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Emerging Technologies
A reprint from the October 2001 special report of the World Future Society
Here is a list of emerging technologies, and the year they are likely to be in common use, from the Forecast Project, a panel of some 65 well-known futurists who participated in George Washington University's Forecast of Emerging Technologies.
Hybrid vehicles
Cars that combine electric and internal combustion engines are commonly available. 2007
Distance learning
Schools and colleges routinely use computerized teaching programs and interactive television lectures and seminars, as well as traditional methods. 2012
Computer sensory recognition
Widespread usage of voice, handwriting, and optical recognition features allows ordinary personal computers to interact with humans. 2009
Parallel processing
Supercomputers using massive parallel processing are commonly used. 2015
Intelligent agents
Knowbots, navigators, and other intelligent software agents routinely filter and retrieve information for users. 2007
Televiving
Greatly expanded use of embedded processors in common objects are integrated into the workplace and home. 2008
Expert systems
Routine use of expert systems help decision making in management, medicine, engineering and other fields. 2012
Computer translation
Computers are able to routinely translate languages in real time with the accuracy and speed necessary for effective communications. 2018
Ceramic engines
Cars are powered by ceramic engines that withstand heat and wear much better than steel. 2022
Gene therapy
Genetic treatments are routinely used to prevent and/or cure inherited diseases. 2025
Optical computers
Computers using photons rather than electrons to code information enter the commercial market, enabling processing to run at the speed of light. 2012
Artificial food
Synthetic meats and vegetables are commonly consumed, providing optimum health benefits. 2030
Neural networks
Computations are commonly performed by neural networks using parallel processors. 2006
Nanotechnology
Microscopic machines and/or nanotechnology are developed into commercial applications. 2030
Intelligent transportation systems
Computerized highways regulating traffic flow are commonly used to reduce highway congestion. 2015
High-speed trains
High-speed rail or mag-lev trains available in most major cities in developed nations. 2012
Designer babies
Offspring can avoid inheriting malfunctions, and parents will design their "ideal" child. 2012
Green business
Companies will position themselves for long-term sustainability through environment-friendly practices. 2015
Hypersonic planes
Passenger aircraft traveling at more than five times the speed of sound are used for the majority of transoceanic flights. 2023
Fusion power
Fusion nuclear power is used commercially for electricity production. 2030
Manned mission to Mars
A manned mission to Mars is completed. 2022.
Originally published in the October 2001 Special Report to the World Future Society. Used with permission from the World Future Society, 7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 450, Bethesda, Maryland, 20814. Telephone: 301.656.8274: Fax: 301.951.0394; www.wfs.org.
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