Over the years, the predictions about future technology have ranged from wildly optimistic to eerily accurate. Foresight in technology balances ambition with practical, ethical, and societal challenges. Here are some hits and misses in the predictions in the last decade.
Robot-Operated Warehouses: A Hit in Automation
In the 1950s, visions of robot-only warehouses spread widely. This was before Silicon Valley became the tech hub. These were large individual mobile robots just taking over a human’s job with no need for breaks, holidays, hangovers, and time restraints.
Today, modern warehouses mostly use robots and machines. They operate with minimal human input. For example, the VW car plant in Wolfsburg uses over 5,000 robots to build cars from start to finish with very minimal human interaction. They produce almost 1 million cars per year from the 6.5 million sq. meter site. Amazon warehouses leverage robots and conveyor belts to pick, pack, transport, and stage items for delivery. Essentially, a workforce that can work 24/7 without complaints is as close to perfect and efficient as it gets.
As we look to the future, this evolution hints at several key predictions for technology in the coming decades:
AI-Driven Decision-Making: Future warehouses will use advanced AI for real-time decisions. Robots will autonomously adjust schedules, inventory, and routes. AI will not just control robots but predict and solve problems before they disrupt operations.
Human-AI Collaboration: Although fully autonomous systems are growing more sophisticated, future factories will likely see even greater synergy between humans and machines. Enhanced AI may equip robots with problem-solving abilities. Human oversight will add creativity and critical thinking.
Robot Butlers;
Isaac Asimov predicted that by 2014 personal service robots would be easily available though not massively common. Unfortunately, the best we have is ‘Alexa’ and a Roomba. One listens in to every aspect of your life, while the other vacuums.
While we wait for advanced robot butlers, the best temporary path is to have kids and use them as family labor.
Pogo Police Cars
In the 50s and 60s, people imagined pogo police cars to enhance police mobility. They envisioned vehicles replacing the “bobby on the beat” or “cop on the street.” However, traditional police cars remain the norm.
The idea of pogo police cars proved impractical as criminals would escape easily. The police force has stuck with the reliable Vauxhall Astra Diesel for intimidation and pursuit.
Luckily for us (and the criminal classes) the police force has stuck loyally with the finest mode of transport for intimidation and pursuit in the form of a Vauxhall Astra Diesel. It’s bad enough giving some officers tasers and real guns, no need to add in a mode of transport that would cause utter chaos.
The Internet(World Wide Web)
Early visions underestimated its dominance. Initially seen as a novelty, the internet has become indispensable. It began in the US for sharing information between research organizations. Now, it lets you order a pizza while watching YouTube and booking flights. The internet has also affected debates, as people can quickly find answers online.
Computing/ Telecoms
Early personal computers hinted at a bright future. Today’s smartphones and laptops far exceed early predictions. Mobile phones now function as personal computers, fitting into your pocket and performing complex tasks. Teachers who said you’d never have a calculator in your pocket were proven wrong.
Flying Cars
Flying cars have long been envisioned as the future of transportation. While cars that can fly are becoming a reality, they are still not practical for everyday use. The large, cumbersome wings of current prototypes severely limit their practical use. Roads, parking spaces, and drive-thrus aren’t designed for them.
Meal in a pill
Another classic prediction is a pill providing all daily nutrients. Currently, there is no possible way to pack all the necessary calories and nutrients into one pill. Space travel movies often feature this concept, but it remains a dream.
Movement Tracking
Advanced tracking was predicted for various purposes. Today, tracking technology is widespread, affecting privacy and security. Devices like smartphones and smart fridges now learn your habits, enhancing convenience but raising privacy concerns. Even CCTV and bank cards leave a digital trail.
Weather Manipulation
Now we have all heard of cloud seeding, this is a chemically altered cloud system spread by firing rockets into specific areas. More commonly it has been used to disperse clouds to create better weather for large events like outdoor gigs, an Olympics opening ceremony and one country regularly uses it to afford good weather during their national anniversary military parades.
Seeding is also being attempted to create cloud systems to initiate rainfall in drought areas. There is no evidence so far that this is even remotely successful. I’m sure once it is there will be a huge clamor from massive companies to have a piece of the action. Obviously, this type of seeding would be a savior to many African nations as well as large parts of the US like the Sierra Nevada mountains in California. After all, water is life and there probably is a few dollars to be made out of it.
There is also digital and aesthetic Manipulation happening. In many ‘magic window’ products, the seemingly normal windows can change to TV or computer screens or project selective views with desired weather, i.e. if it’s raining outside you can make it appear like a sunny summer. There are also window and blind systems that can be used to limit the effects of jetlag by controlling how much light and when the light comes into a room.
Near-Future Technologies
Casinos are the masters of making time disappear by simply having no windows or clocks. They even serve breakfast 24 hours a day so that guests don’t know what the time is and keep spending
There are hundreds of ideas people have to make our lives easier and revolutionize the planet of which most are utter crap and the dreams of someone who watches too much Star Trek and Logans Run. However, there are a few that are worth a good look at that seem achievable in the world we live in.
Personal Jetpack
There have been many attempts at this over the years but it all comes back to the sheer expense and how dangerous these Jetpacks are. Basically, you are strapping directional explosives to your back hoping they haven’t been made by ACME. As with all of these things, range is an issue as well as the safety aspect and cost but also, can you imagine thousands of people flying about in the sky with a bomb on their backs?
Saying that, there have been some great developments made but don’t expect to see parking spaces at your local supermarket any time soon.
Delivery Drones
Automated drones delivering your takeaway to your door or window, what could be better for obese nations? Jesting aside, the drone delivery service will in the next few years be used to get medication, food, etc to hard to reach places and even items out to troops on the battlefield without risking extra human lives. Amazon is apparently trialing these out, so expect to open your door one day to having rotor blades buzzing around head height looking for a signature, or trying to put your package under the doormat.
Human Clones
There is ongoing testing in this field on rats, mice, and monkeys so the day will come soon that humans will be getting cloned. This will either be used in a productive manner i.e. for body parts and seat fillers at the Oscars.
Either way, it is a very dangerous road to go down so maybe ease off on that one and stick to cloning Sunday lunch.
3D Holograms
Static holograms, like those on currency, have existed for years. The desire though is to have a full-sized hologram that can be communicated live and not restricted to a portal or hologram pad. Think more Rimmer from Red Dwarf than Princess Leia’ in the original Star Wars.
For the moment the best we have is a hologram that can play recorded messages.
There are some huge benefits to be had using holograms like in the medical field where you can look inside a 3d body and diagnose so much easier.
The day is coming though, keep your eye on the adult industry as they will make a fortune out of holoporn. Credit card details are definitely needed for that one!!!
Working Toaster
Wouldn’t we all just love a toaster that has a setting where the bread is toasted well and golden, not just warmed or cremated? How can there be such a difference between 2 and 3?
Conclusion
While many technological predictions have become reality, others remain speculative. From robot warehouses to potential future technologies like delivery drones, advancements continue to shape our world in unexpected ways.
