Session 9 – Emerging and Future Technologies

Session 9 – Emerging and Future Technologies

“You see things; and you say, 'Why?'

But I dream things that never were; and I say, 'Why not?'”

- George Bernard Shaw –

Have the openness to say “Why not?” instead of just asking “Why?”. This is the “Rising Star” mentality, just like an eagle that opens its wings and embraces new things that come its way. On the other hand, asking “Why?” is a “Falling Star” mentality, akin to an ostrich, that buries its head in the sand and narrowing its horizons. I must say, before enrolling in TWC course, I often take things as it is and not question why things are the way things are. TWC module definitely broadened my perspectives about issues around the world and the development of certain industries from past to future J

Prof. Shahi then showed us a video on “Claytronics”, which was the topic of my individual research paper. An emerging technology indeed, I believe it would revolutionize the lives of humans in the future in many industries such as telecommunications, medicine, product designing etc. Another interesting technology introduced today is “Plastic Electronics”, where e-book readers and computers for example, can be made from cheaper materials such as plastic and silicon. This technology, I believe would definitely open the doors of many who had previously no access to the Internet and use of computers, given its cheaper cost. A great invention, indeed.

We then discussed on the drivers of future technologies. A technology-driven invention is where the growing knowledge in the field of Science, insights and discoveries has led to the invention of this new technology that was inconceivable in the past. Sometimes, supply creates demand, where consumers do not realize they need something until they see or experience it. It is able to meet the needs of consumers which were previously unimagined as well as, providing solutions to previously unanticipated problems in certain industries today.

One presentation I really found interesting was Glenda’s one, on underwater living. Perhaps it might seem like a wild idea now, but it is very likely that in the future, when populations are rising such that land is more scarce than before, or perhaps when with global warming and sea levels are higher than that of ground, there might possibly be a need to introduce underwater living to the populations, and relocate them underwater. However, there might be environmental problems that comes with this, such as the invasion into the marine life, especially during the construction to make underwater living possible.

One point I would like to mention is that even though emerging technologies are still in their infantry stages and may have certain limitations, there is definitely still much potential for further development, to increase the quality of life for humans. After all, technology itself is the human-centric application of Science. This makes me recall the very first lesson, when Prof. Shahi said that there is no such thing as a good or bad technology. It ultimately depends on how it is used by humans, and whether we utilize the opportunities that technology offers us so that we are able to bring about beneficial and meaningful impacts on the lives of human.

This session appears pretty short, perhaps because many emerging technologies were covered but not in-depth. Regardless, a very interesting session as it looks into the future use of technology! Really enjoyed the presentations as well, some were pretty cool. 9/10! J