Everyone’s afraid of technology surpassing humans, but in many ways, it already have.
Engineers, architects and scientists are creating things that genuinely feel too high-concept to be a reality, yet they are. There are countless robots performing surgeries, drones that deliver vital medical care, exoskeletons lowering the chance of work injuries, revolutionary environmental tech, and a lot more.
The future is here, and it isn’t always so dark and dystopian.
1
‘The da Vinci’ surgical robot
One of the most widely used devices to assist doctors in laparoscopic surgery.
2
Swarm bots
These are individual, miniature robots that can be programmed to organize themselves for rapid construction and other work.
3
Device to detect the health of nature
Architect Pavels Hedström has developed the Gaia Communication System, a wearable vest and a pair of gloves with sensors so that users feel the health of plants, insects, soil, air, and more.
4
Amphibious ‘Crosser’
Designer Bernardo Pereira’s has developed an autonomous amphibious vehicle that can drive in water when there’s a traffic jam on the road.
5
The Archax
A Japanese manufacturer has developed a real-life piloted mech-suit, which is on sale now for three-million dollars.
6
Solar satellites
China is developing satellites outfitted with solar panels that can remotely transfer the energy back to Earth.
7
Flexible solar cells
Researchers from the University of Sheffield are developing flexible solar power technology that absorbs far more sunlight than the traditional rigid panels.
8
Dissolvable plastic
The RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science is developing eco-friendly plastic that will dissolve in saltwater to reduce ocean pollution.
9
3D printed ceramic sculptures for preserving insects.
Artist Raphaël Emine has designed sculptures that double as habitat for insects and small wildlife.
10
John Deere’s Walking Tractor Timberjack
A high-tech logger designed for traversing rugged forests.
11
‘The Hugo’ Robotic Assisted Surgery Device
A modular robotic surgical platform designed for various surgical procedures.
12
Survival Research Labs’ Spine Robot
A mechanical tentacle being developed to give future robotic tech more precision and diversity in movement.
13
Fortis Exoskeleton
An exoskeleton designed to mimic human joints and assist in heavy-duty construction work.
14
Guardian GT
A robot with two dexterous, seven-foot long arms designed for complex maneuvers and heavy lifting.
15
FlyPulse Ambulance Drone
A remotely-operated drone fitted with a defibrillator to save lives on-scene.