The Coming Convergence: Surprising Ways Diverse Technologies Interact to Shape Our World and Change the FutureImagine direct communication links between the human brain and machines, or tailored materials capable of adapting by themselves to changing environmental conditions, or computer chips and environmental sensors embedded into everyday clothing, or medical technologies that eliminate currently untreatable conditions such as blindness and paralysis. Now imagine all of these developments occurring at the same time. The stuff of science fiction? Not So. These are actually the reasonable predictions of scientists attempting to forecast a few decades into the future based on the rapid pace of innovation. Author Stanley Schmidt-a physicist, a writer, and the editor of Analog: Science Fiction and Fact -- explores these and many more amazing yet probable scenarios in this fascinating guide to the near future. He shows how past convergences have led to today's world, then considers tomorrow's main currents in biotechnology, cognitive science, information technology, and nanotechnology. Looking even further downstream he foresees both exciting and potentially dangerous developments: Longer, healthier lives; Cheap, generally available food, energy, and technology; Reduced pollution and environmental stress; Economic disruption during transitional periods; Excessive power in too few hands; Increased vulnerability from over-dependence on technology. Schmidt notes that even a routine technology such as the CAT scan is the result of three wholly separate innovations started many decades ago which recently converged: the X-ray, the computer, and advances in medicine. On a more ominous note, he also observes that the 9/11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center was made possible by the malicious convergence of two separate trends in modern engineering and technology: the concentration of people in high rises within cities and the success of the passenger airline industry. The message is clear: the choices we make now will converge to create a near and distant future that will be almost unbelievably wonderful or unimaginably catastrophic, or both. This knowledgeable, fascinating glimpse into the future is a must read for everyone interested in technology, upcoming innovations in business, science fiction, and the future. |
Contents
Foreword | 9 |
Then Now and Tomorrow | 15 |
Aviation and Big Buildings | 49 |
Copyright | |
13 other sections not shown
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
ability already Analog Science Fiction applied atoms basic become body brain build called camera cells CHAPTER cloning convergence CT scan depends developed devices Drexler electrical electrons engines Engines of Creation Eric Drexler example Fiction and Fact field film Freitas Jr future genes genetic genome Gnome Press happen holography huge human imagine interact interface invented Isaac Asimov Jacquard loom kind large number laser least less light live look machine magnetic mechanical Mendel molecules Nanofactory Nanofuture nanomachines Nanomedicine nanorobots nanotech nanotechnology neurons nology numbers orbit organs patient photography physicist picture plate players possible potential practical problem produce radio RFIDs robot scientists signal simple sound space Stanley Schmidt stored stories Storrs Hall streams switching technologies telepresence there's things tion trying x-rays York