Human evolution is astonishing. Have look at our time from primitive humans to the advanced race we are today. Our evolutionary journey is astounding. The only thing that surpasses our evolution is technological evolution. Technology has been growing exponentially since time immemorial. Someone invents a new idea and others work to improve it for decades. The watershed moment came with the discovery of electricity. We then invented automobiles, radio, television and the telephone. Then came computers and the internet. Providers popped up offering residential internet connections like Cox service. Then came smartphones and technology continues to evolve. Today we stand at a point where the only way is up.
Using Existing Technology to Change the World
The pocket devices of today are much more powerful than the supercomputers the past. Automobiles are faster, safer and more efficient. The internet has advanced globalization. We all know that, right? So how far will our technological evolution take us? It’s anyone’s guess, to be honest. Nobody can accurately predict the state of our world in the future. But there are many ways present technology can make life easier across the world. Some of them include:
- Education
- Advanced Prosthetics
- 3D Printing
- Driverless Vehicles
- Nanotechnology
- Artificial Intelligence
Let’s have a closer look at how these technological inventions can help change the world.
Education
17% of the global population remains illiterate. Most of these people are from developing countries. Countries like Sudan, Nigeria, Pakistan, and India. In the absence of a strong educational system, technology can really help out. The internet can make education accessible to anyone with a connected device. Many YouTube channels regularly publish educational content. This helps people learn new information and skills. Several universities offer online degrees. They try to bring higher education within reach of the less fortunate. Imagine if the world made a concentrated effort toward e-education. The global literacy rate would skyrocket, and illiteracy could become a thing of the past. Can you imagine a world with a 100% literacy rate? Technology can make that happen.
Advanced Prosthetics
Technology is making great leaps when it comes to assisting people with disabilities. In a world slowly countering ableism, technology is at the forefront. What if I told you, advanced, mind-controlled prosthetics are not science fiction? Yes, they are very real. These advanced assistive aids use sensors and implants linked to the brain. Exoskeletons and prosthetics make life easier for the less able among us. The present technology can really lessen the challenges they face.
3D Printing
We have all messed around with a 3D printer, haven’t we? 3D printing is a technological marvel that has many applications in various areas. From manufacturing prosthetics to building houses, the possibilities are endless. 3D printers are now in use as a way to build low-cost housing. They’re also under consideration as an addition to space missions. 3D printers will allow astronauts to manufacture parts and tools in outer space. 3D printers can even take on manufacturing tasks and make the process more efficient.
Driverless Vehicles
Driverless vehicles and autonomous driving have been making headlines in the past few years. And with good reason! But what about the bad press, you ask? If you look beyond the unfortunate accidents, driverless vehicles are quite an achievement. As technology improves, they could make human drivers obsolete. You could travel in a personal vehicle without ever needing a driver’s license. Autonomous vehicles will reduce the number of road accidents. Essentially, they are going to make road safety for everyone a priority. Say goodbye to bad drivers and road rage!
Nanotechnology
Tiny robots that you can’t see with the naked eye. Does this sound farfetched? It’s actually an exciting field with many applications. Nanotechnology can truly change the way the world works. It’s in use from smart nano-fluids to nano-robots the size of a molecule. There is no limit to the possibilities. One area of interest is cancer treatment. Nano-robots programmed to fight tumors can help people suffering from cancer symptoms. Nano-bots also offer many new avenues in surveillance, security, and even manufacturing.
Artificial Intelligence
The invention of AI or artificial intelligence is as big as the discovery of electricity. Many people stand by this statement. Artificial intelligence is not necessarily Skynet and Terminator killing machines. In our age, one of the best examples of AI is Google. Using machine learning and data analysis, an AI can “learn” and do tasks. It can function without instruction. While AI is still largely in its infancy, it has very real applications. From search engines to data crunching, AI is making life easier for everyone.
Sure, right now, you can’t get a mechanical helper to program your Cox TV packages. But in all honesty, that may not be too far away. All the big tech giants like Google, Facebook and Tesla are experimenting with new tech. Smart home assistants like Amazon Alexa are steps toward digital homes. The internet of things is making devices smarter and more efficient. Where all this takes us, remains to be seen.
