Technology & Computer Programming

6 Future Technology Trends That Already Exist

While taking the space elevator up to the lunar casino for the weekend isn’t an option yet, we are now living on the cusp of a sci-fi future. Driverless cars, distributed manufacturing, and wicked-fast quantum processors all promise to transform the world…and how we interact with it. Here’s a look at thirteen future technology trends that are already being developed.

1. Driverless Cars 
Using cameras, radar, and laser range-finders, Google’s driverless cars have already logged over 300,000 accident-free autonomous miles. Three states (CA, NV, FL) presently permit testing of autonomous vehicles. Should driverless cars prove themselves safe, they have the potential to save tens of thousands of lives per year and revolutionize the way we travel.

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2. Advances in Stem Cell Research 
Stem cells are unspecialized cells that can be coaxed into growing into specialized functions. Treatment potential for diseases like cancer, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, ALS, and several other conditions is enormous. Many studies that require embryonic sources have met significant resistance in the U.S., but researchers continue to discover alternative sources for stem cells.  

 3. Bionic Eyes
The world’s first self-contained bionic eye, the Alpha IMS, connects directly to the brain via electrodes. Though the image quality is nowhere near 20/20, future iterations should be able to restore sight for some types of blindness. Within a few years, we’ll be able to add bionic contact lenses to this list.

  4. Exoskeletons for Restored Mobility


Ekso Bionics, MindWalker and ReWalk have all developed wearable exoskeletons designed to help people with lower-limb disabilities walk. Ekso and ReWalk models achieve this with body controls, while MindWalker uses a non-invasive Brain / Neural Computer Interface.

5. 3D Printing in the Home 
Injection-mold 3D printers have been around for several years, but recent developments are simultaneously decreasing costs and adding the types of printable materials (including metal). Coupled with open-source design, 3D printers allow for the creation of musical instruments, camera lenses, clothes, and a plethora of other cool stuff.

6.Wearable Computers 


The idea of strapping a computer to your wrist is nothing new, but wearable computers will extend beyond this. Google Glass is currently the most popular example in this category, but other uses include medical monitoring and sensing, industrial applications, even “smart textiles” that adapt to conditions and provide bio-feedback.