The BBC programme "Tomorrow's World," which ceased broadcasting some years ago, made predictions about the landscape of technology and its impact on society in 2025 nearly three decades ago. Many of these forecasts have been revisited in the context of today's advancements, particularly those relating to artificial intelligence (AI) automation and business practices.
One notable prediction was articulated by esteemed physicist Professor Stephen Hawking, who asserted that by 2025, significant changes would be anticipated in various spheres of life. He highlighted a concerning vision of "business barons" and banking institutions commandeering the internet, leading to the creation of a "supernet" that would restrict access and consequently ignite hacking incidents, viruses, and public unrest. In reality, the internet remains largely accessible, and there have been no manifestations of riots demanding digital access. Notably absent from the show's foresight were the phenomena of state-sponsored cyber warfare and the emergence of cryptocurrencies, which have fundamentally altered the financial landscape.
The programme's vision reached beyond terrestrial issues, predicting a future where space mining would become a reality, with prospectors extracting valuable metals from asteroids. They envisioned this process being facilitated by a hypothetical foam gel that would assist in altering the speed of asteroids. While this specific technology has not materialised, futurist Tom Cheesewright has commented on the potential abundance of resources in space, stating that the “potential riches are unfathomable” and confirms that “the technology is entirely within our grasp.”
In the realm of healthcare, "Tomorrow's World" posited that robots would be employed in surgical procedures, although the specifics of their predictions have not entirely come to fruition. While the concept of a league table for surgeon success rates is still absent in medical practice today, robotic-assisted surgeries have indeed become a reality. The foresight of remote surgeries conducted by skilled surgeons employing robotic technologies has partly been realised, albeit not in the manner envisioned.
The show's depiction of future technology also included an imaginative portrayal of an individual engaging with a virtual reality (VR) headset, interacting with a holographic advertisement of ultra-fast travel through the medium of a smart speaker. Although true ultra-fast travel remains an unachievable goal as of now, elements such as VR headsets, smart speakers, and holographic visuals have entered mainstream technology, demonstrating a level of advancement predicted by the programme.
As businesses increasingly embrace AI automation, the ongoing evolution of technology continues to shape predictions regarding trends and their implications for industries. The previews provided by "Tomorrow's World" serve as a historical reference point from which to assess the trajectory of technological innovations.
Source: Noah Wire Services