More predictions
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Richard Wheeler
Research scientist in Starlab's Bits group |
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Richard Wheeler, a research scientist in Starlab's Bits group knows what won't fly in 2001; namely, technology fads that he feels do not make inherent sense, such as online grocery shopping and e-books. Wheeler suggests electronic book technology will not be widely adopted until we further develop video screens that look and feel like paper. Xerox PARC lab's recent spin-off, Gyricon Media, has already developed a type of reusable electronic paper, as has E Ink.
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Introducing i-wear
Wearable technology from Starlab |
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Starlab isn't completely immune to flashy fads, however. Another innovation introduced by researchers there last year was i-wear, clothing that incorporates electronics to alert wearers if they forget their car keys or if someone's trying to lift their wallet. Panasonic was showing a similar idea at this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas--clothes that are designed to accommodate your digital gear. Panasonic calls it e-wear.
Technologist, heal thyself
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Christophe Van Huffel
Chief scientist in Starlab's Genes group |
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Many of the scientists we spoke to offered predictions of how technology will advance the world of medical treatment in decades to come. Starlab's Christophe Van Huffel, chief scientist in the lab's Genes group, envisions people using handheld devices to perform self-service medical tests. The results would then be automatically sent to a telemedicine network, and patients would be mailed a customised drug cocktail based on their genetic profile.
Professor Brooks of M.I.T. sees advanced robots assisting surgeons during medical procedures. Brooks envisions doctors manipulating the robots remotely to deliver more exacting, precise cuts, as well as to get internal feedback from patients' bodies far exceeding the visual feedback possible today.
The Borg within
Scientists at all three labs are working toward a future where gene chips and biologically grown cellular robots are possible.
Professor Brooks sees more and more people accepting robotics into their bodies. "Just as there are cochlear implants for deaf people now which are experimental, by 2010, procedures like these will be clinical and not just used to fix parts of us that don't work, but rather to enhance our bodies' performance," he says. "Maybe drug runners will get infrared retinas so they can see the cops coming. Of course, then the cops will get them." All of this, he says, will create social quandaries that involve similar concepts, such as the abortion debate, seem easy in comparison.
