We often wonder whether the futuristic gadgets in science fiction movies could become reality.
Surprisingly, many of these groundbreaking innovations are already here.
Let’s explore ten sci-fi technologies that have made their way into our everyday lives.
1. Autonomous Cars
Inspired by: I, Robot (2004)
In the movie: Audi RSQ concept car with autonomous driving
Today’s equivalent: Tesla’s Autopilot
Modern cars equipped with sensors for parking and accident prevention are stepping stones to fully self-driving vehicles, like Tesla’s Autopilot, which can navigate and drive independently.
2. Realistic AI
Inspired by: Ex Machina (2014)
In the movie: Ava, an intelligent gynoid
Today’s equivalent: Collaborative robots (cobots)
Cobots assist humans in tasks ranging from factory work to personal companionship.
They are designed to work alongside humans, enhancing productivity and safety.
3. Avatars
Inspired by: Ready Player One (2018)
In the movie: OASIS VR system
Today’s equivalent: Personal AI avatars by ObeN
Virtual reality allows us to immerse ourselves in digital worlds using avatars.
Companies like ObeN and NVIDIA are creating avatars that closely mimic human appearance and behavior.
4. Nanotechnology
Inspired by: Iron Man 3 (2013)
In the movie: NanoTech Suit
Today’s equivalent: Real-world nanotechnology
While we don’t have Tony Stark’s suit, nanotechnology is used in medicine, electronics, and engineering, revolutionizing various fields with its microscopic precision.
5. Intelligent OS
Inspired by: Her (2013)
In the movie: Samantha, an intelligent operating system
Today’s equivalent: Siri and Alexa
Voice-activated assistants like Siri and Alexa learn our preferences and assist with daily tasks, though they lack the emotional depth seen in Her.
6. Smart Watches
Inspired by: No Time to Die (2021)
In the movie: James Bond’s spy watch
Today’s equivalent: Apple Watch
Modern smartwatches monitor health, provide navigation, and offer communication features, echoing the multifunctional gadgets used by James Bond.
7. 3D Printed Replicas
Inspired by: Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
In the movie: Replicants, bioengineered humanoids
Today’s equivalent: 3D-printed human tissue by Organovo
3D printing technology is advancing in healthcare, allowing for the creation of human tissue models for research and medical purposes.
8. Healthcare Robots
Inspired by: Big Hero 6 (2014)
In the movie: Baymax, a healthcare companion robot
Today’s equivalent: Robear, a medical robot assistant
Robots like Robear assist with patient care, helping with tasks such as lifting patients and providing support, much like Baymax does in the film.
9. Trash Bots
Inspired by: Wall-E (2008)
In the movie: Wall-E, a trash-compacting robot
Today’s equivalent: Volvo’s Robot-based Autonomous Refuse (ROAR)
ROAR robots automate trash collection, using drones and robots to empty bins into garbage trucks, making waste management more efficient.
10. Drones
Inspired by: The Fifth Element (1997)
In the movie: Flying taxis and police cars
Today’s equivalent: Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
While flying cars aren’t here yet, drones are used for photography, surveillance, and deliveries, showing a glimpse of the future transportation envisioned in The Fifth Element.
Science fiction has always inspired real-world technology.
From autonomous cars to advanced AI, these once-fantastical concepts are now part of our reality, driving us towards an even more innovative future.