If you’ve looked around lately, you’ve likely noticed that there is more technology being used than ever before. We have it in our hands, in the car, in our homes. Technology is everywhere. In some ways it’s like a science fiction movie from two decades ago suddenly came to life. Advances in technology have led to healthcare improvements, changes in the construction industry, and benefits to everyday life. But, when you look around, can you believe that these technologies are in use today? Here are some that will make you take a double-take, because they just can’t be real.
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Robotic Suits
You’ve probably seen some of the movies where people put on an exoskeleton suit and they suddenly have superhuman strength. This is real. Exoskeleton suits are used in many industrial and military applications as we speak. People are able to make more precise movements, lift heavier objects, and protect their bodies from injury. These suits have helped improve workplace safety, created added efficiencies, and they look really cool. Additionally, robotic suits have applications for spinal cord and other back injuries. For instance, people with spinal cord damage can use these suits to get up and walk around even if they don’t have use of their legs.
3D Printed Organs
This one sounds insane. Can you imagine getting an organ transplant made just for you? You’d no longer need to rely on an organ donor if something went wrong. Simply order an organ and schedule the surgery. It sounds far-fetched, but it’s true. Scientists have developed the ability to 3D print organs. While they are not used in humans yet, the goal is to make this technology available commercially so that people will get the organs they need when they need it. There are still significant challenges that they need to overcome, but it’s only a matter of time before there will be people walking around with organs that they have 3D printed.
Rocket Powered Jetpacks
People have been trying to create one of these jetpacks for decades. With newer technology and different fuel types, they are finally creating a product that is usable. Imagine flying to work instead of driving or using it to hop across a lake. While some of the applications of a jetpack sound frivolous, the technology is there and it’s amazing, much like powered scooters.
Artificial Intelligence
While no one is putting a consciousness into a computer just yet, artificial intelligence backs a lot of the technology we use today. From Alexa playing your favorite song to Siri finding the best answer to your question, there’s no doubt that AI is woven into the fabric of our society. IoT devices use AI to do things like order your groceries for you when enough items are added to your list, or they help you see who is at your door, so you don’t need to open it for strangers.
Microscopic Renewable Energy
The scale of nanotechnology is so infinitely small that it’s difficult to wrap your mind around. But the scale of this technology is being used to develop microscopic renewal energy sources. As these technologies advance, the cost of energy like solar power will decrease to make it more accessible to everyone.
3D Printed Food
We already discussed 3D printed organs, so it’s not too far-fetched to imagine using cells to create 3D printed food. This is a great application for creating foods with higher protein and delivering them to regions where resources are scarce. This technology is not dependent on animal products, slaughterhouses and other parts of the protein food chain. Making 3D printed food could help in areas that experience natural disasters and need time to build their infrastructure back up.
Automated Drones
Could you have imagined the day when a drone being directed by GPS technology could drop a package at your door the same day you ordered it? That’s what’s happening now. Drone technology is being implemented to help deliver packages. Other drones are used to monitor and send back specific information. Think about the “aircrafts” that monitor speed. It’s likely a drone. Automated drones are ones that do not need a human pilot to move it. Instead, they are directed through smart technology, GPS, AI, and maybe a little magic.