sci-fi today, Science Fact tomorrow (virus, videos, computer, vcr)

[crystalblue]

what things do you see coming to fruition (great word) over the next couple of decades?

[Katie1]

Org Star Trek had flip open communicators Now we have Wireles flip phones!! & we already have robotic arms & legs....

[Haaziq]

Originally Posted by Katie1

Org Star Trek had flip open communicators Now we have Wireles flip phones!! & we already have robotic arms & legs....

People don't know that a lot of modern science is made based on replications of what is seen on Star Trek. Science fiction and physics are connected because sci-fi usually deals with the violation of the laws of physics.

[Tek_Freek]

An article in today's paper said that by 2030 the U. S. could supply 20% of it's power using wind energy. The article said it will take "visionaries" in the government to make it happen, but that it can be done with the technology in use today.

So if we use the wind in the center of the country for 20%, and the oceans on the coasts for another 20% we can have almost half our energy needs met without the use of oil, coal, or nuclear.

Not too tacky. The only problem I see is the "visionaries" in government.

I could, where I live now, supply my electrical needs with a wind generator, but the city I live in would never let me mount one on my roof. This is the type of attitude that needs to change in this country.

[crystalblue]

Originally Posted by Katie1

Org Star Trek had flip open communicators Now we have Wireles flip phones!! & we already have robotic arms & legs....

when i say robotic arms etc, im thinking the bionic man.

[sponger42]

IMO:

Self Driving cars - Probably limited to "smart" freeways at first.
Flying cars - Doubtful without an anti-gravity breakthrough. Airborne flight is just too energy intensive.
C3PO type Robots - Probably as houskeeping robots for Japan's aging population. A bit wasteful, though.
Smoking hot Terminator 3 type robots (non killing type) - Not much of a market for these, IMO.
AI - This one is a little difficult to measure, and there's not much of a market for a self-aware computer.
a Matrix - Maybe more and more immersing levels of internet. Dunno about "jacking in".
anti aging formula - Maybe a retrovirus which can re-write a person's DNA. More likely we'll discover a way to switch off aging genes in embryos of children not yet born. Those of us still living will find ourselves doomed to a naturally-brief life.
nano molecular manufacturers - Almost a certainty.
nuclear fusion - It exists. Net energy gain, probably "in 10 years". Cost effective? Maybe never. May be used as a rocket propulsion system instead.
FTL Space travel - Maybe possible, maybe not ever.
Space Planes - Just like todays planes, but into space - That wouldn't be much like today's planes. Maybe a sub-orbital hydrogen-powered RBCC aircraft for the ultra-rich in an ultra-hurry.
Laser guns - In use as blinding weapons. In test as anti-missile systems, maybe someday as offensive/hand-held weapons.
lightsabers - No.
cool robotic arms/legs/etc - In development, but may not come for a long time. MMI work will probably never match organic control an compactness. Most tasks requiring machine muscles or precision will continue to be done by independent robots. Amputees will probably tend to go for simplicity, rather than expensive robotic replacments that are unreliable and suffer costly breakdowns.
cure for all diseases - A combination of vaccinations, stem cells, nanomachines, and genetic engineering will mitigate diseases, but never eliminate them.
wormhole teleporters - See FTL travel.
X-ray glasses!!! - Doubtful.
Sgtar trek "food pills" that meet all your daily requirements. - High energy emergency disaster relief biscuits. Not much of a market for them outside of disaster areas.
a flying car you can fold into a briefcase - More likely a can of nanomachines you can pour on the ground and have manufacture you a flying car. Very far in the future.

a suit of Iron Man Armor - The bipedal human body is not the most efficient fighting form. That's why we build tanks instead of battlemechs. Don't think we'll ever see this. Maybe some form of advanced space/scuba/hazardous environment suit will be as close as we get. Doubt we'll ever see fully-powered combat suits. Just too big and cumbersome. Defeats the purpose of "cheap", fast, easily concealed, easily supplied infantry.

[sponger42]

Robotic suit could usher in super soldier era - Yahoo! News (broken link)

That shows what I know.

[JBrown]

Like it or not often the world is driven by ...Hmmm.... sex.
The very first cave drawings were of busty naked women... the animals and hunters came later.
The availability of adult videos is what skyrocketed the sales of vcrs. Porn accounts for most of the traffic on the internet.

What you left off the list is virtual reality sex and sex robots. Yes sex robots. Not just the stuff of sci-fi movies..it's already being worked on and has been "demonstrated". No more headaches or I'm too tired....

Choose your poison

[crystalblue]

Originally Posted by JBrown

Like it or not often the world is driven by ...Hmmm.... sex.
The very first cave drawings were of busty naked women... the animals and hunters came later.
The availability of adult videos is what skyrocketed the sales of vcrs. Porn accounts for most of the traffic on the internet.

What you left off the list is virtual reality sex and sex robots. Yes sex robots. Not just the stuff of sci-fi movies..it's already being worked on and has been "demonstrated". No more headaches or I'm too tired....

Choose your poison

i was thinking this would kinda qualify.


http://www.terminatorchronicles.com/...ronicles-3.jpg

http://www.the-planets.com/star-biog...iography-3.jpg

[JBrown]

You betcha that qualifies.....

And I applaud your descretion
But...

You KNOW it's like a drug.....when they get it fine tuned there will be a demand for them the likes the world has never seen.

People stand in line for almost 2 days to get some stupid video game, or a cabbage patch doll etc..imagine the mark up etc on a cute little hottie always ready to rock and roll etc...and then does yur apartment clean up when your at work and has great food at the ready when you get home...and might even invite one of her "friends" over for an evening of "Fun".


Oh...BTW...ladies....yoiu won't be left out either....that's a BIG market too