Although 2030 may seem like light years ahead of us, the truth is, it will creep up on us before we even know it. Let’s think about some of the technologies we use today and consider how long it has taken to be developed and implemented in the world we live in today. We can clearly understand how much time is needed to make 2030 one of the most significant milestones for technology to reach.
Considering that our daily needs of 2030 may differ from today’s, we need to consider creating technology that will help us live better, environmentally friendly, and sustainable futures to help preserve the planet’s longevity while impacting our lives in the least way possible.
The way we live and work is currently throwing out vast amounts of pollution in the air. If we consider the global pandemic’s effects on the planet, we will be able to understand the damage we as humans, are causing it. For example, the slump in tourists in 2020 allowed water in Venice’s canals to become clear again and aquatic life to return.
Climate change is happening whether we like it or not, and for most, as indicated by the graph below, it is as severe as coronavirus, which means we need to begin to take it and its effects more seriously.
(Source: BBC)
Here’s a look at some of the changes in technology we need to help us advance for a better 2030.
Batteries
Although batteries may not seem like such a prominent piece of technology that needs to be improved, we need to understand where their use can take us in the future. Batteries are the ones we need to improve, including the ones used in electric cars. Most have argued that electric vehicles are the future. As many governments worldwide begin to consider banning fuel cars, batteries will need to be improved to ensure electric cars cannot only keep up with the current cars but can do so in a more environmentally friendly manner.
But it’s not just the electric batteries that need improvement. Our smartphones are still struggling to hold power for more than a day.
Although some of the newer models, like the Samsung S21 Ultra, has a 5000mAh battery that can last ~16 hours of browsing, it is still far from ideal. Considering that smartphone batteries go bad as time goes by, smartphone manufacturers are probably a long way from developing something that can last for days.
3D printing
Although 3D printing is relatively new and breaks boundaries in industries such as medicine, there could be more scope for it. As we move into a greener way of living and think about sustainability and recycling, 3D printing could be the answer to recycling goods in and within the house. If we consider the amount of plastic and containers that are only one-time use, we can help to reduce this by making a more conscious choice.
Suppose 3D printers become household items in the future. In that case, we could begin to make items that we use only once recyclable with the ability to melt them down and turn them into another object, continuing the recycling process for as long as the material is reusable. This will allow us to repeatedly use the same material while transforming it into different items time and time again.
Robotics
Although robotics is already implemented, their presence in our daily lives at this moment in time does not feel very obvious. We all know robots are used to help organize our parcels, make sure they reach their destinations on time, and in airports to help with luggage. But, considering the amount of development that has been made in the field means we may be welcoming them into our homes and retail spaces sooner.
The pandemic has taught us that robots are the future of remote care. The use of robots as carers could be great for the elderly, putting them at less risk of catching diseases of human carers and offering round-the-clock support. We may also begin to need and see robot pharmacists who are able to dispense medication without human error.
Robots also have the ability to work well with our existing tech which means one day they could be controlled from not only our smartphones but watches, too.
Who to say what the future holds
Although the above needs may seem useful today for the future, the trust is we have no clue what we will need. If we cast our minds back to the year 2000, we never thought we would require half of the technology we rely on today.
If we consider the technologies such as artificial intelligence and even blockchain technology birthed from Bitcoin, we would have never even considered using electronic currencies. And so, with this in mind, it’s best to keep the development pool open to ideas and interpretations because we’re never what the next emerging tech will be and what we will need.
