Detailed Roadmap of the 21st Century
2007
* Next Generation Space Telescope (NGST) [NASA-O97]
* Romania and Bulgaria join the EU [WP06]
* Slovenia adopts the Euro [WP06]
* China's GDP exceeds Germany's GDP [G-S03]
* US War with Iran [Wang06]
* Airbus A380 begins service [WP06]
* "Node 2" of ISS launched [WP06]
* "Columbus Laboratory Module" of ISS launched [WP06]
* "Large Hadron Collider (LHC)" particle accelerator begins operation (Geneva, Switzerland) [WP06]
* 65 nm semiconductors in widespread production [ITRS06]
* 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China [WP06]
* Beijing subway line 5 opens (Beijing, China) [WP06]
* Shanghai subway lines 6 and 8 open (Shanghai, China) [WP06]
* Hungary's M7 freeway complete from Budapest to Croatian border [NART06]
2008
* WiBro service in South Korea provides mobile 100 Mbps download 1 Mbps upload speeds [WP06]
* 2008 Summer Olympics, Beijing, China [WP06]
* US presidential election [WP06]
* Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia and Malta adopt the Euro [WP06]
* "The Palm, Jebel Ali" archipelago complete in Dubai, UAE [TEN06]
* "The World" archipelago complete in Dubai, UAE [TEN06]
* "Al Hamra" skyscraper complete in Kuwait City, Kuwait (412 m) [Emporis06]
* "Trump International Hotel Tower" skyscraper complete in Chicago, IL (415 m) [Emporis06]
* "Shanghai World Financial Center" skyscraper complete in Shanghai, China (492 m) [Emporis06]
* "International Business Center" skyscraper complete in Seoul, South Korea (580 m) [Emporis06]
* "Burj Dubai" skyscraper complete in Dubai, UAE (tallest building of world, at 808 m) [Emporis06][TEN06]
* Yangshan port's stage III complete (Shanghai, China) [Yangshan06]
* "Large Hadron Collider (LHC)" particle accelerator complete (Geneva, Switzerland) [WP06]
* "ITER" fusion reactor construction begins (Cadarache, France) [WP06]
* Thousand CPU - FPGA simulators [Wang06]
* Jet airtaxi's (5000 existing regional airports in USA, 450-550mph, park and fly) [Wang06]
* Advanced microscopes with 0.5 angstrom accuracy and repeatability [Wang06]
* First diamond mechanosynthesis tool created [Wang06]
* Gene doping rampant in horse and dog racing [Wang06]
* US War with Syria [Wang06]
* Beijing subway lines 8 (Olympic), 10 and L1 (Airport) open (Beijing, China) [WP06]
* Stephen Colbert/Megyeri Bridge complete (Budapest, Hungary) [WP06]
2009
* demand from BRICs larger than G6 [G-S03]
* 4G wireless technology "CDMA2000 1xEV-DO Rev. C (Ultra Mobile Broadband/UMB)" rollout begins, with 140-280 Mbps [http://www.cdg.org/technology/3g/evolution.asp, Dec 2006]
* Slovakia and Lithuania adopt the Euro [WP06]
* "Japanese Experiment Module" of ISS launched [WP06]
* "Multipurpose Laboratory Module" of ISS launched [WP06]
* "The Palm, Deira" archipelago complete in Dubai, UAE [TEN06]
* Dubai Metro, Phase I (35 km) complete (Dubai, UAE) [WP06]
* "Gouangzhou Twin Towers" skyscraper complete in Guangzhou, China (432 m) [Emporis06]
* "Three Gorges Dam" fully operational (Hubei province, China) [WP06]
* Beijing subway line 4 opens (Beijing, China) [WP06]
* Shanghai subway lines 7, 9, 10 and 11 open (Shanghai, China) [WP06]
* Phase I (Kelenfold-Keleti) of Budapest's M4 subway complete (Budapest, Hungary) [M4-06]
* Phase I (Astoria-Konyves K. Krt) of Budapest's M5 subway complete (Budapest, Hungary) [WP06]
* a $1,000 personal computer can perform about a trillion (10^12) calculations per second [Kurzweil99]
* personal computers with high-resolution visual displays come in a range of sizes, from those small enough to be embedded in clothing and jewelry up to the size of a thin book [Kurzweil99]
* Cables are disappearing. Communication between components uses short-distance wireless technology. High-speed wireless communication provides access to the Web. [Kurzweil99]
* The majority of text is created using continuous speech recognition. Also ubiquitous are language user interfaces (LUIs). [Kurzweil99]
* Most routine business transactions (purchases, travel, reservations) take place between a human and a virtual personality. Often, the virtual personality includes an animated visual presence that looks like a human face. [Kurzweil99]
* Although traditional classroom organization is still common, intelligent courseware has emerged as a common means of learning. [Kurzweil99]
* Pocket-sized reading machines for the blind and visually impaired, "listening machines" (speech-to-text conversion) for the deaf, and computer-controlled orthotic devices for paraplegic individuals result in a growing perception that primary disabilities do not necessarily impart handicaps. [Kurzweil99]
* Translating telephones (speech-to-speech language translation) are commonly used for many language pairs. [Kurzweil99]
* Accelerating returns from the advance of computer technology have resulted in continued economic expansion. Price deflation, which had been a reality in the computer field during the twentieth century, is now occurring outside the computer field. The reason for this is that virtually all economic sectors are deeply affected by the accelerating improvement in the price performance of computing. [Kurzweil99]
* Human musicians routinely jam with cybernetic musicians. [Kurzweil99]
* Bioengineered treatments for cancer and heart disease have greatly reduced the mortality from these diseases. [Kurzweil99]
* The neo-Luddite movement is growing. [Kurzweil99]
* experimental full immersion visual and auditory virtual reality [Kurzweil00]
* some limited not full immersion tactile virtual reality [Kurzweil00]
* NRAM - nanotube ram, always-on high density computer memory [Wang06]
2010
* population 6.8 billion [UN04]
* availability of permanent artificial hearts [Grossman01]
* 45 nm semiconductors in widespread production [ITRS06]
* Samsung and NTT DoCoMo release trial commercial networks of 4G wireless "VSF-OFCDM" in South Korea and Japan (100 Mbps moving, 1Gbps stationary) [WP06]
* one Human Brain capability in supercomputers [Kurzweil99b]
* Galileo positioning system operational [WP06]
* "Node 3" and "Cupola" of ISS launched [WP06]
* Space Shuttle program retired [WP06]
* "The Chicago Spire" skyscraper complete in Chicago, IL (610 m) [Emporis06]
* "Business Bay" property development complete in Dubai, UAE [TEN06]
* Yangshan port's stage IV complete (Shanghai, China) [Yangshan06]
* Shanghai-Hangzhou maglev complete (Shanghai, China) [WP06]
* China's 12th Five-Year Plan revealed [WP06]
* Croatia joins the EU [WP06]
* Bulgaria and Czech Republic adopt the Euro [WP06]
* Hungarian parliamentary election [WP06]
* Phase II (Keleti-Bosnyak ter) of Budapest's M4 subway complete (Budapest, Hungary) [M4-06]
* UAVs distinguish facial features (identify individuals) from 4 nm [UAS05, p.71]
* Smart and adaptable surfaces at the nanoscale are the basic building block for Biodetection [ICTAF05]
* Nanosized imaging agents (e.g. quantum dots) are used for analysis and diagnosis inside cells without affecting their normal functionality [ICTAF05]
* Rechargeable and repeatable mechanosynthesis tool created [Wang06]
* Solar sail [Wang06]
* Gene doping muscle enhancement at 2006, 2008, 2010 Olympic games [Wang06]
* Successful terrorist attack on Saudi Oil Infrastructure, oil goes to over $10/gallon [Wang06]
* Synthetic voices pop band gets in top 20 [BT05]
* Emotionally responsive toys and robots [BT05]
* Odour and flavour sensors comparable to dog [BT05]
* Virus aimed at toys released [BT05]
* Computer agent personal shoppers [BT05]
* Toys with network based intelligence [BT05]
* AI chatbots indistinguishable from people by 95 % of population [BT05]
* First artificial electronic life [BT05]
* First species brought back from extinction [BT05]
* Domestic appliances with personality [BT05]
* AI pop group gets top 10 hit [BT05]
* Electronic prescriptions reduce fraud and improve speed [BT05]
* Quiz shows screen for implant technologies [BT05]
* 24/7 blood chemistry monitoring [BT05]
* Laser activated drug capsules [BT05]
* Ultrasound or radio activated capsules [BT05]
* Blood analysis chips [BT05]
* Supermarkets used as major source of medical alerts [BT05]
* Remote control of insects by neural implants [BT05]
* Emotion detection used in businesses to select front line staff [BT05]
* Professional paid-for email [BT05]
* Lifestyle brands dominate [BT05]
* Network based learning causes polarisation in classes - streaming is essential [BT05]
* Global classes used for multicultural immersion [BT05]
* Instant voice mail [BT05]
* Nomadic information companies paying no corporation tax [BT05]
* Business offer individual deals to customers [BT05]
* British retirement age rose to 70 [BT05]
* 25% of UK workforce teleworking at least 2 days a week [BT05]
* Less than 20% of UK workforce in manufacturing [BT05]
* Complete list of 1.5 million known species available on web [BT05]
* Virtual farming co-operatives [BT05]
* GM crops infect neighbouring fields [BT05]
* Between 15 and 95cm rise in sea level [BT05]
* Chips on food packaging tell when food is at its best [BT05]
* Video tiles [BT05]
* Emotional objects, switches etc around home [BT05]
* Most homes have wireless networks [BT05]
* Spoken caller number identity, with personal numbering [BT05]
* SMS appliances [BT05]
* IM appliances [BT05]
* Avatar cosmetic surgery [BT05]
* Theatres gain extra revenue by allowing internet attendance [BT05]
* Conferencing technology for remote socialising in public places [BT05]
* 1Bn internet users [BT05]
* Automatic video capture of personal events [BT05]
* 24/7 audio recording [BT05]
* Remind me devices [BT05]
* Personal surveillance [BT05]
* Social log [BT05]
* Deep indexing creates greater bonds between people (i-Pod play lists etc create insight into another's personality) [BT05]
* Electronically mediated tribes become major social structures [BT05]
* Virtual car races as spectator sports [BT05]
* Personal remote web servers [BT05]
* Chips in footballs, players, etc to enhance data collection [BT05]
* Viewers able to pick any angle or player view [BT05]
* Augmented reality at sports grounds to enhance spectator experience [BT05]
* Major social problem caused by email and texting in secret relationships [BT05]
* Mobile email reduces productivity due to lack of concentration on task-in-hand [BT05]
* e-ink screen advertising billboards [BT05]
* Personalised adverts on Radio [BT05]
* Head up displays for DVD watching [BT05]
* Smelly television using chips with small reservoirs of chemicals [BT05]
* Simple voice command interface for home appliances [BT05]
* 3D 'Minority Report' style air display [BT05]
* Virtual mouse [BT05]
* 3d fingertip tracking [BT05]
* Self destructing DVDs used for video hiring [BT05]
* i-Pod style jog-wheel dialling for phones [BT05]
* Spherical silicon integrated circuits [BT05]
* Polymers with lower resistance than copper at room temperature [BT05]
* Chips with 1 billion transistors [BT05]
* Use of polymer gels for muscles [BT05]
* Quantum effect interferometer for flux measurement [BT05]
* Use of carbon fullerenes for on chip interconnect [BT05]
* Chemical lab on a chip [BT05]
* Self diagnosis using gene chips for domestic use [BT05]
* Liquid drop lenses for camera phones etc [BT05]
* Piezoelectric motors for moving lenses in phones [BT05]
* Terahertz scanners [BT05]
* Portable terahertz scanners [BT05]
* Supercomputer as fast as human brain [BT05]
* Live CD-based OS distributed in newspaper [BT05]
* Totally automated factories [BT05]
* Global domestic robot numbers passes 4M [BT05]
* Global industrial robot numbers passes 1M [BT05]
* Mass internet rallies [BT05]
* Bacteria used in detection of explosives [BT05]
* Blogs in military use as dominant intelligence technique [BT05]
* Major terrorist attack on company or country via internet [BT05]
* Soldiers' weapons fired remotely [BT05]
* Software companies sued for misuse of remotely controlled weapon [BT05]
* War fought over water supply [BT05]
* Logic checkers highlighting contradictory evidence [BT05]
* SMS spam problem undermines mobile content market [BT05]
* Biometric home access [BT05]
* Expenditure on security exceeds expected cost of attacks prevented [BT05]
* Local warehousing for local distribution systems [BT05]
* Personal shopping tablets [BT05]
* Movies no longer sold in VHS format [BT05]
* Local e-bay augments car boot sales [BT05]
* 90% of calls tetherless [BT05]
* Internet achieves 75% penetration in UK [BT05]
* Star trek style commbadge [BT05]
* Fixed mobile convergence [BT05]
* Wireless LANs become preferred access mechanism for mobile internet use [BT05]
* Wireless LANs in most shopping Malls [BT05]
* Vibration used as part of calls on cellphones to convey emotion [BT05]
* 21CN completed [BT05]
* Last ever PSTN call [BT05]
* 100Mbit/s wireless speed in office/home [BT05]
* Mobile phones pass standalone music players in market share [BT05]
* Push-to-talk style video clips [BT05]
* Caller can send own ring tone [BT05]
* Calls can be addressed by email address [BT05]
* Blimp cargo lifters, carrying 160 tonnes, 6000 miles at 60mph [BT05]
* Assisted lane keeping systems in trucks and buses [BT05]
* Most new cars fitted with positioning systems as standard [BT05]
* Pollution monitor chips built into cars [BT05]
* Flexible screens [BT05]
* Video tattoos (thin polymer membrane displays) [BT05]
* Wrist based video displays [BT05]
* Teletubby T-shirts [BT05]
* TV jewellery [BT05]
* Light emitting fabrics used in clothes [BT05]
* Smell emitting clothing, uses context [BT05]
* Personal wireless website broadcast [BT05]
* Blogs go wearable [BT05]
* Button sized gas turbine generators for portable device power [BT05]
* Return to nuclear power in UK (decision made) [BT05]
2011
* Britney Spears is 30 years old
* Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF) [NASA-O97]
* "Freedom Tower" skyscraper complete in New York City, NY (541 m) [Emporis06]
* "ITER" fusion reactor tokamak assembly begins (Cadarache, France) [WP06]
* Hungary, Poland and Romania adopt the Euro [WP06]
* M5 Fiber 9.8 Gpa [Wang06]
* Free voice communication dominant [Wang06]
* Spintronics success, boosts hard drive capacities and low energy computing [Wang06]
* Rechargeable mechanosynthesis tool arrays created [Wang06]
2012
* 2012 Summer Olympics, London, England [WP06]
* US presidential election [WP06]
* FYR Macedonia joins the EU [WP06]
* "Port Tower" skyscraper complete in Karachi, Pakistan (450 m) [Emporis06]
* Yangshan port's final V and VI stages complete (Shanghai, China) [Yangshan06]
* 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China [WP06]
* Gecko mimicing wallcrawling suits for military and enthusiasts [Wang06]
* Wireless superbroadband (50-1000Mbps) [Wang06]
* HALE super antennas and long duration balloons [Wang06]
* Exoskeletons and personal robots widespread for disabled, manufacturing, and construction [Wang06]
* Advanced plastic circuits, computing, monitors and energy gathering -walls, roofs, desktops [Wang06]
* billion digital video cameras posting online realtime; personal privacy is history [Wang06]
* Thousand+ CPU workstations- mainstream chip vendors [Wang06]
* 80-200mpg cars - mainstream, batteries, ultracapacitors 5-10 times better [Wang06]
* Faster and automated microscopes able to perform mechanochemistry at kilohertz+ frequency [Wang06]
* Magbeam [Wang06]
* Plasma magnet [Wang06]
* Real-time biomarker tracking and monitoring [Wang06]
* Real-time personalized exercise trainer and diet guide [Wang06]
* Real-time personalized disease treatment [Wang06]
* Insurance pricing based on maintaining biomarkers in optimal ranges [Wang06]
* Individual medical modeling computational [Wang06]
* Individual medical modeling and prediction -copy of your cells maintained outside body, test reaction to treatment [Wang06]
* Real-time monitoring and feedback tracks personal medical treatment response [Wang06]
* Gene doping detected at 2012 games [Wang06]
* China largest economy in PPP (Purchasing Power Parity) terms [Wang06]
* Power save mode on appliances linked to grid demands [BT05]
* Power rationing enforced due to grid shortage [BT05]
* Home fuel cell based 7kW generator [BT05]
* Solar chimney power station (1.5km tall) [BT05]
* Most portables powered by fuel cells [BT05]
* Multi layer solar cells with efficiency over 50% [BT05]
* Solar reflector satellites bringing sunlight to major Northern cities [BT05]
* Nuclear power plants supply 16% of energy in Russia and Eastern Europe [BT05]
* Worldwide energy consumption 50% greater than 1993 [BT05]
* Renewable power in UK at 5 % [BT05]
* Hydrogen production by bacteria [BT05]
* AI Entity passes GCSE [BT05]
* AI used as classroom assistants [BT05]
* Action man toys engage in war games over networks [BT05]
* Toys with built in tracking technology [BT05]
* People have some virtual friends but don't know which ones [BT05]
* Mood-sensitive home décor [BT05]
* Location devices implanted into pets [BT05]
* First divorce due to virtual affair with computer game character [BT05]
* Addiction to on-line games seen as a national problem [BT05]
* DNA used to assemble electronic circuits [BT05]
* First bacterium assembled from scratch [BT05]
* Many drugs delivered via fruit [BT05]
* AI football manager [BT05]
* AI football teams as TV entertainment [BT05]
* e-Baybies electronic conception [BT05]
* Instant electronic identification of pathogens [BT05]
* Expert systems used extensively in GP surgeries [BT05]
* Hospitals use virtual queuing systems [BT05]
* Neural networks used for patient appointment management [BT05]
* Multimedia patient records [BT05]
* Lifestyle monitoring and insurance linked to medical records [BT05]
* Online surgeries dominate first line medical care [BT05]
* Active skin [BT05]
* Video tattoos [BT05]
* Cyber-drugs (electronically activated drugs) [BT05]
* Automated pain relief for soldiers [BT05]
* Bacteria in toothpaste to attack plaque [BT05]
* e-Baybies, binary conception [BT05]
* Antibacterial coatings on domestic appliances, phones etc, especially in hospitals [BT05]
* Smells embedded in ordinary household objects [BT05]
* Flexible displays used for body monitoring and alerts [BT05]
* Emotional jewellery [BT05]
* Emotion alerts [BT05]
* Rich world badly infected by third world disease [BT05]
* Hand-held scanner to detect tumours using tissue resonance interferometer [BT05]
* Broadcasters become major source of funding for medical research [BT05]
* Smart pill bottles remotely monitor medication taking and use alarms [BT05]
* Drug shortages caused by internet diagnostics [BT05]
* MRSA detection chips on sale in high street [BT05]
* Diabetes cure via stem cell research [BT05]
* Hotels offer some hospital services [BT05]
* Human free companies [BT05]
* All government services delivered electronically [BT05]
* Universal monitoring of business transactions [BT05]
* "Made in China" seen as a sign of status [BT05]
* Most advertising is personalised to viewer [BT05]
* e-money, e-vouchers, celebrity cash [BT05]
* Smart stickers for the home [BT05]
* Biometrics compulsory for claimants [BT05]
* Electronic communications compulsory for claimants [BT05]
* Email used to communicate with most social service claimants [BT05]
* Inter-business financial transactions all electronic [BT05]
* Virtual companies and virtual co-operatives dominate [BT05]
* Superstar teachers use telepresence to lecture to dispersed classes [BT05]
* Personalised degrees quantised to individual lectures [BT05]
* Purely electronic companies exist - minimal human involvement [BT05]
* Augmented reality key part of high street [BT05]
* Mass internet blockade of business, brand, country [BT05]
* World population reaches 7 billion [BT05]
* India population hits 1.2 billion [BT05]
* Population growth slows to 1% (1.3% today) [BT05]
* Asia-Pacific overtakes US in internet users [BT05]
* Worldwide deaths due to HIV/AIDS peak at 1.7 million [BT05]
* Extensive remote sensing use in environmental management [BT05]
* Effective prediction of most natural disasters [BT05]
* Out-sourced vegetable plots [BT05]
* Poor countries charge for bio-prospecting [BT05]
* Genetic solutions in one area become environmental problems for other areas [BT05]
* Green groups endorse products [BT05]
* Killer bug resistant to all known antibiotics [BT05]
* Nuclear power generally accepted by green groups [BT05]
* Growth of scientific environmentalism [BT05]
* Electronic notebook with contrast as good as paper [BT05]
* Smart paint available (contains chips) [BT05]
* Digital bathroom mirror [BT05]
* Magazine tablets [BT05]
* Personalised response from household gadgets [BT05]
* Mood sensitive light bulbs [BT05]
* Consumer electronics devices plug straight into home net [BT05]
* Smart responsive environments [BT05]
* Domestic positioning systems [BT05]
* Most homes use web cams for communication [BT05]
* Virtual windows [BT05]
* Dual architecture [BT05]
* Tourist information beacons [BT05]
* Cyberspace make-up [BT05]
* People have cyberspace wardrobe [BT05]
* Frequent use of multiple Net identities causes personality disorders [BT05]
* Cheap miniature cameras cause social backlash [BT05]
* Toy soldiers with video camera eyes enrich play [BT05]
* People reduce tax liability by being partially paid in information products [BT05]
* On line voting in UK [BT05]
* VR overlays on real world [BT05]
* Loneliness in aged population greatly reduced by network communities [BT05]
* National UK decisions influenced by electronic referenda [BT05]
* Worldwide population of over 65s increases by 1 million monthly [BT05]
* Cyber community with 100 million people [BT05]
* 1st Extreme Olympics [BT05]
* Personal black boxes record everyday life [BT05]
* Mass customisation of toys [BT05]
* Ability to digitally replace or enhance people in your field of view [BT05]
* Digital x-ray glasses [BT05]
* Xanadu, leisure city in cyberspace [BT05]
* Holographic animated or video advertisements (few second video clips) [BT05]
* Displays with image quality comparable to paper [BT05]
* Separate volume controls for different people in room [BT05]
* 3d air display [BT05]
* Projected augmented reality [BT05]
* Personalised TV radio [BT05]
* Use of storage based nets [BT05]
* 3d personal glasses displays [BT05]
* Full voice interaction with PC [BT05]
* Voice synthesis quality up to human standard [BT05]
* Data loss because of format changes becomes major business problem [BT05]
* Self organising adaptive integrated circuits [BT05]
* Use of polymer gels for bioreactors [BT05]
* Molecular sized switches [BT05]
* Intelligent materials with in-built sensors, storage and effectors [BT05]
* Smart skin for intelligent clothing and direct human repair [BT05]
* Self organisation used in most fields of electronics [BT05]
* Use of bacteria to assemble small circuits [BT05]
* Crossbar based logic circuits [BT05]
* Optical neuro-computers [BT05]
* Simple quantum computer, 4 Qubits [BT05]
* Computers used for creativity enhancement [BT05]
* MP3 Net downloads dominate over CD distribution [BT05]
* Personal memory sticks replace hard drives for everyday files (HD used as archive) [BT05]
* Most video players based on memory sticks [BT05]
* Public storage provided by local government to support social use of IT [BT05]
* 100GB memory sticks (typical 2005 HD capacity) [BT05]
* Ultra-simple computing - just in time OS [BT05]
* Chinux OS Chinese UNIX variant [BT05]
* OS distributed primarily on ROM [BT05]
* Fractal shape-changing robots [BT05]
* Insect-like robots used in warfare [BT05]
* Robotic dolls and pets account for 10 % of domestic telecomm traffic [BT05]
* Self monitoring infrastructures using smart materials and sensors. [BT05]
* Micromechanical gnomes [BT05]
* Robots for cleaning, washing fetch and carry in hospital [BT05]
* Autonomous weapons authorised to fire at own discretion [BT05]
* War where own side kills more of its own than the enemy [BT05]
* War for water [BT05]
* Context sensitive bombs (waits for senior politicians) [BT05]
* Weapons use biometric authentication of user [BT05]
* Bacteria used to break down explosives in mine fields [BT05]
* Terrorist are source of most on-line scams [BT05]
* Communication networks severely disrupted by hackers [BT05]
* Balloons used in terrorist attacks [BT05]
* Radio controlled vehicle attacks on shipping, smart mines [BT05]
* Cracking of public key cryptography within a few seconds using networked zombie machines [BT05]
* Data mining use in trials [BT05]
* Remote override capability on planes [BT05]
* Household access by facial recognition [BT05]
* Jargon translators [BT05]
* Computer advice to jurors on probability issues [BT05]
* Criminal tagging augmented with video and audio sensors [BT05]
* Extensive use of electronics to monitor police behaviour [BT05]
* Automated stenographers [BT05]
* Jigsaw viruses [BT05]
* Spam email volume forces charge based solutions [BT05]
* Phishing destroys confidence in on-line banking, most on-line banks closed [BT05]
* Terahertz video cameras become social nuisance due to privacy invasion [BT05]
* Expert system based home law advisors [BT05]
* Shops start being paid by manufacturers as try-on outlets [BT05]
* Paypal migrates onto high street [BT05]
* In-store positioning systems enable personalised guides [BT05]
* 25% of UK shopping is network based [BT05]
* Immersive VR shopping booths [BT05]
* Most books sold on-line [BT05]
* Internal positioning systems in stores [BT05]
* In-store positioning systems with 1cm precision [BT05]
* Storage based networks [BT05]
* Use of microwave photonics in local access [BT05]
* Video download over network at 10 x normal speed [BT05]
* 60% of internet accesses from mobile devices [BT05]
* Use of WDM in local access [BT05]
* Simultaneous data delivery in the City [BT05]
* Software radio available in portables [BT05]
* Openzone access covers whole city [BT05]
* Single address for emails, phone calls etc [BT05]
* HDTV over broadband [BT05]
* Most BBC Content available on-line [BT05]
* Video sleepover terminals [BT05]
* Large screen video links reduce loneliness for old people [BT05]
* Smart tickets for navigation through airports [BT05]
* Cars with automatic steering [BT05]
* Scramjet' engine powered planes flying at Mach 10 [BT05]
* Urban car co-pilot [BT05]
* All new cars fitted with basic cellular communication with automated distress system [BT05]
* Tourism in some areas limited to net access [BT05]
* Virtual retinal displays [BT05]
* TV quality video screens built into clothes [BT05]
* Emotion badges [BT05]
* Jewellery that changes shape, colour and texture [BT05]
* Portable translation device for simple conversation [BT05]
* Kaleidoscopic clothes using materials with embedded pigment micro-capsules [BT05]
* Micro-actuators built into clothes for sensory feedback [BT05]
* Video makeup (virtual world) [BT05]
* Shape changing fabrics [BT05]
* Shape memory fabrics [BT05]
* Digital bubble [BT05]
* Cyber clothes [BT05]
* Terahertz jammers in clothes as personal modesty shield [BT05]
* Dual appearance [BT05]
* Laws restrict what can be shown on video clothing [BT05]
* Terahertz jammer banned at airports [BT05]
2013
* 32 nm semiconductors in widespread production [ITRS06]
* 10 petaflop computer [Wang06]
* James Webb Space Telescope (JWST; was NGST) [WP06]
2014
* Space Interferometry Mission/SIM PlanetQuest [WP06]
* Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF-C) [WP06]
* Panama Canal's "Third Set of Locks" expansion project complete, doubling capacity [WP06]
* Customized cells [Wang06]
* Quantum computing 100 qubits [Wang06]
* Gene therapy to enhance strength, endurance and lifespan [Wang06]
* Hungarian parliamentary election [WP06]
2015
* population 7.2 billion [UN04]
* synthetic, implantable lungs and kidneys [Grossman01]
* life extension in mice: 3-year extension by medical treatment of 2-year-old mouse [deGrey05]
* Targeted drug delivery based on nanoparticles becomes a standard tool (for therapeutic purposes, performance enhancement etc) [ICTAF05]
* Smart probes (that illuminate when reaching their target) are practically used in diagnosis in-vivo [ICTAF05]
* Nanotools (e.g. optical tweezers) are used for manipulation inside cells while keeping the cells' integrity and activity [ICTAF05]
* Advanced bioengineered materials based on bio-inspiration/bio-mimicry are widely used [ICTAF05]
* Labs on chip are widely used for various applications, in different sectors, including households [ICTAF05]
* Protein chips are integrated with DNA chips for specific diagnosis purposes in current hospital practices [ICTAF05]
* In vitro tests based on cells on chips replace animal testing for various applications (e.g. pharma, cosmetics) [ICTAF05]
* Biosensors for detection of single molecules based on nano arrays (e.g arrays of nanotubes) are commercially available [ICTAF05]
* Self-assembly is widely implemented as a technique for development of materials and devices [ICTAF05]
* Chips employing biomolecules as active elements are commercially manufactured [ICTAF05]
* Nanoelectronics chips are commercially manufactured by using DNA or peptides(as templates or for nanopatterning) [ICTAF05]
* China's GDP exceeds Japan's GDP; China is 2nd largest economy behind US [G-S03]
* China's GDP growth rate drops to around 5.0% [G-S03]
* space walk concludes phase II of Chinese space program [Lehao06]
* China's 13th Five-Year Plan revealed [WP06]
* 1/3 of US ground military vehicles automated [US Department of Defense, 2003]
* supercomputers achieve human parity (10^8 MIPS, 10^8 MB memory) [UAS05, pp.48-49]
* Turkey, Albania, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro join the EU [WP06]
* Hungary's M3 freeway complete from Budapest to Ukrainan border [NART06]
* Hungary's M4 freeway complete from Budapest thru Szolnok to Romanian border [NART06]
* Hungary's M43 freeway complete from Szeged to Romanian border [NART06]
* Novel nanostructured biomaterials replace existing materials (e.g. polymers) [ICTAF05]
* Fiber to the home (100Mbps-1000Mbps) [Wang06]
* Gigapixel cameras common [Wang06]
* Cargo ships with 60mph+ speed widespread, cheap 2-3 days global package delivery [Wang06]
* DNA nanotechnology creates nanotools and parts [Wang06]
* High altitude (up to 100km) and multi-month elevators to high altitude balloons (virtual satellites) [Wang06]
* Scramjet unmanned missiles and UAVs [Wang06]
* Sub-orbital space tourism [Wang06]
* Human regeneration (regrow lost limbs in months) [Wang06]
* China second largest economy in straight currency conversion measures [Wang06]
* Low-cost business model innovations and new tech bring electricity, computing and clean water to all [Wang06]
* Nuclear war with North Korea [Wang06]
* AI Entity passes A Level [BT05]
* AI companies illegally cloned [BT05]
* Highest earning celebrity is synthetic [BT05]
* Dolls with personality chip and full sensory input [BT05]
* 25 % of TV celebrities synthetic [BT05]
* Expert systems surpass average human learning and logic abilities [BT05]
* Computer agents start being thought of as colleagues instead of tools [BT05]
* Autonomous AI sales staff become AI stalkers [BT05]
* Smart jelly babies [BT05]
* Smart mammary memory [BT05]
* First multi-celled organism assembled from scratch [BT05]
* Drugs delivered in carbon buckyballs (burst open at destination under laser light) [BT05]
* Devices roaming within blood vessels under own power [BT05]
* Operations videoed and stored as part of medical record [BT05]
* Use of human's own tissues to grow replacement organs [BT05]
* Direct electronic pleasure production [BT05]
* Orgasm by email [BT05]
* Artificial senses, sensors directly stimulating nerves [BT05]
* Smart membranes for remote control of drug injection [BT05]
* Context sensitive cyber-drugs [BT05]
* Electronic stimulation of brain sensations as recreational substitute for drugs [BT05]
* Some implants seen as status symbols [BT05]
* Custom (GM) foods for particular medical conditions will exist. [BT05]
* Gene-gel stimulation of re-growth of natural teeth on demand [BT05]
* Retina regeneration using foetal retinal cell injection [BT05]
* Tooth regeneration [BT05]
* Domestic bacterial detection devices [BT05]
* Plastic bones [BT05]
* Emotion logging and recording [BT05]
* Emotionally specific drugs [BT05]
* Micro-fluidic chips used for gene sequencing in every GP surgery [BT05]
* Self certification for prescriptions using electronic diagnostics [BT05]
* Visitor sanitising in hospitals [BT05]
* Insects that can be controlled by artificial positioning systems [BT05]
* Outpatients at home - remote tele-medical consultations [BT05]
* Return to the high street as personal service matters again [BT05]
* Printers good enough to make reasonable quality forged banknotes [BT05]
* Paper money replaced by smart media [BT05]
* Spread of nomadic information companies leads to global taxation [BT05]
* New tax forms, e.g. compulsory servants [BT05]
* 60% of the world's population living in cities [BT05]
* Commercial magma power stations [BT05]
* Hydrogen fuel available on UK forecourts [BT05]
* Active transmission/distribution grid - energy web [BT05]
* Widespread use of carbon fixing/burying [BT05]
* Extremely insulated buildings [BT05]
* Landfills in London and surrounding region full [BT05]
* Insect-like robots used for crop pollination [BT05]
* Large areas of countryside used for biomass production [BT05]
* New environmental groups focused on visual environment protection [BT05]
* Ecotourism one of biggest environmental problems [BT05]
* Green groups use defensive patenting of damaging technologies [BT05]
* Waste sludge used to create energy using bacteria in fuel cells [BT05]
* Anti-noise technology built into homes [BT05]
* Active wallpaper responds to inhabitants' moods etc [BT05]
* Chips in packaging control cooking [BT05]
* Neighbourhood video surveillance networks [BT05]
* Washing machine aware of contents and selects cycle [BT05]
* Augmented reality offices used in telework centres [BT05]
* Palm-top printing puts buttons on skin [BT05]
* Glasses based displays dominate in the office [BT05]
* Electronic response based on conversational inference [BT05]
* Windows with coatings to re-direct sunlight [BT05]
* Kitchen rage caused by electronic gadgets [BT05]
* Electronic implant equivalent to Botox [BT05]
* Living area use of virtual reality scenes [BT05]
* Replacement of people leads to anti-technology subculture [BT05]
* Make-up by numbers [BT05]
* Orgasmatron [BT05]
* Most electronic toys hybrids with half on net [BT05]
* Self organising displays [BT05]
* Active contact lens [BT05]
* Augmented reality standard in towns and cities [BT05]
* Dual architectures [BT05]
* Active skin touch sensitive display on forearm or for adornment [BT05]
* Use of polymer gels for information processing [BT05]
* Chips with 10 billion transistors [BT05]
* DNA storage device [BT05]
* Supercomputers with speed exceeding 1 ExaFLOPS [BT05]
* Use of analogue co-processors in PCs [BT05]
* DNA computer [BT05]
* Windows drops below 50% penetration worldwide [BT05]
* Use of bacteria for processing and storage [BT05]
* Robot dance tutors [BT05]
* Nanowalkers, nanoworms, nanofish [BT05]
* Mechanical intelligence using MEMS and NEMS [BT05]
* Android robots used for factory jobs [BT05]
* Fleet of garden robots for plant and lawn care and tidying [BT05]
* Robots for cleaning, washing fetch and carry, in office [BT05]
* Robot pest killers [BT05]
* Robot casualties reported routinely [BT05]
* Corporate cyberwars [BT05]
* Major utility brought down by hackers [BT05]
* Universal ID cards in UK [BT05]
* Most weapons attack systems rather than injure people [BT05]
* Civil liberties revolt [BT05]
* Anti-tech backlash [BT05]
* 2nd internet with guaranteed security for email, with no spam [BT05]
* Paper and coins largely replaced by electronic cash [BT05]
* Most tickets electronic [BT05]
* Personal taxation at point of sale [BT05]
* Automatic dialling from smart business cards [BT05]
* RFID replaces most barcodes [BT05]
* Most music sold online [BT05]
* Augmented reality overlays used in stores [BT05]
* Domestic demand reaches 50Mbit/s per home [BT05]
* Gigabit wireless in home [BT05]
* All voice calls free [BT05]
* High Speed Civil Transport supersonic jet, 300 passengers, 1500mph [BT05]
* GPS and engine management systems linked to limit speed automatically [BT05]
* Road trains using ad-hoc networking [BT05]
* Bus routes based on star and ring architectures [BT05]
* Need to book time slots to use some key roads [BT05]
* Cars with dual wheels that can run on road or rail [BT05]
* Urban tracks for electronically driven cars [BT05]
* Black boxes in all new cars [BT05]
* Dynamic road tolling [BT05]
* Private space mission to examine asteroid with a view to space mining [BT05]
* Prize claimed for 1st private orbital trip [BT05]
* Active contact lens [BT05]
* Alpha-wave induction sets [BT05]
* Thought recognition used in sleep enhancement [BT05]
* Computer enhanced dreaming [BT05]
* Projector ring [BT05]
2016
* 22 nm semiconductors in widespread production [ITRS06]
* 2016 Summer Olympics, location TBA in 2009 [WP06]
* US presidential election [WP06]
* "ITER" fusion reactor plasma operation begins (Cadarache, France) [WP06]
* 20%+ efficient genetically engineered algae ponds to generate hydrogen [Wang06]
2017
* unmanned robotic sample-return mission to lunar surface concludes phase III of Chinese space program [Lehao06]
* 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China [WP06]
* AI Turing Test passed [Wang06]
* Mugging by brain state induction devices [BT05]
* Obesity increase due to compelling virtual reality environments [BT05]
* Computer controlled hunger suppressants [BT05]
* Hotel in orbit [BT05]
* Scramjets used to launch low-orbit space-planes [BT05]
* AI technology imitating thinking processes of the brain [BT05]
* AI teachers get better results than most human teachers [BT05]
* AI starts being noticed as a source of redundancy [BT05]
* AI Entity gains Degree [BT05]
* Computers that write most of their own software [BT05]
* AI students [BT05]
* Most software written by machine [BT05]
* Genetic links of all 90% of diseases identified [BT05]
* Individual's genome part of their medical record [BT05]
* Synthetic organs by printing layers of cells [BT05]
* Synthetic viruses [BT05]
* Portable bactericidal devices [BT05]
* Bactericidal saws incorporated onto materials in hospitals [BT05]
* Sensory augmentation using sensory implants, nanoparticles etc [BT05]
* Use of stem cells in brain after strokes or accidents [BT05]
* Gene therapy generates new hair cells in humans [BT05]
* Sensory implants allows direct sensing of cyberspace entities [BT05]
* Robotic cleaners in hospitals [BT05]
* Biometrics and medical tests linked to benefits and disability allowance [BT05]
* Academic learning is argued to be unnecessary in the age of smart machines [BT05]
* Integrated taxation in all transactions [BT05]
* Return to sender viruses, corporate counterattacks [BT05]
* Retirement age raised to 75 [BT05]
* China GDP overtakes EU GDP [BT05]
* 400M people live in mega cities of over 10M inhabitants [BT05]
* 50% of world population have internet access and processing capability [BT05]
* Catalytic water decomposition by sunlight [BT05]
* Seabed gas hydrate crystals used as fuel source [BT05]
* Worldwide oil consumption is 100M barrels of oil per day [BT05]
* 10% of UK energy produced by renewables [BT05]
* Increased use of GM crops on saline contaminated soils [BT05]
* Nanotechnology toys [BT05]
* Traditional pubs using technology to enhance illusion of tradition [BT05]
* Active skin makeup [BT05]
* VR escapism is a major social problem [BT05]
* Dual geo/cyber-nationality recognised internationally [BT05]
* Most towns echoed in cyberspace [BT05]
* Holographic displays for continuous video [BT05]
* Hamster ball with VR for pets [BT05]
* Computer link to biological sensory organs [BT05]
* Desktop computer as fast as human brain [BT05]
* Bacterial supercomputer [BT05]
* Housework robots - fetch, carry, clean tidy, organise etc. [BT05]
* Robots for guiding blind people [BT05]
* Cybernetic use in sports [BT05]
* Robots for cleaning, washing, fetch and carry, in home [BT05]
* World War 2 thought of as a film rather than a real event by 30% of Americans [BT05]
* War with zero own side human casualties [BT05]
* Scalable AI as major military threat [BT05]
* Positive clean ID required for access to many places [BT05]
* Terrorist use of GM to pollute crops and damage economy [BT05]
* Most fighters and bombers flown remotely [BT05]
* Plastic stealth tank [BT05]
* Use of network resonance as security threat [BT05]
* Ambient intelligence detection of minor crimes anti social behaviour [BT05]
* Identity theft forces all transactions to use biometrics [BT05]
* Domestic augmented reality used to give virtual makeovers [BT05]
* Biometric ID required for every phone call [BT05]
* Use of mutant insects for attack purposes [BT05]
* Reverse auctions in personal shopping devices (nearby stores bid to provide items on shopping list) [BT05]
* Automatic driving makes car pooling feasible [BT05]
* Driverless truck convoys using electronic tow-bar [BT05]
* Materials exhibiting superconductivity at room temperature [BT05]
* Manufacture of long diamond fibres [BT05]
2018
* "Dubailand" property development complete in Dubai, UAE [TEN06]
* Carbon nanotube fiber inexpensive and with over 50GPa tensile strength [Wang06]
* Optical interconnects connect CPUs directly at 100 Gbps+ [Wang06]
* Petaflop personal computers and wearable computing [Wang06]
* Actuated diamond tools and nanoparts created [Wang06]
* Magnetic rail guns, with over 20 times the speed and power of conventional guns [Wang06]
* Military lasers on fighters, ships and tanks able to destroy other vehicles [Wang06]
* 300km+ long orbiting tethers and hypersonic planes drop costs to $100/kg to orbit [Wang06]
* Medical treatment individualized [Wang06]
* Gene doping in cock fighting in Philippines, birds over double in size [Wang06]
* Hungarian parliamentary election [WP06]
2019
* 16 nm semiconductors in widespread production [ITRS06]
* A $1,000 computing device (in 1999 dollars) is now approximately equal to the computational ability of the human brain. [Kurzweil99]
* Computers are now largely invisible and are embedded everywhere-in walls, tables, chairs, desks, clothing, jewelry, and bodies. [Kurzweil99]
* Three-dimensional virtual reality displays, embedded in glasses and contact lenses, as well as auditory "lenses," are used routinely as primary interfaces for communication with other persons, computers, the Web, and virtual reality. [Kurzweil99]
* Most interaction with computing is through gestures and two-way natural-language spoken communication. [Kurzweil99]
* Nanoengineered machines are beginning to be applied to manufacturing and process-control applications. [Kurzweil99]
* High-resolution, three-dimensional visual and auditory virtual reality and realistic all-encompassing tactile environments enable people to do virtually anything with anybody, regardless of physical proximity. [Kurzweil99]
* Paper books or documents are rarely used and most learning is conducted through intelligent, simulated software-based teachers. [Kurzweil99]
* Blind persons routinely use eyeglass-mounted reading-navigation systems. Deaf persons read what other people are saying through their lens displays. Paraplegic and some quadriplegic persons routinely walk and climb stairs through a combination of computer-controlled nerve stimulation and exoskeletal robotic devices. [Kurzweil99]
* The vast majority of transactions include a simulated person. [Kurzweil99]
* Automated driving systems are now installed in most roads. [Kurzweil99]
* People are beginning to have relationships with automated personalities and use them as companions, teachers, caretakers, and lovers. [Kurzweil99]
* Virtual artists, with their own reputations, are emerging in all of the arts. [Kurzweil99]
* There are widespread reports of computers passing the Turing Test, although these tests do not meet the criteria established by knowledgeable observers. [Kurzweil99]
* Moore's Law dies [Kurzweil01]
2020
* population 7.6 billion [UN04]
* population 7.8 billion [NIC04]
* Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF-I) [WP06]
* 20 billion MIPS for $1,000 [Kurzweil00]
* 2020 Summer Olympics, location TBA in 2013 [WP06]
* US presidential election [WP06]
* China's 14th Five-Year Plan revealed [WP06]
* limits of silicon semiconductors are reached ("point one limit", 0.1 micron) [UAS05, pp.48-49]
* Thanks to advances in nanobiotechnology, the fundamental processes of the cellular cycle are mostly understood [ICTAF05]
* Advancements in nanobiotechnology enable the construction in vitro of artificial human organs [ICTAF05]
* Biological energy conversion systems (e.g. biomolecular motors) are practically used in artificial micro/nano systems [ICTAF05]
* Protein chips are widely used by the public for personal use [ICTAF05]
* Living self-repairing abilities are implemented in artificial systems [ICTAF05]
* Future Crime: Genetic modification of baby DNA to pass false paternity lawsuit [Wang06]
* Nextgen communication (1000Mbps-10000Mbps) [Wang06]
* Quantum computing 1000 qubits [Wang06]
* Big Media loses battle against piracy - all media is free [Wang06]
* Open Source wins - Microsoft declares bankruptcy [Wang06]
* Cavitation and hydrophobic material make super-efficient and fast submarines [Wang06]
* Scramjets delivery cargo at 10-20 times speed of sound, skips outside of atmosphere (very efficient) [Wang06]
* High resolution direct visual feeds to retina, able to fool viewer for short periods of time [Wang06]
* Superconducting engines on ships and planes, less than 1/3 the weight [Wang06]
* Laser array launches [Wang06]
* Orbital space tourism [Wang06]
* Antimatter storage for gram quantities or greater [Wang06]
* Antimatter harvesting from orbit in gram quantities or greater [Wang06]
* Solar power becomes cheapest form of energy [Wang06]
* Artificially grown organs [Wang06]
* Life expectancy at 65, reaches 30 (50+% gain) [Wang06]
* Real life Islands of Dr Mureau, human/animal hybrids [Wang06]
* Genetic and significant physical and mental performance advantage for rich over poor [Wang06]
* Millionaires (HNWI 1-5m) 20 million triple 2004 levels [Wang06]
* Pentamillionaires (MNW 5-30m) 2 million triple 2004 levels [Wang06]
* More flexible society adapts to increased lifespans and health advances [Wang06]
* Efficient automated, wearable universal translators reduce issues of language [Wang06]
* Large Area stunning / incapacitation breakthrough. City-wide incapacitation that operates through walls and barriers [Wang06]
* Millions dead from Africa and Asian poor riots [Wang06]
* Smart bacteria [BT05]
* AI Entity gains Masters Degree [BT05]
* Human knowledge exceeded by machine knowledge [BT05]
* Electronic pets outnumber organic pets [BT05]
* Electronic life form given basic rights [BT05]
* Artificial insects and small animals with artificial brains [BT05]
* AI Member of parliament [BT05]
* Smart bacteria, contains electronics and linked to net [BT05]
* Nanotech based organism colonies [BT05]
* Synthetic bacteria [BT05]
* Artificial sensors used in cosmetic upgrade surgery [BT05]
* Listing of individual's DNA for $1 (10M key base pairs) [BT05]
* Major pensions crisis [BT05]
* More people using telework centres than home working [BT05]
* Telework centres double as community resources [BT05]
* Police force privatised in many nations [BT05]
* Less than 10% of UK workforce in manufacturing [BT05]
* Autonomous production plants make everything, Asia unemployment increases [BT05]
* Pension crisis, collapse of stock market due to share sales to pay pensions [BT05]
* Retirement age linked to medical history [BT05]
* Androids form 10% of population [BT05]
* Nuclear power in UK up to 25 % [BT05]
* Oil consumption peaks [BT05]
* Kaleidoscopic flowers using electronic inks [BT05]
* Films where viewers can choose who acts in each role [BT05]
* Holodecks using box room lined completely with polymer screens [BT05]
* Thought recognition as everyday input means [BT05]
* Self diagnostic self repairing robots [BT05]
* Actuators resembling human muscles [BT05]
* War caused by global warming forcing mass migration from coastal areas [BT05]
* War fought entirely between robot armies [BT05]
* ID cards replaced by biometric scanning [BT05]
* Emotion control chips used to control criminals [BT05]
* Open city prisons for criminals and antisocial people [BT05]
* Helium 3 mining on moon [BT05]
* Orbital space junk cleared up by sweeper craft [BT05]
* Fully auto-piloted cars [BT05]
* Emotion control devices [BT05]
* Dream link technology [BT05]
* Smart makeup, context sensitive [BT05]
2021
* Britney Spears is 40 years old
* 2 hour urgent global package delivery service [Wang06]
* Feynman Grand Prize [Wang06]
* Lunar bases [Wang06]
2022
* 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China [WP06]
* Protein engineering creates artificial ribosome [Wang06]
* Placing people into suspended animation perfected [Wang06]
* Hungarian parliamentary elections [WP06]
2023
* one Human Brain capability (2*10^16 cps) for $1,000 [Kurzweil01]
* India's GDP exceeds Germany's GDP [G-S03]
* Introductory nanofactory [Wang06]
2024
* moon walk concludes phase IV of Chinese space program [Lehao06]
* 2024 Summer Olympics [WP06]
* US presidential election [WP06]
2025
* population 7.9 billion [UN04]
* full MNT (molecular manufacturing assemblers) [Kurzweil06]
* Tactical Autonomous Combatant (TAC) units [Alpha03]
* BRIC's (Brazil, Russia, India , China) GDP is 50% of G6 (US, Japan, Germany, UK, France, Italy) [G-S03]
* nano-machines for theranostics (therapy and diagnosis) are practically used inside the body [ICTAF05]
* China's 15th Five-Year Plan revealed [WP06]
* Almost all fish (for food) comes from massive ocean ranches (over 100 ranches, each larger than a cubic mile in area) [Wang06]
* Billion CPU personal nanocomputers [Wang06]
* Over half electronic products produced with MNT [Wang06]
* Nano-RFID tags with built-in memory simplify constant detailed tracking and monitoring of everything [Wang06]
* MNT-enabled identity theft [Wang06]
* Selective Body Sculpting is safe and effective [Wang06]
* MNT counterfeiting eliminates physical currency [Wang06]
* Nano-enabled space vehicles, 10-1000 times better performance [Wang06]
* Nanofactories create space vehicles with ion drives with 750 kWe/kg specific power, speed 0.5 AU per day and 9.8 m/s2 acceleration. Earth to Mars in 1 to 3 days, Earth to Saturn in 20 days [Wang06]
* Mining on asteroids and the moon [Wang06]
* 10,000 people living on lunar bases [Wang06]
* High resolution direct visual feeds made in realtime and fed to retina, able to fool viewer for indefinite periods [Wang06]
* MNT repair of physical trauma, almost no deaths once injured and then get MNT treatment (EMT or hospital) [Wang06]
* Space elevator [Wang06]
* Massive solar energy deployments, over one third of the new energy generators [Wang06]
* Gene therapy to enhance human intelligence [Wang06]
* Life expectancy doubles [Wang06]
* Efficient asset allocation and management science boosts productivity growth by 3% per year [Wang06]
2026
* Manned trip to Mars [Wang06]
2027
2028
* MNT used to create artificial gills and adapt people to undersea living [Wang06]
* Human/computer interface breakthrough, computers extend human brain capacity memory, skills, calculation, communication [Wang06]
2029
* strong AI [Kurzweil06]
* the software for intelligence largely mastered [Kurzweil99c]
* A $1,000 (in 1999 dollars) unit of computation has the computing capacity of approximately 1,000 human brains. [Kurzweil99]
* Permanent or removable implants (similar to contact lenses) for the eyes as well as cochlear implants are now used to provide input and output between the human user and the worldwide computing network. [Kurzweil99]
* Direct neural pathways have been perfected for high-bandwidth connection to the human brain. A range of neural implants is becoming available to enhance visual and auditory perception and interpretation, memory, and reasoning. [Kurzweil99]
* Automated agents are now learning on their own, and significant knowledge is being created by machines with little or no human intervention. Computers have read all available human- and machine-generated literature and multimedia material. [Kurzweil99]
* There is widespread use of all-encompassing visual, auditory, and tactile communication using direct neural connections, allowing virtual reality to take place without having to be in a "total touch enclosure." [Kurzweil99]
* The majority of communication does not involve a human. [Kurzweil99]
* There is almost no human employment in production, agriculture, or transportation. Basic life needs are available for the vast majority of the human race. [Kurzweil99]
* There is a growing discussion about the legal rights of computers and what constitutes being "human." [Kurzweil99]
* Although computers routinely pass apparently valid forms of the Turing Test, controversy persists about whether or not machine intelligence equals human intelligence in all of its diversity. [Kurzweil99]
* Machines claim to be conscious. These claims are largely accepted. [Kurzweil99]
2030
* population 8.2 billion [UN04]
* nanobots scan the brain from inside [Kurzweil00]
* full immersion virtual reality with nanobots, from within the nervous system [Kurzweil00]
* medical treatment for several-decade life extension in humans [deGrey05]
* 10^8 MIPS processor for $10,000 [UAS05, pp.48-49]
* human-equivalent processor speed and memory in PC size for airborne/UAV use [UAS05, p.71]
* demand from BRICs is about 2.4x of G6 [G-S03]
* unmanned Mars exploration by China [WP06]
* neural implants improve sensory experiences, memory and thinking [Kurzweil99c]
* detailed maps of the computationally relevant features of the human brain and recreation of these designs in advanced neural computers [Kurzweil99c]
* Massive colonization of oceans and solar system [Wang06]
* First orbital country, nanotube structure many kilometers in diameter at L5, population 100,000+ [Wang06]
* Full sensory feeds to nervous system - ala Matrix [Wang06]
* Crime and paranoia: people incapacitated and loaded into false sensory feed to give up information [Wang06]
* Taking people out of suspended animation perfected [Wang06]
* Human cells interfaced with nanotech [Wang06]
* Worlds imager / hypertelescope, 1km resolution out to 30 light years [Wang06]
* Probe goes beyond 200AU [Wang06]
* Multiple computer models, copies of live cells and animal models for every person [Wang06]
* California and Texas follow New Mexico and become officially bilingual with English and Spanish [Wang06]
* AI brings chimpanzee or dolphin up to human level intelligence [BT05]
* AI Entity gains PhD [BT05]
* AI Entity awarded Nobel Prize [BT05]
* Remote control devices built into pets [BT05]
* Virus wipes out half of the electronic pet population [BT05]
* AI entities given vote [BT05]
* Smart yoghurt, colony of smart bacteria linked together, IQ = human [BT05]
* Brief human suspended animation [BT05]
* Electronic memory enhancement [BT05]
* Many new forms of plants and animals from genetic engineering [BT05]
* Nanobots in toothpaste attack plaque [BT05]
* Fully functioning artificial eyes [BT05]
* Electronic brain implants [BT05]
* Genetic, chemical and physiological bases of human behaviour understood [BT05]
* Intelligence or memory enhancement by external means [BT05]
* First Bionic Olympics [BT05]
* e-Baybies, genetic conception [BT05]
* DNA compression used to create optimal organisms [BT05]
* Virus crosses over from machine to human [BT05]
* Synthetic immune system [BT05]
* Language teaching decline due to machine translation services [BT05]
* 70 million over 65s in USA (20%) with 9 million over 85s [BT05]
* 3Bn people water stressed ( cu m per capita per year) [BT05]
* First e-Baybies genetically assembled [BT05]
* Chinese graduates exceed American and European graduates [BT05]
* Systems based on biochemical storage of solar energy [BT05]
* Widespread use of micro CHP stations (in 50% of premises) [BT05]
* 30% of world's arable land will be salty [BT05]
* Widespread use of sensors in the countryside [BT05]
* 70% of landfills in USA full [BT05]
* Patio display panels and slabs to simulate beach [BT05]
* Anti noise technology in gardens [BT05]
* 3D home printers [BT05]
* Nanotechnology plants [BT05]
* Emotion transmission and conversion (feel love or anger) [BT05]
* Digital image overlays enhance relationships [BT05]
* Global voting on some issues [BT05]
* Network based telepathy [BT05]
* Holographic TV [BT05]
* Full direct brain link [BT05]
* Smart yoghurt [BT05]
* Circuits made with bacteria by own DNA, smart yoghurt [BT05]
* Insect sized robots banned in gardens due to effects on wildlife [BT05]
* Robotic delivery for internal mail [BT05]
* Robotic exercise companion [BT05]
* More robots than people in developed countries [BT05]
* Android gladiators [BT05]
* GM and robotics converge, GM used to make organic robots [BT05]
* First war without any casualties from friendly fire [BT05]
* Robots outnumber soldiers on battlefield [BT05]
* Smart bacteria used in warfare to alter behaviour of enemy [BT05]
* Smart bacteria as military threat to mankind [BT05]
* Attacks based on facilitating natural disasters [BT05]
* Smart bacteria weapons [BT05]
* Gated cities for civilised people [BT05]
* First manned mission to Mars [BT05]
* Production, storage and use of antimatter [BT05]
* Space factories for commercial production [BT05]
* Airships used to carry payloads most of the way to orbit [BT05]
2031
* Britney Spears is 50 years old
2032
* India's GDP exceeds Japan's GDP [G-S03]
* MNT able to replace various organs [Wang06]
2033
2034
2035
* population 8.5 billion [UN04]
* widespread availability of synthetic brains [Grossman01][Klatz00]
* MNT Utility Fog created [Wang06]
* MNT creates artificial island larger than Manhattan [Wang06]
* Fake reality able to fool remote monitoring and visual observers [Wang06]
* Nanotechnology weapons used in war, over 500 million dead [Wang06]
2036
2037
* one Human Brain capability (2 * 10^16 cps) for one cent [Kurzweil01]
2038
2039
* BRIC's (Brazil, Russia, India , China) GDP exceeds G6 (US, Japan, Germany, UK, France, Italy) [G-S03]
2040
* population 8.7 billion [UN04]
* hybrid of biological and electronic mental processes [Kurzweil03]
* bulk of human thinking is non-biological [Kurzweil00]
* our human intelligence and our machine intelligence very deeply and very intimately melded [Kurzweil00]
* MNT utility fog and display technology make Star Trek holodeck style technology [Wang06]
* MNT repair of cellular damage [Wang06]
* MNT able to enhance body functions [Wang06]
* Interstellar probe arrives in another solar system [Wang06]
* FDA drug approval by individual -based on phased trials of your individual reaction [Wang06]
* Flexible employment used to balance imbalance of too many retirees [Wang06]
* Thought scanning breakthrough, refined brain-scans allow detailed reading of conscious thoughts [Wang06]
* Regular manned missions to Mars [BT05]
* Use of human hibernation in space travel [BT05]
* Space elevator based on carbon nanotube cable [BT05]
* Use of solar wind deflectors to set fire to cities [BT05]
* Nanotech based virus communicable between machines and people, sent over net [BT05]
* Micro-Mechano fractal construction kit [BT05]
* Virtual display [BT05]
* Creation of The Matrix [BT05]
* VR extensively used in retirement homes [BT05]
* Restricted capability home genetic engineering kits [BT05]
* Experience recording [BT05]
* Real' toy soldiers using nanotechnology [BT05]
* Running man' style TV programs using androids [BT05]
* Carbon dioxide fixation technologies for environment protection [BT05]
* Artificial precipitation induction control [BT05]
* Space solar power stations [BT05]
* 3.5 Bn people water stressed (400M in 2001) [BT05]
* e-Baybies form virtual population of 1 Bn [BT05]
* First e-Baybies electronically emulated [BT05]
* Learning superseded by transparent interface to smart computers [BT05]
* 95% of people in advanced nation computer literate [BT05]
* Artificial peripheral nerves [BT05]
* e-Baybies, digital emulation conception [BT05]
* Sims game using real genetics [BT05]
* Brain 'add-ons' [BT05]
* AI Entity sets up higher level prize [BT05]
* Learning superseded by transparent interface to smart computer [BT05]
* Robots physically and mentally superior to humans [BT05]
* Emulation of bio life form inside the computer using protein emulation [BT05]
2041
* Britney Spears is 60 years old
* China's GDP exceeds US GDP [G-S03]
2042
* Holodeck technology able to work in outdoor lighting conditions [Wang06]
* MNT used to stage events - falsifying news and reality [Wang06]
2043
2044
2045
* population 8.9 billion [UN04]
* Over 100 million living on off-world colonies [Wang06]
2046
2047
2048
2049
* The common use of nanoproduced food, which has the correct nutritional composition and the same taste and texture of organically produced food, means that the availability of food is no longer affected by limited resources, bad crop weather, or spoilage. [Kurzweil99]
* Nanobot swarm projections are used to create visual-auditory-tactile projections of people and objects in real reality. [Kurzweil99]
* one Human Race capability (2*10^26 cps) for $1,000 [Kurzweil01]
2050
* population 9.1 billion [UN04]
* economy of Brazil same size as Japan (at market exchange rates), which is 20-25% of US [PwC06]
* economy of Indonesia Mexico are both larger than Germany or UK (market PPP) [PwC06]
* economy of Russia same size as France (market PPP) [PwC06]
* economy of Italy same size as Turkey (market PPP) [PwC06]
* economy of India is 100%(PPP) and 58%(market) of US [PwC06]
* economy of China is 143%(PPP) and 94%(market) of US [PwC06]
* economy of Korea Spain are both 8% of US (market PPP) [PwC06]
* economy of E7 (Brazil, Russia, India, China, Turkey, Mexico, Indonesia) is 175%(PPP) and 125%(market) of G7 (US, Japan, France, UK, Germany, Italy, Canada) [PwC06]
* GDP-per-capita in Brazil, Turkey and China broadly on par with 2004 levels of G7; about 50% of 2050-G7 levels [PwC06]
* GDP-per-capita in China similar to 1999 levels of G6; 37% of 2050-US [G-S03]
* demand from BRICs is about 4x of G6 [G-S03]
* team of fully autonomous humanoid robots win against the human world soccer champion team [RoboCup; WP06]
* full scale fusion reactor available based on "ITER" [WP06]
* Singularity AI : 1 billion times human intelligence accelerates technology developments [Wang06]
* Offworld economy larger than Japan's economy [Wang06]
* MNT-enhanced world imager, MNT mass produces billions of satellite telescopes, large precise mirrors, network to form 1,000,000km telescope, 10m resolution at 30 light years [Wang06]
* Life expectancy at 65+ increases over 1 year for each year - escape velocity [Wang06]
* 100 million Hispanics in the United States; 25% of the population [Wang06]
* Living genetically engineered teddy bear [BT05]
* Primate given brain implant to increase intelligence to human level [BT05]
* Artificial brain [BT05]
* Brain in jar [BT05]
* World population peaks at 10 billion [BT05]
* Wave energy providing up to 50% of UK requirements [BT05]
* Use of nuclear fusion as power source [BT05]
* Global environmental management corporations [BT05]
* i-Robot style robots with polymer muscles and strong AI [BT05]
* Start of construction of manned Mars laboratory [BT05]
* Moon base the size of small village [BT05]
* Asteroid mining [BT05]
* Mining of water on Mars [BT05]
* Self sustaining mars colony [BT05]
* Asteroid diversion used as weapon [BT05]
2051
* Britney Spears is 70 years old
2052
2053
2054
2055
2056
2057
2058
2059
* one Human Race capability (2 * 10^26 cps) for one cent [Kurzweil01]
2060
* manned Mars exploration by China [WP06]
* 50% of world's arable land will be salty [BT05]
* Ozone hole disappears [BT05]
* Humanoid robots beat England soccer team [BT05]
2061
2062
2063
2064
2065
2066
2067
2068
2069
2070
2071
* Britney Spears is 90 years old
2072
* Picoengineering (developing technology at the scale of picometers or trillionths of a meter) becomes practical. [Kurzweil99]
2073
2074
2075
2076
2077
2078
2079
2080
* MNT-enabled megascale solar power collection, Kardashev level 1,500 times the energy of 2006 [Wang06]
2081
* Britney Spears is 100 years old
2082
2083
2084
2085
2086
2087
2088
2089
2090
2091
* Britney Spears is 110 years old
2092
2093
2094
2095
2096
2097
2098
2099
* There is a strong trend toward a merger of human thinking with the world of machine intelligence that the human species initially created. [Kurzweil99]
* There is no longer any clear distinction between humans and computers. [Kurzweil99]
* Most conscious entities do not have a permanent physical presence. [Kurzweil99]
* Machine-based intelligences derived from extended models of human intelligence claim to be human, although their brains are not based on carbon-based cellular processes, but rather electronic and photonic equivalents. Most of these intelligences are not tied to a specific computational processing unit. The number of software-based humans vastly exceeds those still using native neuron-cell-based computation. [Kurzweil99]
* Even among those human intelligences still using carbon-based neurons, there is ubiquitous use of neural-implant technology, which provides enormous augmentation of human perceptual and cognitive abilities. Humans who do not utilize such implants are unable to meaningfully participate in dialogues with those who do. [Kurzweil99]
* Because most information is published using standard assimilated knowledge protocols, information can be instantly understood. The goal of education, and of intelligent beings, is discovering new knowledge to learn. [Kurzweil99]
* Femtoengineering (engineering at the scale of femtometers or one thousandth of a trillionth of a meter) proposals are controversial. [Kurzweil99]
* Life expectancy is no longer a viable term in relation to intelligent beings. [Kurzweil99]
