Intel co-founder Gordon E. Moore was the first man to observe a trend in computer processing power that has been proven true ever since the integrated circuit was first invented in 1958. This trend, now known as Moore’s Law, postulates that the processing power of computer chips roughly doubles every 18 months. What this means is that the power of computers is increasing at an exponential rate, and along with that acceleration in processing power comes an ever increasing amount of innovation and technological advances. Today, devices like smartphones and tablet PCs, technological achievements that would have been all but impossible only 20 years ago, are normal and fully integrated parts of our lives. What incredible new technologies might arise in the next decade?

Here are just a few exciting examples of technologies in development that are shaking up the modern world and might significantly affect our lives one day soon:

3D Printers – 3D printing has come a long way in recent years, and the exciting technology behind it may one day allow independent inventors to create working prototypes of complex items right from the comfort of their own homes. Beyond maximizing human creative potential, 3D printing combined with stem cell research might also significantly affect the future of medicine. Already, simple organs like tracheas and other cartilaginous structures have been successfully 3D printed and surgically inserted into patients. It’s not unreasonable to predict that, thanks to the power of 3D printing, waiting lists for even complex organs like hearts and livers might someday be a thing of the past.

Driverless Vehicles – While cars still do not fly and probably will not in the near future, several tech and automotive companies have begun to investigate the viability of driverless vehicles. Already several companies have created driverless cars that can handle slalom courses and parallel parking with ease. Google has developed one such driverless car that is “driven” by an artificial intelligence that uses multiple cameras and sensors on the roof and bumpers to determine the positioning of the vehicle. While the technology to make these vehicles dependable for use will probably be ready within the next five years, it may take much longer than that for them to become inexpensive enough for widespread consumer use.

Unprecedented Motion Detection – Just ten years ago, touch-enabled devices were a rarity, but today there is a touch screen on virtually every cell phone and portable electronic device. This trend has continued even further, with motion detection from a distance beginning to see use via video game devices like Nintendo’s Wii or Microsoft’s Kinect. However, there are several new technologies that are dramatically increasing the sensitivity and usability of motion detection. A device called Leap Motion enables users to control video games, tablets, and televisions through an advanced motion sensor that detects finger movement without it ever touching a single screen. Yet another new device, Eye Tribe, allows users to control their tablets by using the movement of their eyes, allowing users to do everything from play games to access the Internet simply by looking.

Mechanical Prosthetics – Over the last ten years, DARPA, the advanced research wing for the Department of Defense, has been hard at work creating advanced prosthetics that closely mimic the movement and function of natural limbs. DARPA’s current prototype attaches tiny electrodes directly to the nerves on a limb that were severed during amputation, allowing the patient not only direct mental control of the limb, but a limited amount of sensation and proprioception (the ability to sense where your limb is without looking) as well. Further, more advanced versions of the technology are still in development.

No matter which of these technologies you’re most looking forward to using, keep an eye on the future. These devices of tomorrow may be here much sooner than you think.

John Soland is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to business news.

John Soland is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to business news. http://www.marketwatch.com/story/laser-spine-institute-partners-with-marodyne-medical-to-offer-the-latest-in-low-intensity-vibration-science-2013-02-19

Author Bio: John Soland is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to business news.

Category: Computers and Technology
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