TECH TRENDS: WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS

An acceleration in driverless cars

Google’s driverless cars have already logged 1.3 million miles, and every automobile maker from Ford to Audi is testing a self-driving vehicle.

Within the next decade traditional car manufacturers as well as Google, Apple and Uber will race to put their frst autonomous

feets on the roads.

Manipulation of human genes

In 10 years we will be routinely manipulating the human genome of embryos before birth, using DNA cut-and-paste techniques. This isn’t a wild prediction to spark debate. We have already started editing embryos of living creatures such as dogs, pigs, and even humans in a failed attempt to cure a fatal blood disorder.

Drones will fll the skies

Over the next few years major technology companies such as Amazon and Google are planning to use drones in their distribution and delivery networks. Amazon’s Prime Air is already testing its services in the UK. The consulting frm Radiant Insights predicts that drone sales will reach nearly $5 billion by 2020.

The decade of virtual reality

2016 has already been branded the year of VR.

Facebook, Samsung and Sony are set to launch their headsets, and Google has a £10 version planned. VR is not only used for entertainment: education, medicine, architecture and defence companies are applying the technology to beneft students, patients, designers, veterans and submariners.