It’s amazing how the wild imaginations of sci-fi writers have shaped the future. Often, the futuristic gadgets and technologies we see in our favourite science fiction films seem like pure fantasy. But what if I told you that many of these outlandish ideas are slowly becoming part of our everyday lives? From communicators to flying cars, technologies once only dreamed of on the big screen are now edging closer to reality, or even already in use. Let’s explore twelve cutting-edge technologies that owe their origins, at least in part, to the wonders of sci-fi.
1. Self-Driving Cars (Inspired by Minority Report)
Self-driving cars were once a futuristic concept seen in films like Minority Report. In the movie, autonomous vehicles zipped around cities, effortlessly controlled by AI. Today, companies like Tesla, Waymo, and Uber are developing self-driving cars that rely on sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence to navigate roads without human input. While fully autonomous cars are still being tested and refined, they’re closer than ever to becoming a part of daily life.
2. Voice Assistants (Inspired by 2001: A Space Odyssey)
The HAL 9000 from 2001: A Space Odyssey might have been a sinister example of AI, but it predicted the rise of voice-activated assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant. These voice-activated AI systems are becoming an essential part of our homes and devices, enabling us to control everything from lighting to answering questions with simple voice commands. Thankfully, modern voice assistants are a bit more user-friendly than HAL!
3. Holographic Displays (Inspired by Star Wars)
When Princess Leia’s holographic message appeared in Star Wars, it was pure science fiction. Fast forward to today, and holographic displays are becoming a reality. Companies like Looking Glass and Holoxica are developing 3D hologram technology, which could change the way we communicate, collaborate, and entertain ourselves. While it’s not yet as sophisticated as the Star Wars version, this tech is making strides, and full 3D holograms might soon be in our living rooms.
4. Augmented Reality (Inspired by Iron Man)
Tony Stark’s interactive displays in Iron Man gave us a glimpse of how augmented reality (AR) could enhance our lives. Today, AR is being used in everything from gaming (think Pokémon GO) to education and healthcare. Devices like Microsoft’s HoloLens and AR apps on smartphones are already allowing people to interact with digital information in real-world environments, blending physical and virtual worlds in ways we once thought impossible.
5. Smart Glasses (Inspired by Blade Runner)
Blade Runner showcased futuristic smart glasses with heads-up displays, giving characters information at a glance. Today’s smart glasses, like Google Glass and Meta’s Ray-Ban Stories, are packed with features, from taking pictures to showing notifications in your field of view. While the technology is still developing, these devices are a big step towards the immersive, high-tech eyewear that was once the domain of science fiction.
6. Robotic Prosthetics (Inspired by The Empire Strikes Back)
When Luke Skywalker received a robotic hand in The Empire Strikes Back, it was a glimpse into a future where humans could have functional, lifelike prosthetics. Modern robotic prosthetics, like those from Open Bionics and DEKA, are capable of complex movements and can be controlled by the brain. These advanced prosthetics have dramatically improved the quality of life for amputees, offering both mobility and dexterity.
7. Tractor Beams (Inspired by Star Trek)
In Star Trek, starships used tractor beams to pull or push objects in space. Today, scientists are working on tractor beam technology using sound waves and lasers. While we’re still far from capturing spaceships, small-scale tractor beams have already been created, capable of moving tiny objects. Researchers are exploring how these could be used in medicine, space exploration, or even manufacturing.
8. Universal Translators (Inspired by Star Trek)
Another Star Trek prediction becoming reality is the universal translator. While we don’t yet have a device that instantly translates every language, AI-powered translation tools like Google Translate and Microsoft Translator are breaking down language barriers in real-time. Earbuds like Timekettle WT2 can translate conversations between people speaking different languages almost seamlessly, helping people communicate across linguistic divides.
9. Hoverboards (Inspired by Back to the Future Part II)
In Back to the Future Part II, Marty McFly’s hoverboard sparked a futuristic dream. While we don’t have quite the same floating boards today, hover technology has made leaps forward. Companies like Lexus and Hendo have developed hoverboards using magnetic fields to glide above surfaces. They’re still limited to specific environments, but the dream of a true hoverboard is now more real than ever.
10. Flying Cars (Inspired by The Fifth Element)
The vision of flying cars has been a staple of sci-fi films, especially in The Fifth Element, where futuristic cities were filled with airborne traffic. Today, companies like AeroMobil and Terrafugia are working on making flying cars a reality. These vehicles combine the functions of cars and small aircraft, promising to revolutionise transportation in the coming years, though we’re still waiting for mass adoption.
11. Space Tourism (Inspired by 2001: A Space Odyssey)
2001: A Space Odyssey showed ordinary people travelling in space, and we’re now edging closer to that reality with companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic leading the charge. Space tourism is becoming possible, with several successful missions sending civilians to the edge of space. While still in its early stages and extremely expensive, the idea of holidaying among the stars is no longer pure fantasy.
12. Biometric Security (Inspired by Gattaca)
In the dystopian world of Gattaca, biometric data like DNA determined a person’s place in society. While that concept remains a chilling idea, biometric security, including fingerprint, facial recognition, and iris scanning, has become a part of everyday life. From unlocking our phones to airport security, these systems are revolutionising how we protect our identities and secure sensitive data.
These 23 Titanic Facts That Will Make You See the Tragedy in a New Light
The Titanic, perhaps the most legendary ship ever, was a masterpiece of early 20th-century engineering, funded by American tycoon J.P. Morgan and constructed at the Harland and Wolff Shipyard. Thanks to the movie and other works of popular fiction, any people think they know everything there is to know about the Titanic, but they’re wrong.
Read More: These 23 Titanic Facts That Will Make You See the Tragedy in a New Light
Ellen has been obsessed with logic puzzles, jigsaws, and cryptograms since she was a kid. After learning she was taught how to play chess wrong by a family friend (so they could win), she joined her school chess club and the rest is history.
