We're in for a wild ride this upcoming century and technology will be there every step of the way, pushing us toward a future in which innovation, information, and commerce merge into a seamless whole. But five particular technologies will emerge that will fundamentally change the way humans interact with the world:
Biotechnology
In the next couple decades, scientists will become increasingly interested in manipulating genes and cells in order to eliminate degenerative diseases and extend the human lifespan. Gene therapy, cell transdifferentiation, and bionic organs will all be a part of the movement that uses the Human Genome Project in order to achieve stunning medical breakthroughs.
The Internet of Things
Regular everyday objects will be connected to the Internet and will be capable of communicating information to you and to each other. There will be few external objects that aren't embedded with some kind of intelligent interface that can spread information. For instance, your Galaxy S2 cell phone might take the time to inform you your favorite band is playing at a nearby venue. Thanks, technology!
Quantum computers
Imagine a computer that uses the behavior of subatomic particles in order to achieve calculating powers once relegated to the realm of science fiction. This is what many theoretical physicists think we're headed toward. It's an advance that could lead to self-aware artificial intelligence, recursive nanotechnology and even space mega-engineering projects.
Nanotechnology
When we're able to engineer objects on a microscopic level, there's no telling what we could be capable of. And that's just assuming it's humans doing the legwork. Many say sentient nanobots will be able to multiply and complete tasks at a pace that will redefine innovation itself. Once computers are able to improve their own source code, their recursive, exponential improvement may catapult them beyond human intelligence. Nanotechnology is just the beginning.
Artificial Intelligence
We already use artificial intelligence for search engine tasks and basic robotic functions, but what will happen when we create strong artificial intelligence? What will happen when IBM's Watson can take his jeopardy knowledge and combine it with self-awareness and the ability make itself smarter? The next outsourcing of jobs could be from humans to AI's.
These are just the big ideas. Within each of these categories you can break down hundreds, perhaps thousands, of smaller inventions and technologies that will drastically alter human life in the next century. But all of the preceding are considered likely at some point in the future. Many scientists think these concepts will overlap and feed each other. And then there's the accidental discoveries that no one can predict. Sometimes, those are more profound than the inventions we anticipate.
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