Future Predictions

It is not difficult to find many interesting technology predictions in the Internet but to think big and farther down the timeline, I particularly like this FutureTimeline.net website which presents three periods of time, two on a per century basis and the last period is termed “The Far Future”. Instead of getting into specific technology predictions in the next decade or so, I am drawn to this much bigger yardstick and the predictions made are short, succinct and quite sensible to me.

The first period is the 21^st century from the year 2000 to 2099 which we are in the middle of experiencing. The prediction is not unexpected. It is about humanity on a global basis having to face and deal with climate change at an increasing pace and intensity. Overpopulation and resources become scarcer but on top of a world that has transforming new technologies exploding rapidly on a regular basis.

The second period is the 22^nd century from the year 2100 to 2199.The prediction is that transhumans emerging and diverging from humans in eco-technic societies global wide. Moreover, colonisation of space begins in earnest. Both predictions are fascinating and in my mind not at all far-fetched. We do not see humanoid Robots around us today but Robots are everywhere especially in the manufacturing sectors. Humanlike Robots are starting to function in more sophisticated ways both mechanically and intelligently. In addition to Artificial Intelligence, we have machine-learning, neural networking, cloud technology, virtualization, parallel computing, quantum computing on the verge of becoming a reality, nanotechnology and so much more. Because of the Internet, each generation starting from mine will become more educated, innovative and be able to acquire knowledge remotely and instantly. We are fulfilling this prediction right now. To have a far future, human must not be overcome by the impact of climate change such as wars induced by shortage of water, Religious and ideology wars could decimate us first before the water shortage. 

Finally the third period ‘The Far Future’ ranges from the year 2200 to 10,000 AD. Post-biological humanity spread throughout the galaxy and converting unlivable worlds into computational substrates. We can grow human organs and install mechanical devices inside the body today. I can imagine in the far future without a doubt that humanity will not have to rely on the fragile body that we have to survive. We may be able to live much longer but not escaping death.

 Above picture shows the window from inside a spaceship where humans can look out when traveling to space.

Reference

FutureTime.net – Timeline. Retrieved from  http://www.futuretimeline.net/index.htm.