Technology has the capability to accomplish numerous tasks, and it’s been the leading force in transforming our world for centuries. We are fortunate to reside in an era where science and Technology can aid us, simplifying our lives and revolutionising our daily routines. 

The technology we currently encounter and are accustomed to has opened doors for further innovation, and this compilation of existing and upcoming technologies undoubtedly holds the Potential to impact our lives significantly. 

Below is a roster of technologies likely to permanently alter our lives in the next decade and beyond.

Necrobotics 

New technologies have the potential to bring about incredible advancements that can shape the future, but they can also be quite unsettling. One example is necrobotics, a field that involves transforming deceased organisms into robots. 

While this may sound like the plot of a creepy horror movie, researchers at Rice University are actually exploring this technology. A university scientists’ team successfully transformed a deceased spider into a robot-like gripper capable of picking up objects. They achieved this by injecting air into the spider’s body. This approach works because spiders employ hydraulics to extend their limbs by pumping their version of blood, known as hemolymph, into them. 

While necrobotics is still in its early stages, it has the potential to contribute to scientific progress by utilising deceased animals. However, the concept of bringing life to the dead certainly evokes images reminiscent of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein.” 

3D Printing  

The process of 3D Printing, also referred to as additive manufacturing, involves the creation of a three-dimensional object from a digital file by building it layer by layer. Although it may appear less advanced than artificial intelligence or gene editing, 3D printing can revolutionise various industries, particularly manufacturing. 

With 3D printing, future factories could swiftly produce spare parts on-site, eliminating the need for traditional assembly lines. Additionally, this technology could be employed to print human tissue for transplantation purposes, fabricate weapons, and even generate food. 

While 3D printing technology offers numerous opportunities, it also presents challenges and obstacles that must be addressed. While it has the potential to reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing by utilising fewer materials overall, we must also consider the environmental consequences associated with the printers themselves. Moreover, 3D printing poses concerns for intellectual property owners, enabling counterfeiters to easily and inexpensively produce fake licensed goods. 

Additionally, there is the issue of easily printing weapons. One aspect of 3D printing that I find particularly intriguing is its potential for mass customisation of products. Thanks to this technology, products and designs can be tailored to individual requests, ranging from personalised sneakers to food catered to our unique nutritional requirements. 

Quantum Computing  

Quantum computing is an emerging field that operates on the principles of quantum mechanics. It possesses the capacity to tackle problems that are unsolvable using conventional computers. The development of the first commercial quantum computers is projected to occur in 2023. 

One notable application of quantum computing is its potential to facilitate the creation of novel drugs and materials. Despite being nascent, quantum computing can bring about a paradigm shift in problem-solving methodologies. Its applications extend beyond drug development and material design, potentially encompassing the decryption of current encryption methods.

Augmented Reality 

Augmented reality (AR) is a technological advancement that superimposes digital information and graphics onto the physical world. This cutting-edge capability can be accessed through various devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or other gadgets equipped with an AR application. 

One prominent field that extensively utilises AR is the gaming industry, leveraging its potential to create captivating experiences seamlessly merging the virtual and real worlds. For instance, popular casino apps can utilise AR to enable players to play virtual games like slots, poker, or blackjack in real-world settings. Because of this, the future for the best online casino apps holds an endless world of possibilities. 

Apart from gaming, AR has numerous practical applications in the education, healthcare, and retail sectors. Within the realm of education, AR can be employed to generate interactive and captivating learning encounters. In the field of healthcare, it enables the simulation of surgeries and other medical procedures, providing invaluable training opportunities. Likewise, in the retail industry, AR can offer customers a virtual try-on experience, allowing them to visualise how clothing or makeup will appear before committing to a purchase. This revolutionary technology can also create all-encompassing shopping encounters that bring products to life in novel and thrilling ways.

Self-Driving Cars 

Self-driving vehicles have already become a familiar presence on our roads. Still, technological advancements hold the promise of fully autonomous cars, potentially bringing about one of the most significant transformations in our daily lives. While Tesla has already introduced a sophisticated autopilot mode capable of assuming certain control functions, automakers aspire to enable hands-free driving eventually. 

Green Technology  

In light of the pressing issues surrounding global warming and dwindling resources, green technology emerges as a potential solution. Electricity can now be produced from wastewater and waste materials, while innovative technologies offer the possibility of repurposing discarded plastic for road and sidewalk construction. 

Numerous countries have recognised the importance of prioritising green technology, with Denmark, Israel, and Sweden leading the charge. 

Nanobots 

Scientists have successfully created nanobots, which are minuscule robots designed to operate at the nanoscale. These nanobots can enter our bloodstream and navigate past the blood-brain barrier. 

This remarkable technological advancement holds immense potential in various areas, such as sample collection, data transmission, and drug administration. However, it is crucial to acknowledge this technology’s potential risks and abuses. In the near future, nanobots might even be employed for the transmission of human thoughts. 

The deployment of weaponised nanobots poses grave threats, including targeted assassination or manipulation of memories to turn individuals against their own allies. Additionally, the widespread connectivity of modern devices raises serious concerns regarding the privacy of our medical data and thoughts in the realm of nanobots. To safeguard against these risks, it is imperative to establish stringent regulations and implement effective oversight. These measures would ensure transparency and serve as preventive measures against the aforementioned problems.