What's the next big technology?

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The discussion highlights significant technological advancements throughout history, from the discovery of fire 100,000 years ago to the development of integrated circuits and computers in the 20th century. It speculates on future innovations, suggesting that heterogeneous computing, robotics, and space resource harvesting could be next. The concept of brain-computer integration is also mentioned, along with the potential for advanced technologies like replicators and holodecks. The conversation touches on the need for a groundbreaking invention to address global challenges such as energy, food, and healthcare, with ideas like algae for biofuel and improved battery technologies being proposed. The potential of fusion power and the importance of making new battery technologies financially viable for widespread adoption are emphasized as critical for the future of renewable energy and consumer electronics.
reddvoid
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fire 100,000years ago
Sail 1200 BC
wheel 3500 BC
windmills 100 AD
steamengine 1800 AD
electricity and dynamo
electromagnetics
integrated circuits
.
.
Whats next ?
 
Computer science news on Phys.org


What a silly question. The answer is snarlgenpoogen of course.
 


Agriculture - beginning of cooperative labour divisions and cities
Printing press 1450 AD - mass produced education
Antibiotics 1920 AD. Dramatic increase in lifepsan.
Computer 1950 AD. Massive impact on society.
 
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i thought it was Dec 21 st 2012 - end of the world
 


I expect to see a grand synthesis of all human invention. That is to say, a sailboat, controlled by electromagnetic integrated circuits, and powered by a fire in a steam engine attached by a wheel to a windmill that runs an electric dynamo.
 


reddvoid said:
fire 100,000years ago
Sail 1200 BC
wheel 3500 BC
windmills 100 AD
steamengine 1800 AD
electricity and dynamo
electromagnetics
integrated circuits
.
.
Whats next ?

Heterogeneous computing
Robotics
Space
 


The Next Big Thing will be the Cerebrum Communicator, in development since 1967 by TPC (The Phone Company):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdGa0KA8EpM
 
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The future is here!
qray.jpg
 


I want a replicator. "Tea..Earl Grey...HOT!"
 
  • #10


extinction
 
  • #11


Pythagorean said:
extinction
Can't argue with that one.
 
  • #12


I think in the future humans will seek to harvest resources beyond those found on Earth - precious and semi precious metals, minerals, and "rare Earth's" which are used in electronics and technology are ever more scarce, I think eventually it will become economic to harvest these elements from the moon and nearby asteroids, perhaps even Mars and the darkside of mercury.
 
  • #13
Sticks followed by stones and that's if we are lucky.

Actually I think the next really big thing is pc / brain integration. Followed by sticks then stones.
 
  • #14


Evo said:
I want a replicator. "Tea..Earl Grey...HOT!"

Holodecks would be nice, too. :biggrin:
 
  • #15


jtbell said:
Holodecks would be nice, too. :biggrin:

Andriods as well. At least until they started wanting equal rights.
 
  • #16


JonDE said:
Andriods as well. At least until they started wanting equal rights.

Equal rights? They'll probably put humans in zoos.
 
  • #17


jtbell said:
Holodecks would be nice, too. :biggrin:
Ooooh, yes!
 
  • #18


wuliheron said:
Equal rights? They'll probably put humans in zoos.

or just assimilate us...
 
  • #19


jtbell said:
Holodecks would be nice, too. :biggrin:
Warp drives.
Shields.
Laser guns. :biggrin:
 
  • #20
A portable, one-person version of the Cone of Silence:

http://scientopia.org/blogs/guestblog/files/2012/05/cone_of_silence-300x228.jpg

Every person with a cell phone should be required by law to carry one of these.
 
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  • #21
jtbell said:
A portable, one-person version of the Cone of Silence:

http://www.infosecurity.us/storage/images-2/rsa-cone-of-silence.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1302197692503

Every person with a cell phone should be required by law to carry one of these.
:smile:
 
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  • #22


jtbell said:
The Next Big Thing will be the Cerebrum Communicator, in development since 1967 by TPC (The Phone Company):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdGa0KA8EpM

Told you so! :biggrin:

Intel wants to plug a smartphone into your brain (CNN Money)
 
  • #24
reddvoid said:
fire 100,000years ago
Sail 1200 BC
wheel 3500 BC
windmills 100 AD
steamengine 1800 AD
electricity and dynamo
electromagnetics
integrated circuits
.
.
Whats next ?

A single invention that solves our energy problems, food problems, and Medicare/Social Security problems.
 
  • #25
BobG said:
A single invention that solves our energy problems, food problems, and Medicare/Social Security problems.
I have an idea for a single invention (realistic and attainable) that not only solves the above but also all environmental problems, overpopulation issues, poverty and all disease. Frankly it makes all other inventions obsolete.
 
  • #26
I've got it! An insect ball!

You spray the ball with instect attractant so the insects hover over your head instead of around your head!

Plus, the mast doubles as an antenna for your mobile computing and communications needs, plus can be used as a lightning rod while golfing!

insect_balls.GIF
 
  • #27
BobG said:
...plus can be used as a lightning rod while golfing![/PLAIN]

wait a minute...
 
  • #28
BobG said:
A single invention that solves our energy problems,

Algae

food problems,

Algae

and Medicare/Social Security problems.

Soylent Green
 
  • #29
BobG said:
A single invention that solves our energy problems, food problems, and Medicare/Social Security problems.
Medicare? You don't need a next big technology for that, just take an off-the-shelf model from any of the dozens of countries that employ a form of universal health care.
Ivan Seeking said:
Algae
Algae for biofuel would be good if it could be made to used large scale though other forms of artificial photosynthesis have more potential advantages.
 
  • #30
Hopefully sometime soon we will see one of the countless many new battery technologies that have come about in the past few years come into fruition. This would be beneficial not only for small scale electronic devices but also for electric cars.

Also, fusion power.
 
  • #31
fletch-j said:
Hopefully sometime soon we will see one of the countless many new battery technologies that have come about in the past few years come into fruition. This would be beneficial not only for small scale electronic devices but also for electric cars.

Also, fusion power.
Far better battery technologies would be great for renewable energy adoption.
 
  • #32
Ryan_m_b said:
Far better battery technologies would be great for renewable energy adoption.

I think that it would spawn a whole new range of technologies and could be a big game-changer in renewables and consumer electronics.

Now some of that battery technology needs to become financially viable so it can come out of R&D and into the market...
 

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