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The next decade will see ground-breaking technological developments in several sectors, with the potential to transform industries. Companies and research firms are rolling out innovations expected to foster change to our daily lives, and usher in a new era of unimaginable possibilities.
The imminent technological revolution will encompass fields such as biotechnology, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and space exploration. In this article, we will examine the most fascinating patents that have the potential to completely change how we live and work.
1. Mind-Controlled Devices
Credit: Wondergressive
Patents have been filed by companies such as Facebook (Meta) and Neuralink for Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology. This technology has the potential to transform medical treatments, gaming, and communication. The device can decode brain impulses so that users can text, control things, or even converse discreetly. For instance, electrodes have been implanted in the brains of people with epilepsy to better record and possibly forecast neurological mishap that causes seizures.
There have also been successful trials for deep-brain stimulation. It involves using implanted devices to stimulate important brain areas. This is a proven remedy for Parkinson’s disease and could one day be used to treat depression. However, the idea of getting one’s skull drilled and medics inserting chips into your brain is probably not going to be appealing in real life.
2. Self-Healing Materials
Scientists are creating materials that can mend themselves when they are broken. This has a potential to cut waste and increase product longevity. Patents in this field include self-repairing phone screens that patch cracks on their own and self-healing concrete for infrastructure. These advancements might result in devices, structures, and even spacecraft with longer lifespans.
Research in this field has attracted a lot of interest lately due to the potential of SHMs. It can transform several sectors by improving the robustness, dependability, and safety of structural components.
3. Flying Cars: Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL)
Credit: Future of Flight
Since the early 1900s, aerial cars have been a common feature of science fiction and fantasy literature. It now seem like they might soon become a reality. Aerospace engineer at Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla aerospace Xiaosong Du says the technology to create flying cars is currently in existence. Several patented concepts for air taxis and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicles from companies like Uber and Hyundai hold a promise to revolutionize urban mobility.
These advances promise shorter commutes, less gridlock, and new prospects for transportation infrastructure. However, one of the largest obstacles to people using flying cars for transportation is the cost. The flying automobiles are expected to cost around $500,000 each when they go into production later this year.
4. Quantum Computing
Credit: Quantum Potential
Quantum computers can tackle problems that are insurmountable for classical computers. Tech companies like Google, Microsoft, and IBM have patented cutting-edge quantum computing methods that increase processing capacity. These advancements have the potential to completely transform sectors like artificial intelligence, pharmaceuticals, and cryptography.
Quantum computers use quantum bits, or qubits, as opposed to classical computers, which use bits. Quantum computers can do extremely complicated computations at incredible speed because qubits can exist in multiple states at once.
5. 3D-Printed Organs
Credit: MXTX
The area of regenerative medicine is developing rapidly with patents for 3D-printed organs and tissues that may dispense with the need for organ donors. Researchers are developing bio-printed kidneys, skin transplants, and hearts that could one day save millions of lives.
In 2023, Dr. Arturo Bonilla of Texas expertly placed an outer ear in a 20-year-old lady who was born without one. The woman’s right ear was 3D printed using cells from her own body to match the dimensions and form of her left ear.
6. Space-Mining Technologies
The idea of mining asteroids for valuable materials is growing along with space exploration. NASA and companies like Planetary Commodities have patents for methods of mining asteroids for metals, water, and other commodities that could power deep-space travel and the expanding space economy.
However, the laws governing this terrain are vague and poorly defined. Issues about ownership of lunar territory and rights to extract resources are still unresolved. There is a necessity for globally accepted regulations governing space exploration as big tech companies like SpaceX and Blue-Origin are now pioneering a new age of space exploration.
7. AI-Powered Lawyers
The Legal sector has seen patents on AI-powered legal assistants that can prepare contracts, analyze case law, and forecast legal outcomes. Although complex cases still need human intervention, these tools could expedite legal work and increase the efficiency of law firms.
These tools are guaranteed to help legal practitioners save time and concentrate more on important tasks advising clients. Lawyers can drastically cut down on time spent on tedious legal work by using Spellbook‘s AI-powered tools to expedite contract drafting and review.
8. Energy Harvesting from Human Movement
Credit: Wellness Photos
It won’t be long until we can power our gadgets only by moving or walking. This field has seen a surge in interest as a potential energy source. Patents on wearable energy-harvesting technology explore methods of turning blood flow, movement, or body heat into useful electricity. This might result in medical devices, fitness monitors, and smartwatches that run without an external power source.
Energy harvesting devices are a very appealing alternative to battery-powered devices. These devices can harvest energy from both human and mechanical movements. Several motion-powered devices have been proposed and are currently being developed.
9. Smart Contact Lenses
Smartwatches are not the only wearable technology of the future. Companies like Google and Samsung have patented contact lenses with built-in cameras, glucose monitoring for diabetics, and Augmented Reality (AR) features. These glasses may redefine our interactions with digital information and healthcare monitoring. Video calls could soon give way to full-fledged holographic interactions.
10. Holographic Communication
Credit: Asian Mag
There are several patents for devices that project 3D holograms in real-time and let users interact as though they were in the same room. This has the potential to transform virtual interactions, entertainment, and remote work.
Final Notes
The realm of patents provides an intriguing sneak peek into future developments. Some of these cutting-edge technologies might not be fully developed yet, they demonstrate the enormous potential for innovation in a variety of sectors. Undoubtedly, these concepts will influence the future in ways we can’t even begin to envision as they go from patent applications to practical uses.
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