Technology is bringing us closer to all of these realities and ones we could never have imagined. Perhaps our lives will resemble those of the science-fiction novels we read as children within a decade. Here are TED Talks from inventors, chemists, engineers, and scientists who have pushed technology to its limits to create breakthroughs that need to be applied in our everyday lives.
Meron Gribetz “A Glimpse of the Future through an Augmented Reality Headset”
Our pockets are filled with technology that makes communicating, playing, betting on NetBet, and having access to virtual worlds possible. On the other hand, in the real world, we are hunched over small screens, disconnected from our surroundings. According to Meta founder Meron Gribetz, instead, we should use machines that create jobs in the real world. On stage, he discusses the possible future applications of their augmented reality headset – from architecture to neuroscience.
Gwynne Shotwell and Chris Anderson: “SpaceX’s Plan to Fly You Across the Globe in 30 Minutes”
What makes a rocket ship fly? SpaceX’s approach to reducing “space junk” in orbit? Will we ever be able to ride on a spaceship, either to Mars or across the globe? Is working for Elon Musk really that great? In his interview with SpaceX’s president and COO, TED head Chris Anderson asks these and more questions. According to her, her long-term vision is not just to explore Mars, but to explore other galaxies far away.
Wanis Kabbaj: “What a Driverless World Could Look Like”
According to Wanis Kabbaj, a self-described transportation geek, we could learn a lot from the way blood circulates through our veins. There is a problem with the vascular system in our city and what we need to change in our thinking, according to Wanis. The author looks ahead at what traffic might be like once 100 percent of vehicles are driverless. Imagine how fast things would flow if all cars we operated were driverless. He explains that the more robotized our traffic grid becomes, the more organic and alive it will seem.
Hugh Herr: “The New Bionics That Let Us Run, Climb, and Dance”
A designer who specializes in bionics believes that the incredible world of bionics can bridge the gap between ability and disability. His demonstrations show three different kinds of interfaces in his own bionic legs: mechanical, which connects to his body; dynamic, which moves like flesh and bone; and electric, which communicates with his nervous system. In addition, he explains how machines attached to our bodies may make us stronger, faster, and more efficient in the future.
Keith Kirkland: “Wearable Tech that Helps You Navigate by Touch”
Kirkland designs products in which information is conveyed through touch. Humans are instinctively drawn to touch. Since we were born, touch has played an important role in helping us better understand the world, says Kirkland. Touch isn’t used much in our current devices in relation to notifications other than buzzing. According to Kirkland, adaptive design can expand the range of information our devices are able to communicate as well as our ability to sense and respond to our environments.
