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Email: ian.yeoman@vuw.ac.nz

 

Is I Robot – Fantasy or Reality?

I don't know if you have seen the film I Robot with Will Smith about how our daily live's are transformed by robots who are humans with intelligence and every home seems to have one. Today, society has seen more technological change in the last five years than the previous hundred years. Travel Futurologist Ian Yeoman explains how technology touches most aspects of our lives. Dependence on technology will grow in the future through reduced human interaction as robots replace mankind, new professions emerge and our lives are extended through medical discovery.

With the constant drive for new technology and smart solutions to problems that seemingly only exist because of the technology that we are so dependent on, technology is becoming more and more advanced, and machines are taking over tasks that previously were carried out by human beings, as well as assisting people in their jobs. Robotics are being developed that can perform tasks that were previously done by humans. Today, we see the 5th Element Robotic Bartender who can serve you the best wines and beers, shake your cocktail and listen to your tails. Robots will be your secretaries and space explorers. Some futurologists such as Ian Pearson are advocating them as adult playmates and comedians that win the Edinburgh Fringe Comedy Festival. Technology facilitates streamlining of processes, such as the "Snapper" bus ticketing system in Wellington. It is one example of how a machine that is designed to make a job easier, but one of the effects is that it is lessening human interaction. The bus driver no longer has to receive money in exchange for a ticket; all he/she needs to do is to manoeuvre through the traffic. What is next? A fully automated overland bus system or does the worldwide shortage of airline pilots means pilotless aircraft.

Social networking sites such as Facebook are growing at a fast pace with 20% of New Zealand's population signed up to the site. 20% of the world's populations has access to the internet and this has grown by 305% between 2000 and 2008. Today, social networking has completely been transformed how we live. According to research by the Future Foundation, 64% of 16-25 year olds, live their life on line. In fact they start to feel disconnected with society if they don't have access to the internet, mobile phone or blackberry!

Technology will transform many professions and many new professions will be created, whether it is steganographers, genetic counsellors, forensic nurses and life care planners. The divide between tech-savvy and technoofobs will mean that those people that are not upto date will suffer in the terms of exclusion on several arena. This will mean you could either miss out on the opportunity as you don't have the ability to communicate and stay in touch. As the world becomes flatter and more accessible, you don't have to be in a specific place to talk to someone.

Technology and science will extend your life, whether it is Japanese robotic suits (which is something out like out of RoboCop) or the Sony Dog which acts like a warden and companion in your home. Technology has changed the way we are doing business. We may even see holidays for robots in 2050, as they have to get away from the daily chores and stresses of life of serving the human population. Ian Yeoman's new book, Scaristy of Resources: World Tourism in 2050 is published in October 2009 by Chanel View.

Dr Ian Yeoman
www.tomorrowstourist.com