The next decade

Machine learning AI (Artificial Intelligence)

Shows like Black Mirror depict AI as something to be feared in the form of unstoppable robot bodies. The truth is that AI will achieve so much more for us in the coming years. It can solve problems in a fraction of the time needed by the average mind. This opens up a world of possibilities from personalised medical treatment based on genetics to waste management where AI can determine the exact chemical composition of an item and assign it to an appropriate recycling method.

Autonomous vehicles

Advancement in machine learning AI is starting to make a big impact in systems like Google-owned Waymo’s autonomous service. Imagine if you had the ability to tap into the memory of anyone who ever had an accident and instantly learn from it. This is what AI brings to the future of commutes. It might take another five to 10 years to perfect, but still beats the timescales of flying cars.

Fusion power

Nuclear fusion has always been the holy grail of clean and sustainable energy production as its main fuel hydrogen isotopes are ample in sea water and only a tiny amount is needed to kick-off a reaction to near limitless energy. Recent breakthroughs in containment and modelling promise to bring fusion earlier than expected prompting Amazon’s Jeff Bezos and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates to invest in the technology.

5G wireless network

Fifth generation (5G) wireless networks have arrived to mixed reviews but the underlying infrastructure speed when implemented properly allows a true Internet of Things to be created. This has far reaching implications for all mobile devices including autonomous vehicles which need constant access to information in a cloud to operate. This could mean the success of both 5G and smart cars are interlinked.