Science fiction movies have always been a source of inspiration for real-world technological advancements. From Jules Verne’s “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” to George Lucas’ “Star Wars,” filmmakers have been exploring futuristic and innovative technologies for over a century. While some of these concepts remain purely in the realm of fiction, there are several examples of sci-fi technologies that have actually been developed and implemented in the real world. In this article, we’ll take a look at 10 incredible technologies in sci-fi movies that actually exist today.
1. Video Calling (Blade Runner, 1982)
In Ridley Scott’s 1982 sci-fi classic “Blade Runner,” video calling was depicted as a futuristic and highly advanced technology. Today, video calling is a common feature in our daily lives, with services like Zoom, Skype, and FaceTime allowing people to communicate face-to-face from anywhere in the world.
2. Self-Driving Cars (Total Recall, 1990)
In the 1990 film “Total Recall,” the protagonist Doug Quaid travels in a futuristic taxi that drives itself. Today, self-driving cars are a reality, with several automakers and tech companies investing in this technology. Companies like Tesla, Google, and Uber have already developed self-driving cars, and it’s only a matter of time before they become a common sight on our roads.
3. Personal Digital Assistants (Star Trek: The Next Generation, 1987)
In the sci-fi series “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” the crew used a personal digital assistant called the “Personal Access Display Device” (PADD) to access information and communicate with the ship’s computer. Today, we have smartphones and tablets that serve the same purpose, allowing us to access information, communicate with others, and even control our homes with a few taps on a screen.
4. Gesture-Based Computing (Minority Report, 2002)
In Steven Spielberg’s 2002 film “Minority Report,” the protagonist John Anderton uses gesture-based computing to manipulate images and data on a virtual screen. Today, we have technologies like Microsoft’s Kinect and Apple’s Face ID that use gestures and facial recognition to control devices and unlock our smartphones.
5. Augmented Reality (Iron Man, 2008)
In the 2008 film “Iron Man,” Tony Stark uses a virtual reality interface to design and build his suit. While we may not have the technology to build Iron Man’s suit just yet, we do have augmented reality (AR) technology that allows us to overlay digital information onto the real world. AR technology is used in industries like architecture, engineering, and healthcare to visualize designs and information in a more immersive way.
6. Artificial Intelligence (Her, 2013)
In Spike Jonze’s 2013 film “Her,” the protagonist falls in love with an artificial intelligence operating system named Samantha. While we may not have sentient AI just yet, we do have artificial intelligence systems that can perform tasks like recognizing speech and images, and even driving cars. AI technology is used in industries like finance, healthcare, and transportation to analyze data and make informed decisions.
7. 3D Printing (Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, 1982)
In the 1982 film “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan,” the crew of the USS Reliant uses a 3D printing-like technology to create a new part for their ship. Today, 3D printing is a reality, with printers that can create objects ranging from toys to human organs. 3D printing is used in industries like manufacturing, architecture, and healthcare to create prototypes and products more quickly and efficiently.
8. Smartwatches (Knight Rider, 1982)
In the 1982 TV series “Knight Rider,” the protagonist Michael Knight uses a smartwatch to communicate with his car, KITT. Today, smartwatches are a popular wearable technology that allow us to monitor our health, access information, and communicate with others from our wrist.
9. Virtual Reality (The Lawnmower Man, 1992)
In the 1992 film “The Lawnmower Man,” the protagonist Jobe uses virtual reality technology to access a world beyond his physical limitations. Today, virtual reality (VR) technology is used in industries like gaming, entertainment, and education to create immersive experiences that transport users to new worlds.
10. Voice-Controlled Assistants (2001: A Space Odyssey, 1968)
In Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 film “2001: A Space Odyssey,” the sentient computer HAL 9000 is controlled by voice commands. Today, we have voice-controlled assistants like Amazon’s Alexa and Apple’s Siri that can perform tasks like playing music, ordering food, and controlling smart home devices.
Conclusion
These are just a few examples of the many incredible technologies in sci-fi movies that have become a reality in our world today. While some of these technologies may have seemed like pure fantasy when they were first introduced, the creative minds behind science fiction have inspired and influenced real-world innovation in countless ways. As we continue to explore the possibilities of technology and its impact on our society, we can look to the world of science fiction for even more inspiration and ideas.
External Resources
10 Pieces of Sci-Fi Tech That Are Actually Around The Corner