1. Emerging technologies

2. Predicting the future is almost impossible!
Quotes from people who got it wrong:
'Computers in the future may weigh no more than 1.5 tons.'
Popular Mechanics, 1949
'I think there is a world market for maybe five computers.'
Thomas Watson, chairman of IBM, 1943
'I have travelled the length and breadth of this country and talked with the best people, and I can assure you that data processing is a fad and won’t last out the year.'
The editor in charge of business books for publishers Prentice-Hall 1957
'There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home.'
Ken Olsen, president, chairman and founder of DEC 1977

3. Nanotechnology 1
Nanotechnology – new materials can be invented containing small-sized particles that exhibit new properties.

4. Nanotechnology 2 Could develop: much more powerful PCs
chips containing large numbers of films
miniature data storage systems
flexible displays
printable electronic circuits

5. Robotics
Robots are used extensively in manufacturing but have limited use outside.
Robots in the home:
mow lawns
vacuum floors.

6. Flexible screens may increase the functions of phones
could have e-newspapers with video
could have credit cards that display statements, etc.

7. Smart cars Cars contain sensors.
Use computer vision to track other vehicles on the road.
Can prevent accidents by eliminating human error.
For example, computer system would intervene and take control if you tried to pull out when unsafe to do so.