Future Technology

Today in class, we started off with a video on Claytronic. It is a revolutionary idea, where nano-scale technology is fused with computer science to create programmable atoms. These "atoms" can receive information and model a 3D object. The amazing part is not about how futuristic this concept is, but it shows that we are able to manipulate matter at such a small scale. Manipulation of matter at such atomic scale opens up a possibilities that were previously unattainable. For example objects can be built atom by atom, right from scratch where there would be no wastage of resources. Then the used object could be reprogrammed to be recycled to something else, saving the environment by consuming less resources.

"In term of the development of application of new and emerging technology, we are limited only by our imagination - and, all too often, the lack thereof", a quote from our professor. I do agree that we are only limited by our imagination, and nothing is unattainable. As we are able to see for ourselves, science-fiction concepts and theories are being realized today as we are empowered by the development of technology. This century that we live in, has experienced more scientific breakthrough than the total number of breakthroughs in human civilization. As technology is intertwined, a discovery or invention in a specific field can open doors to another. Development in electronic engineering can enhance the circuitry in maybe particle physics, and even biotechnology. Knowledge is built upon each other, where sharing of information is now so easy. Thus, I believe that we are not far from anti-matter propulsion or space-time manipulation, just like in science fiction, and just like how Stephen Hawking suggests how the final frontier for human is space travel. It would be just a matter of time, probably in the next century where more sci-fi concepts gets realized as technology is advancing in an exponential rate.

Another video that captured my attention is Augmented Reality. It is basically using computer aid to enhance the visual reception of the real world. As my blog address suggests, we are Technosapiens - Homo Sapiens that integrate with their highly evolved tools. Things like augmented reality and "Sixth Sense" from TED is going towards the direction where human will integrate technology into our lives, where we can make sense of our environment much better by connection to a database of knowledge. The theory of evolution suggest that all life forms adapt and the fittest survives, and it is pretty much prevalent in our society. Those who are the most resourceful and ahead of others using any form of enhancement (i.e. tools, technology, genetic engineering, etc) would survive better than the rest.

I believe that the greatest development in the next few decades would be biotechnology due to its sustainability, and computer science, where the ability to make use of existing hardware is greatly enhanced. The hardware that are available now is being developed towards a saturation point, slowing down as compared to decades ago. It would be a large market for software developers to mix and match, integrating their software to create extremely valuable technology. Augmented Reality and Sixth Sense are such examples, where everyday things like camera and processors are used. However, it is the technology that make sense of it all, and sieve data into information, and information to knowledge. As software can be accessed and developed by many creative mind in the world, I believe that it would be a playground where many much more creation will sprout, and shared with the world.