robot is another one that was introduced to the world a couple of years ago. The robot has four legs with the ability to navigate difficult paths and correct its balance when shoved. Another version of BigDog that is the bipedal version, which is able to walk heel to toe just as humans can. It can also maintain its balance when shoved.
8. Smart Nations
Singapore is striving to become a Smart Nation to enhance the quality of living and creating new opportunities. It is a concept that will empower people by technology to lead meaningful and satisfied lives. The government is looking forward to creating solutions to address everyday challenges. The government of Singapore will play its part to place the infrastructure, policies, and enablers to boost innovation.
Five key areas that will impact on society and citizens are listed below.
1. Home and Environment
2. Transport
3. Public Sector Services
4. Business Productivity
5. Healthcare technology
Conclusion
The scientific breakthroughs developed and predicted in the coming years might sound like a fiction, but they are going to change the world. Scientists now believe that they are on the brink of various quantum leaps in numerous scientific pursuits, driving from space exploration to the medical care and the computers we use to cars we drive.
The evolution of science and technology will not only help in conserving energy and medical care but also make a major breakthrough in the lives of a common person, living an average life with a limited source of income.
Let us see what revolution takes place in the coming years. Maybe, we will be driving cars in the air to avoid jam-packed traffic on roads or a robot will examine the humans in place of doctors to diagnose diseases more efficiently. One thing is sure, technology is disrupting our lives and future looks a bit more than thrilling.
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