What The Next Big Technological Breakthroughs Might Be

As mentioned in our article ‘The Star Trek Replicator - It’s a thing and it’s called the ‘Nano Fabricator’, they promised us flying cars which is nearly a thing; they promised us holographic telecommunications which again is nearly a thing; they promised us teleportation which really is nearly a thing; and they promised us the replicator, this is actually becoming a thing. But what are the technological areas where significant breakthroughs could potentially occur based on past and ongoing trends in technology, we’ve listed a few below, when they happen they’ll be game changers.

Tesla Robot: The Tesla Bot, also known as Optimus, is poised to revolutionise the world of robotics. Elon Musk first introduced the Tesla Bot at AI Day in August 2021, with the promise that it would handle tasks humans prefer to avoid.

The Optimus prototype, showcased in 2022, impressed with its human-like appearance and basic functionalities. Recent updates have shown significant progress in its development, with improvements in walking speed, balance, and hand dexterity.

The Tesla Bot Gen 2 features advanced sensors, actuators, and a more streamlined design. Its walking speed has increased by 30%, thanks to enhancements in its foot design and motion planning system. The robot's hands have also been upgraded with touch sensing capabilities, making them more adept at handling delicate objects​

Elon Musk has ambitious plans for the Tesla Bot, envisioning it as a household assistant that could eventually be more valuable than Tesla's car line-up.

While full-scale production is expected to begin in 2025, the excitement around this project is palpable as it moves closer to real-world applications​.

Quantum Computing: The development of practical quantum computers could revolutionise many fields, including cryptography, materials science, and artificial intelligence.

Practical Uses: In cryptography, quantum computers could break current encryption methods, leading to quantum-safe cryptography. In materials science, they could simulate chemical reactions to create advanced materials and accelerate drug discovery, while in AI, they may boost machine learning efficiency.

Advanced Energy Storage: Efficient, high-capacity energy storage is critical for the growth of renewable energy and electric vehicles.

Practical Uses: Innovations in battery technologies, such as solid-state batteries or flow batteries, could revolutionise energy grids, enabling more reliable storage of solar and wind power. These breakthroughs would also enhance electric vehicles, making them cheaper and increasing their range.

Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering: Biotechnology advancements like CRISPR-Cas9 could transform medicine, agriculture, and sustainability.

Practical Uses: Gene therapy could treat genetic diseases, while genetically engineered crops could be more resistant to climate change and pests. Furthermore, biofuels developed from modified organisms could provide cleaner energy alternatives.

Artificial General Intelligence (AGI): AGI would allow machines to perform any task a human can do, fundamentally changing the landscape of many industries.

Practical Uses: AGI could automate decision-making in healthcare, education, and finance, revolutionising problem-solving in complex areas like climate change, resource management, and even space exploration.

Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs): BCIs could enable direct communication between human brains and computers.

Practical Uses: BCIs could restore movement for paralysed individuals by linking their brains to robotic limbs. In the future, they could be used to enhance memory, learning, and communication, or allow for seamless control of digital devices with just our thoughts.

Fusion Power: Fusion power offers the promise of clean, abundant energy.

Practical Uses: Sustainable fusion could replace fossil fuels, offering a nearly limitless supply of clean energy without the harmful waste associated with nuclear fission. It would drastically reduce carbon emissions, helping to mitigate climate change and make energy production safer and more reliable.

5G and Beyond: 5G is already transforming industries, but future generations like 6G could revolutionise communication and data transfer further.

Practical Uses: Ultra-fast mobile networks could enable real-time data transfer for augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and the Internet of Things (IoT), making smart cities more efficient and enhancing everything from healthcare to transportation systems.

Nanotechnology: The manipulation of materials at the atomic or molecular level has far-reaching implications in medicine, electronics, and energy.

Practical Uses: In healthcare, nanoscale robots could be used for targeted drug delivery, reducing side effects in treatments like chemotherapy. In energy, nanotechnology could help develop better solar panels, making renewable energy more affordable and accessible.

3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing: 3D printing continues to evolve, with potential to revolutionise industries like healthcare, construction, and aerospace.

Practical Uses: In healthcare, bioprinting could create organs for transplantation, while in construction, large-scale 3D printing could reduce building costs and speed up housing projects. The aerospace industry is also using 3D printing for lightweight, durable parts.

Advanced Robotics: Robotics is advancing rapidly, becoming more adaptable and capable.

Practical Uses: Future robots could take on complex tasks in manufacturing, healthcare, and space exploration. In healthcare, robots could perform surgeries or assist in elderly care, while in space, robots could conduct exploration missions to places too dangerous or distant for humans.

Self-Healing Materials: Materials that can repair themselves when damaged are being developed for a range of industries.

Practical Uses: Self-healing materials could be used in everything from smartphones and vehicles to buildings and infrastructure, drastically reducing repair costs and extending the lifespan of everyday objects.

Next-Generation Wearables: Wearable technology is evolving from fitness trackers to devices that could revolutionise healthcare and lifestyle.

Practical Uses: Future wearables could monitor a user’s vital signs continuously, predicting potential health issues like heart attacks before they occur. They could also become integral to AR systems, blending digital content seamlessly with the real world for enhanced communication, entertainment, and work experiences.

Advanced Virtual and Augmented Reality: VR and AR are already changing entertainment, but the technology has the potential to impact industries like education, retail, and remote work.

Practical Uses: In education, immersive VR environments could provide hands-on learning experiences for students. In retail, AR could allow customers to "try on" clothes or "test" products virtually before purchasing, while remote work could be enhanced with virtual offices that simulate face-to-face interaction.

Biodegradable Electronics: With the growing issue of electronic waste, biodegradable electronics could be a breakthrough.

Practical Uses: Devices made from eco-friendly materials could dissolve safely after use, reducing the environmental impact of gadgets and consumer electronics, and paving the way for more sustainable tech products.

Predicting the future is inherently uncertain, and there could be entirely new fields or technologies that emerge that we cannot foresee, but as we called out in the beginning we’re still waiting for those damn pesky flying cars so who knows what’s gonna happen.