8 New Technologies That Are Turning Sci-fi Into Reality
Science fiction has a way of becoming a reality. What was once relegated to the pages of novels and comic books is now being developed in laboratories and workshops worldwide. As the understanding of the universe expands and technology improves, everyone is discovering that many things once thought impossible are now within reach.
Here are eight examples of new technologies that are turning sci-fi into reality.
Artificial Intelligence Applications
Artificial intelligence, as it is commonly known today, began to take shape in the 1950s. This was the era of mainframe computers and early video games like Nim. While AI has come a long way since then, the basic concept remains: using computers to simulate human intelligence.
However, what was once a simple concept has become a complex reality. AI is used in various ways, from self-driving cars to facial recognition software. And as technology continues to develop, it is becoming increasingly more sophisticated.
One example is the Google DeepMind project, which tries to understand different aspects of intelligence so that computer systems can learn how to find solutions to complex problems on their own. This is just one of many examples of how AI is becoming more and more like the science fiction that inspired it. Other examples of modern AI include:
- Digital assistants;
- Facial recognition software;
- Speech recognition software.
Just like it was portrayed in movies like “2001: A Space Odyssey,” with its invention of HAL 9000, AI is becoming more and more advanced. But instead of being used for evil, as in many sci-fi stories, AI is used for good. It helps us solve problems and makes our lives easier.
Seasonal Thermal Energy Storage
Seasonal thermal energy storage (STES) is a type of energy storage that uses the temperature difference between winter and summer to store and release energy. STES can be used to heat homes and businesses during the winter or to generate electricity. It’s a very efficient way to store energy and is becoming increasingly popular as a renewable energy source. If you’re not familiar, think of aquifers. STES works similarly, but with heat instead of water.
One of the challenges with STES is that it requires a large amount of space. However, this is changing as new technologies are being developed. In addition, companies like Ecovat are working on new ways to store thermal energy, using less space and making it more affordable.
STES could reduce demand on the power grid. STES is a promising technology becoming more viable as innovations develop.
Self-driving Vehicles
As seen in movies like “I, Robot” and “Total Recall,” self-driving vehicles are no longer the stuff of science fiction. Google, Tesla, and other companies have been working on this technology for years, and it is finally becoming a reality.
Self-driving vehicles are still in the early stages of development but are slowly becoming more common. Google has been testing self-driving cars for years, and Tesla has released a semi-autonomous vehicle, the Model S. These are just the first steps, but it is clear that self-driving cars are heading in the right direction.
Many challenges need to be addressed before self-driving vehicles can become a reality. These include technical challenges, like the need for better sensors and mapping systems, and legal challenges, like figuring out who is responsible in the event of an accident. But as these challenges are overcome, self-driving vehicles will become more and more common.
Delivery Robots
Robots are increasingly being used for deliveries, as seen in the movie “Wall-E.” While this technology is still in its early stages, it is becoming more common. Companies like Starship Technologies are developing robots to deliver food and other items.
Existing delivery services, like Uber Eats and Grubhub, are also starting to use robots for deliveries. These robots are usually small and slow, but they are getting better as technology improves.
Delivery robots are still in their infancy, but they have a lot of potential. They can help reduce traffic and pollution and make deliveries more efficient. As technology improves, expect to see more and more delivery robots on the streets.
HUDs and AR Glasses
HUDs, or heads-up displays, are a type of display that is placed in front of the user’s eyes. HUDs are often used in aviation, but they are also finding their way into other applications, such as gaming and automotive. AR (augmented reality) glasses are a type of HUD that superimposes computer-generated images in the real world.
HUDs and AR glasses are becoming more common as technology improves. These devices have incredible potential and can be used in various applications. Plus, the need for prescription glasses is declining due to the safe and quick recovery time of corrective eye surgeries, such as LASIK, cataract surgery, PRK, and EVO Visian ICL. This will make it easier for people to use head-worn devices like heads-up displays. These surgeries are getting more sophisticated, faster, and more successful, making HUDs and AR glasses a realistic possibility for many people.
Cobots in Workplaces
Cobots, or collaborative robots, are a type of robot that is designed to work alongside humans. Cobots are becoming increasingly common in workplaces as they are seen as a more efficient and effective way to work. You might’ve heard of this type of robot in some of your favorite shows, such as “Westworld.”
Cobots come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they can be used for a variety of tasks. For instance, some cobots are designed to assist humans in manufacturing processes, while others help with office tasks, such as sorting mail.
Lab-grown Meat
Lab-grown meat is a type of meat grown in a lab from cells. This meat has the same taste and texture as traditional meat, but it is produced without the need for animals.
There are several benefits to lab-grown meat. For instance, it is more humane, as it does not require the slaughter of animals. It is also more sustainable, using less land and water than traditional meat production. And it is more efficient, as it does not require growing and feeding animals.
Lab-grown meat has been around for nearly a decade, but it is only now becoming a reality. The first lab-grown burger was created in 2013, and since then, the technology has rapidly improved. Several companies are currently working on lab-grown meat, which is expected to be available to consumers within the next few years.
Deep-brain Stimulation
Deep-brain stimulation (DBS) is a type of brain surgery used to treat various conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and dystonia. A DBS device is small and implanted in the brain. It sends electrical impulses to specific areas, which can improve symptoms and quality of life for patients.
DBS is a relatively new procedure, but it is becoming more common as its effectiveness becomes more widely known. It is estimated that there are currently 180,000 people worldwide who have had DBS surgery. With a vastly growing number, it’s clear this technology is here to stay and help people with neurological conditions.
So there you have it, eight technologies that are turning sci-fi into reality. What’s next?
