Vertical farming, reusable rockets & blockchain: Technologies of the future that are changing the world right now
We are perhaps living in the golden age of technological developments. With so much happening at various fronts, in coming years, the way we interact with the world is going to change significantly. Here are 10 technologies currently in different phases of development which could transform our future
Blockchain | The underlying technology of cryptocurrencies, though still in its nascent stage, has the potential to change not just the banking structure but also how we manage database. From fighting counterfeit products to creating a trust-less network, blockchain is expected to be the next buzzword for coming many years. (Wikimedia Commons)
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AI and machine learning | Artificial Intelligence has already crept into our lives via our mobile phones and home assistance devices—helping in making choices and sometimes making them for us. Apart from our houses, it is powering shipments, driving cars, wading through traffic, running military equipment etc. (Reuters)
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Gene editing | At present, a gene editing technology called CRISPR is perhaps the most exciting area of research in the field of biotechnology. The technology could be used to eradicate diseases—even hereditary— by slicing through the genes and finding and removing mutated sections of DNA. (Reuters)
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Reusable rockets | In space exploration, the cost effectiveness, along with safety, is of utmost importance. And, if we can employ a rocket multiple times rather than on a use-and-throw basis, the cost of launching a satellite or a probe would come down drastically. SpaceX has demonstrated the capability of reusing its Falcon rockets successfully. However, the technology is yet to be developed by any other space agency or company. (Reuters)
AR & VR | Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality have already changed the way we experience games and movies. The technology has the potential to be used in multiple fields, especially training robots, doctors and workers without actually sending them in real environment. The technology is extensively employed in training military men at a low cost. (Reuters)
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Self-driving cars | Despite few accidents the self-driving cars have been involved in lately, their testing has been going pretty smoothly, more or less. Almost all major carmakers are developing and perfecting the technology. The day is not far when we would going on a long ride without fretting over who would be driving the car. (Wikimedia Commons)
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Hyperloop | The high-speed mass transport system envisioned by Elon Musk could be the replacement of comparatively snail-pace current trains. The ambitious underground transport system is being developed in many parts of the world including India. (Wikimedia Commons)
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Quantum Computing | Still in largely theoretical stage, the next level of computing plans to use subatomic particles to store and process quantum bits, the quantum equivalent of bits used in traditional computers. The quantum computers could process calculations at million times the current-era computers. However, a lot of developments is due in the field. (Wikimedia Commons)
Vertical Farming | With gradually reducing farming space and ever increasing demand for food, vertical faming is employed , especially in urban centres, to provide fresh produce. The technology if employed on a large scale can really solve the food problem for urban population. (Wikimedia Commons)
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Minichromosome Technology | A minichromosome is a small structure within a cell that includes very little genetic material but can hold a lot of information. Using minichromosomes, hundreds of traits to a plant can be added like drought tolerance or tweaking the nitrogen use eventually paving way for developing plants which can be grown anywhere. (Reuters)
