Technology
A term well used in our 21st century society and applied to many aspects of human activity but probably the most readily accepted usage concerns computers. Maybe this stems from the fact that computers, in different forms, now permeate practically all facets of human activity. Something we are begining to take for granted but which future generations will not even consider. The near future will see this technology totally integrated with systems and services to the extent that, conversations with computers will be no different to those we conduct with other humans. I mention Nanotechnology in the medicine section but it's when these technologies are brought together that we'll see science fiction become science fact. Today, the pace of computer development produces almost daily steps forward. We are seeing the emergence of the next generation of human - computer interraction. Touch, voice and motion sensing are taking us into what was science fiction just a few years ago. But this is still just the beginning!
In addition to direct application computers now enable us to simulate our designs in action, which reduces developmment costs and the risks associated with testing new ideas. Complex modern aircraft fly first time with little or no significant problems Their pilots are trained on computer simulators and can step into the real thing and fly it competently, first time out. Virtual reality now makes it possible for researchers and designers to move into their creations and experience a perspective never thought possible. Future systems will employ holographic projections with Nanotechnology giving the subject mass and substance such that it will be indistinquishable from reality. Artificial intelligence continues to be developed and will soon enable systems and cybernetics to converse with us in plain everyday language. Some contemporary science fiction entertainments show machines that can produce food instantaneously in response to a human command. This may be considered fanciful at present but, given that Nanotechnology is perfected with the necessary supporting technologies, replication will be perfectly feasible. The replicators memory will hold molecular patterns or maps of the range of food on offer, these having been previously scanned by a molecular scanner. The replicator receives a request, selects the appropriate pattern and instructs the Nanoengines to reproduce it. Seconds later a plate of beans appears. In theory anything could be replicated making this yet another technology with the potential to wipe us out if misused. It will certainly prompt a serious rethink of our social structure as money and many of the things we do to earn it will become meaningless, financially. We will have to adjust our concept of occupation to labouring for the good of society rather than for financial reward.
Notice how it's computers that feature centrally in all these future developments, to manage, control, organise, educate, instruct, provide information and answers. We might become a little paranoid into thinking that they are cleverer than we are and at some point in the future, that could happen! Current thinking predicts that computers will have developed capabilities equal to those of the human brain by around 2025. Again we venture into the area of complimentary technologies. Another potential, presented by Nanotechnology is that of perfecting Intelligent Materials. That is to say, materials which can think for themselves and respond to external stimuli, which will mean self repairing/maintaining fabrications that adapt to situations in which they are placed. It's been a feature of natural systems for millions of years. Trees increase growth in weak limbs to counter high winds. We call it evolution. Install future molecular electronics in an android body constructed from intelligent materials and you have an artificial lifeform with human capabilities, or better!
Beyond this, when we develop our knowledge and skills, I see the potential to integrate this technology with human physiology, enhancing our capabilities, both physically and mentally.
The possibilities are endless and inevitable. I see our race always facing challenges from what we discover and invent but I think the way we manage the technologies that we are now developing will prove decisive in our struggle to survive.
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