We have already reached a stage of progress where much of what was once portrayed as an illusionary future in sci-fi movies has become a distant past. However, there is still much to strive for in the scientific community. Where, for example, are the flying cars promised by the creators of the third part of ‘Back to the Future’? Although what we will discuss in this article looks equally impressive.
Especially considering that most of these technologies will become a reality in the next 5 years. Some of them already have prototypes and are gearing up for mass production. And if some of these technological innovations are capable of eliciting a ‘Wow!’ effect now, in the near future, they will become a familiar part of our lives.
1. Graphene
When this innovative material was first announced, it caused quite a stir. And rightly so, as many immediately saw the incredible potential of graphene. Its thickness is only one atom, making it 100 times stronger than steel, as well as very flexible and transparent. Moreover, it was discovered by our fellow countrymen A.K. Geim and K.S. Novoselov, who received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2010 for this discovery, although as British scientists, as they lived and worked in the United Kingdom for the past few years.
2. Flexible Phones
This is precisely one of the first significant applications of graphene. Smartphones with flexible screens may soon replace conventional ones. Especially since such technology was announced by Samsung, which recently introduced the new Galaxy X with a bendable screen. It and its counterparts have not yet become consumer products, but most likely, it is a matter of the near future. So, finally, we will have phones that we can carry rolled up in a wallet. There are also rumors that specially designed graphene-charging batteries have been developed, capable of charging the phone very quickly.
3. Holograms
People like to talk about holograms. It is definitely one of those technologies that evoke futuristic associations, and apparently, it will soon become much closer to us. We have already seen many proofs of this. One of them was demonstrated by the company Hypervsn, showing at the CES 2018 exhibition several cool holograms based on LED lighting. Of course, this is not yet the technology we are used to seeing in movies about the future, but in the next few years, it will undoubtedly become more advanced.
4. Phones That Won’t Need Charging
Technologies related to the use of solar energy or kinetic energy (when body movement is used as a charge) are no longer new. And since one of the most rapidly developing industries is the smartphone industry, it is not surprising that active work is being done to implement such batteries. This means that soon the pressing problem of searching for a phone charger will finally be solved, as it will no longer be needed.
5. Genetic Engineering
Genetic engineering, or genomics, is a rapidly developing scientific field that is already demonstrating incredible breakthroughs. And although some of the possible prospects associated with genomics are ambiguous from an ethical point of view (cloning or artificially creating ‘superhumans’), this science can solve many medical problems and increase human life expectancy. In addition, genomics has great potential for improving agriculture.
6. Quantum Computing
Quantum computing is another area that people have high hopes for in improving our lives. We will not explain the principle of operation of quantum computers, firstly because we do not understand anything about it. Secondly, it is much more interesting to find out what benefit this technology will bring us. In particular, it is capable of significantly increasing the computational speed of computers and making them much more powerful.
7. 3D Printing
Everyone has heard about 3D printing for a long time, and while it remains only at the level of a fancy technology that prints uncomplicated objects from plastic. But over the next few years, we will witness more practical applications of 3D printing. Along with plastic, it will be possible to use various types of metals. Moreover, there are also discussions about creating such things as human organs or other essential items.
8. Autonomous Cars
It seems that until the invention of computers and the internet, the most significant technological breakthrough for humanity was the invention of cars. And, apparently, revolutionary changes in the field of car manufacturing await us. No, now we are not talking about flying cars. Autonomous cars are already undergoing initial tests, and discussions about them are becoming increasingly popular. So if you have always dreamed of attending parties in your own car and not denying yourself a drink, rejoice because soon your wish will come true.
9. Hyperloop
Hyperloop is one of the most exciting technologies of the near future and one of those ambitious projects that Elon Musk has had a hand in developing. The idea is to create vacuum trains that can reach speeds of up to 1000 km/h. Thus, the hyperloop can become a high-tech and convenient alternative to airplanes. In any case, the project is now in the development stage, and all that remains for us is to wish its creators good luck and wait.
10. Li-Fi
Wi-Fi is no longer the only way to connect to the internet wirelessly. A new technology called Li-Fi has appeared, which uses visible light instead of radio waves to transmit information. Since the light spectrum in space is much larger than the radio frequency, this technology will allow achieving a higher internet speed. Moreover, its cost will be significantly lower than using Wi-Fi.
