Everyone must know by now that many inventions today in many fields were once just stories or predictions in science fiction. For instance, the debit card predicted by Edward Bellamy in 1887, the battle tank by H.G. Wells in 1903, and the electric car and cell phone is credited to Star Trek.So, today, are there science fiction scenarios that may become reality in the next 20 years or so? You bet, and some are even beginning to become reality slowly. Some may even be used in real life predictably in the next 5 years or even less. Here's a rundown of some of the common ones:
Star Trek Replicators
It can be somewhat scary to see that the replicators in Star Trek resemble real 3D printers today, and the job they're supposed to do is exactly the same: To replicate or print out anything using certain materials on hand. 3D printers today can replicate jewelry, replacement body parts, spare parts, and even weapons.
Star Trek PADD
The Personal Access Display Device (PADD) looks and functions exactly like iPads and tablets of today, although the ones on Star Trek use a stylus. But some tablets today have optional styluses for writing or drawing options.
The Virtual Display Device
First used in Star Trek, this is now the common staple for most space pilots driving hyperspace ships. The simplest on seen in movies is the VDD used by the TIE fighter pilots in Star Wars. In about 5 to 10 years, the Google glass and other such devices will be perfected so the tiny screen just outside your direct vision can plug into everything from e-mailing to internet browsing, and more.
Minority
Report Air Touch Technology
While touch-screen display has already been
perfected and even improving ever since it came out in sci-fi films, a headset
is being created to mimic the air touch technology seen in the film, Minority
Report, though it may take some more years to make it as smooth as Tom Cruise
makes of it in the film.Hoverbikes and Hoverboards
Hoverbikes were first seen in Star Wars while the hoverboards was first seen in Back to the Future. By 2017, a hoverbike could start flying, though not as deft as the one used by the Stormtroopers. The hoverboards now being sold commercially took their cue from Back to the Future, though a more realistic one using four disc-shaped magnetic engines that pushed against each other could also make a commercial appearance by 2017.
Driverless Cars
Logan's Run in 1975 is credited with the first concept of a driverless vehicle, though these also came out in films like Total Recall, Judge Dredd, and Minority Report. Google is the first to attempt the concept, with Audi and Ford also attempting the reality, though the technology is a bit awkward.