The 21st century is becoming increasingly reminiscent of a sci-fi novel with driverless taxis, generative AI, and Elon Musk’s plans to colonize Mars. While some might find these advances shocking, they are not entirely unfamiliar as many of these ideas have been seen in science fiction before they became reality.
Daniel Smalley, a researcher at Brigham Young University, believes that science fiction inspires technologists to create real-world inventions. He and his lab are working to recreate the Princess Leia hologram from ‘Star Wars’ and the Holodeck from ‘Star Trek’. These iconic sci-fi works have influenced various technologies including advanced prosthetics, robotics, AI, laser technology, and space exploration.
‘Star Wars’ has inspired directional displays like the Princess Leia hologram, while ‘Star Trek’ has influenced technologies such as mobile phones, tablet computers, 3D printing, and immersive virtual reality systems like the holodeck. Smalley’s lab is also looking to recreate the holodeck, facing challenges related to computing power.
‘Dune’, the ecological science fiction novel by Frank Herbert, has also influenced real-world research. Concepts like terraforming Mars and weaponized sound manipulation have been explored by researchers like Gary King at Louisiana State University and at Cambridge University, respectively.
Overall, science fiction continues to inspire and influence technological advancements, pushing researchers like Smalley to make the imaginative technologies of these fictional worlds a reality. As the world continues to evolve, the line between science fiction and reality becomes increasingly blurred.
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