Science FACTion: 20 Sci Fi predictions for tomorrow that came true

Want to know what the world will look like 5, 10 or even 50 years from now?

Dive into science faction then. It is not as unrealistic as you might think.

When you think of science fiction, what comes to mind? Galaxies, spaceships, and lightsabers? Maybe alien species and robots? Most of us probably think of the Star Wars movies, which fall into the category of sci-fi. However, whereas Star Wars happens “a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away,” science fiction is about the future, not the past. Sci-fi can actually be quite useful for predicting future developments and innovations.

Science fiction is about preventing and inventing – preventing potential dangers in the future or inventing ideas or products the world has not yet seen. Science fiction always poses the question: “What if…?” What if we invent technology that makes us immortal and superhuman? What if robots become more intelligent than us and outrule humanity? What if we need to leave Earth due to climate changes?

These scenarios might seem far-fetched, but many businesses get inspiration from science fiction and hire sci-fi writers to predict their future innovations and responsibilities. Tech giants like Microsoft , Google , and Apple are connecting science fiction writers with their employees and tech developers. This way of imagining future societies and technologies – which may not, but potentially could become a reality – is known as design fiction, and is a useful method for enhancing creativity and innovative thinking.

"Safeguarding the Future of Digital Australia in 2025"

As I was writing this article, I was reminded that almost ten years ago to the day, I had the privilege of collaborating with some very clever people, including Michael Sentonas , Sean Duca , Michelle Finneran Dennedy , Brian David Johnson , Ross Dawson , Dr Justin Coulson and many others on a project that examined and hypothesised how we would be using technology in 2025. I'm sure that team will get a blast from reviewing these insights a decade on ;)

Launched by Minister Paul Fletcher as part of Australia’s 2024 "Stay Smart Online Week" and to support our collaboration with Life Ed | Healthy Harold , the paper combined qualitative predictions with insights from a quantitative survey of Australians examining their perceptions of our digital future.

Through comprehensive research, expert interviews, and surveys of 1,230 Australians, the "Safeguarding the Future of Digital Australia in 2025"  report explored the future use of technology at home, in social interactions, at work, and by the next generation of leaders, providing early indicators of these changes and expert advice on staying safe. The goal was to help Australians understand these shifts, develop necessary skills, and initiate conversations about upcoming technological developments and their implications.

I can still remember being in awe of Brian David Johnson , the then Intel Corporation global futurist, who was integral in shaping the roadmap for the chip 10 years out. I asked him what goes into that sort of roadmap given the rate of technological change (I thought we were moving fast then, little did I know!). He shared that one component was getting 10-year-olds to write science fiction stories of how they envisioned technology might be used in the future. This imagination, or "what if" component, was critical in contributing to future scenario planning. Neat, hey!

By embracing the predictive power of science fiction and integrating it into our innovation processes, we can better prepare for the future and navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

The Predictive Power of Science Fiction 🔮

Science and technology are rapidly growing in today’s age. Even though both have exploded over the past century, people are still pushing them to further heights. There’s no telling where they will take us, for better or for worse. Science fiction envisions what these heights can be. Many science fiction writers have backgrounds in science and technology. Isaac Asimov was a biochemist, Carl Sagan an astronomer, and Liu Cixin is a computer engineer. This background helps explain why their predictions about the future are so accurate.

As ideas from science fiction come to life, writers push through the boundaries of their imaginations to visualise what is higher up. They replace now-real technologies with endless scientific possibilities. Who knows, 20 years from now, you might be sitting in the back of a fully driverless car, eating 3D printed food, while reading about a newly conceptualised technology from your favourite sci-fi writer.

So what is Science Faction? 👨🎨 👩🔬

Science faction also known as “hard science fiction” blends the speculative and imaginative elements of science fiction with scientifically grounded concepts and technologies. Unlike traditional science fiction, which often explores highly speculative and far-fetched ideas, science faction is rooted in current scientific knowledge and technological advancements. It envisions plausible future scenarios based on the extrapolation of existing scientific principles and emerging technologies.

Science faction serves as a bridge between fiction and reality, making its predictions about the future more credible and likely to come true. This genre not only entertains but also informs and inspires, encouraging audiences to think critically about the potential impacts of science and technology on society. By incorporating real scientific data and research, science faction offers a realistic glimpse into what the future might hold, making it a valuable tool for innovation, philosophy and creativity.

Btw there are multiple interpretations of which writer predicted each so these are just samples for your enjoyment!

The Internet and the World Wide Web 🌐

• Predicted by: William Gibson in Neuromancer (1984)
• Reality: Revolutionised global communication and information sharing.

Virtual Reality 🥽

• Predicted by: Philip K. Dick in The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch (1965)
• Reality: VR headsets are widely used in gaming, training, and therapy, or as it happens, as inflight entertainment.

Smartphones 📲 the device that we are all attached to!

• Predicted by: Star Trek (1966-1969)
• Reality: Multifunctional smartphones have become ubiquitous.

Voice Assistants 🎙️

• Predicted by: Arthur C. Clarke in 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
• Reality: Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant are integral to daily life and now OpenAI's GPT-4o

Video Calling 📹

• Predicted by: Hugo Gernsback in Ralph 124C 41+ (1911)
• Reality: Skype, Zoom, and FaceTime made video communication standard.

Drones 🛸

• Predicted by: H.G. Wells in The War in the Air (1908)
• Reality: Drones are used in photography, delivery services, and military operations.

Bionic Limbs 🦿

• Predicted by: Martin Caidin in Cyborg (1972)
• Reality: Advanced prosthetics enhance mobility and functionality.

Earbuds and Wearable Tech 🎧 ⌚

• Predicted by: Ray Bradbury in Fahrenheit 451 (1953)
• Reality: Wireless earbuds and wearable fitness trackers like ŌURA rings are essential gadgets.

Social Media

Predicted By: Neal Stephenson, whose 1992 novel Snow Crash depicted a virtual reality-based internet where people interact in a digital environment, foreshadowing the rise of online social networks and virtual communities.

Reality: Do I really need to answer this? LinkedIn , Instagram TikTok Youtube Pinterest Meta Twitter (sorry X)

Space Tourism 🚀

• Predicted by: Arthur C. Clarke in 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
• Reality: SpaceX and Blue Origin pioneer commercial space travel (Read Here)

Electric Cars 🔋

• Predicted by: Philip K. Dick in Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? (1968)
• Reality: Tesla 's electric vehicles are now mainstream.

Personalised Advertising 📊

• Predicted by: Philip K. Dick in Minority Report (2002)
• Reality: Online ads use data analytics to target audiences.

Smart Homes 🏠

• Predicted by: Ray Bradbury in There Will Come Soft Rains (1950)
• Reality: Smart home devices like thermostats and security systems are widely used.

3D Printing 🖨️

• Predicted by: Arthur C. Clarke in The Fountains of Paradise (1979)
• Reality: 3D printing is used in manufacturing, medicine, and even entire home production. (See ICON and 3D-printed House Zero in Austin)

Augmented Reality 🌐

• Predicted by: Neal Stephenson in Snow Crash (1992)
• Reality: AR apps and devices like Pokémon GO went mainstream

Robotic Surgery 🤖

• Predicted by: Isaac Asimov in Fantastic Voyage (1966)
• Reality: Robots like the The da Vinci Surgical System enhance surgical precision.

Universal Translators 🌍

• Predicted by: Star Trek (1966-1969)
• Reality: Apps like Google Translate facilitate communication across languages.

Facial Recognition Technology 🕵️♂️

• Predicted by: Philip K. Dick in Minority Report (2002)
• Reality: Widely used in airport security systems, smartphones, and surveillance to identify individuals.

Brain-Computer Interfaces 🧠

• Predicted by: The Matrix (1999)
• Reality: Direct interfaces between the brain and computers have been in use for years like EMOTIV , allowing for control of devices through thought alone.

20 Sci Fi Predictions Likely to Come True in the Next 5 Years?

As we look forward, it is fascinating to consider the advancements in technology and society that are on the horizon. Especially as our GAI era gains momentum. Many are already in development or early-stage adoption. Drawing inspiration from science fiction and current technological trends, we can anticipate several significant developments. Are these 20 predictions likely to come true in the next five years? What implications will they bring? 🤔

Widespread Use of AI in Healthcare 🏥

• Science Fiction Reference: Blade Runner (1982)
• Prediction: AI will revolutionise diagnostics, personalised treatment plans, and drug discovery, making healthcare more efficient and effective.

Quantum Computing Breakthroughs 💻

• Science Fiction Reference: The Quantum Thief by Hannu Rajaniemi (2010)
• Prediction: Quantum computers will solve complex problems beyond the reach of classical computers, advancing fields like cryptography and materials science.

AI-Powered Autonomous Vehicles 🚗

• Science Fiction Reference: I, Robot by Isaac Asimov (1950)
• Prediction: Self-driving cars and trucks will become more prevalent, transforming transportation and logistics industries.

AI in Education 🎓

• Science Fiction Reference: Ready Player One by Ernest Cline (2011)
• Prediction: Personalised learning experiences will be enhanced by AI, tailoring education to individual needs and improving learning outcomes.

Smart Cities 🏙️

• Science Fiction Reference: Metropolis (1927)
• Prediction: Cities will use AI and IoT to optimise energy use, traffic management, and public services, creating more efficient and sustainable urban environments.

Advanced Robotics in Daily Life 🤖

• Science Fiction Reference: The Jetsons (1962-1963)
• Prediction: Robots will assist in homes and workplaces, performing tasks from cleaning to caregiving, improving quality of life and productivity.

AI-Driven Financial Services 💹

• Science Fiction Reference: Altered Carbon by Richard K. Morgan (2002)
• Prediction: Financial advice, investment strategies, and fraud detection will be powered by AI, enhancing accuracy and efficiency in financial operations.

Enhanced Cybersecurity 🔒

• Science Fiction Reference: Neuromancer by William Gibson (1984)
• Prediction: AI will play a crucial role in identifying and combating cyber threats in real-time, protecting data and infrastructure.

Sustainable AI Solutions 🌱

• Science Fiction Reference: The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi (2009)
• Prediction: AI will contribute to environmental sustainability, optimizing resource use and reducing waste, supporting global efforts to combat climate change.

Human-Machine Integration 🧠

• Science Fiction Reference: Ghost in the Shell (1995)
• Prediction: Advances in neural interfaces and biohacking will blur the lines between humans and machines, enhancing cognitive and physical abilities. (Nuralink LLC anyone)

Personalised Medicine 🧬

• Science Fiction Reference: Gattaca (1997)
• Prediction: Genetic profiling and AI will enable highly personalized medical treatments tailored to an individual's genetic makeup.

Augmented Reality in Daily Life 🌐

• Science Fiction Reference: Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson (1992)
• Prediction: AR will become seamlessly integrated into everyday life, enhancing our interaction with the digital world.

Wearable Health Monitors ⌚

• Science Fiction Reference: Star Trek (1966-1969)
• Prediction: Advanced wearables will continuously monitor health metrics, providing real-time data and alerts for potential health issues.

Vertical Farming 🌾

• Science Fiction Reference: The Expanse by James S.A. Corey (2011)
• Prediction: Urban vertical farming will become a viable solution to food production challenges, maximizing space and reducing resource use.

Renewable Energy Dominance ☀️

• Science Fiction Reference: Dune by Frank Herbert (1965)
• Prediction: Significant advancements in renewable energy technologies will lead to their dominance over fossil fuels, reducing environmental impact.

Advanced Prosthetics 🦾

• Science Fiction Reference: Iron Man (2008)
• Prediction: Prosthetic limbs will become more advanced, integrating directly with the nervous system to provide greater control and sensory feedback.

3D Printed Organs 🖨️

• Science Fiction Reference: Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro (2005)
• Prediction: 3D printing technology will create organs for transplants.

Smart Contact Lenses 👁️

• Science Fiction Reference: The Six Million Dollar Man (1973-1978) come on I had to include it!
• Prediction: Contact lenses with AR capabilities.

Self-Driving Cars 🚗

• Science Fiction Reference: Isaac Asimov in Sally (1953)
• Prediction: Autonomous vehicles are becoming more common on roads.

As we stand on the cusp of an era where the lines between science fiction and reality continue to blur at warp speed, the potential for innovation is boundless. The concept of "science faction" not only entertains but also inspires and informs, offering a realistic glimpse into what the future might hold. By looking at the predictions from science fiction that are likely to come true in the next five years, we can see the tremendous impact of these visionary ideas on our world.

Science fiction has been a fertile ground for imagining the future, often predicting technological advancements and societal changes with surprising accuracy. This predictive power stems from the genre's ability to explore possibilities that stretch beyond current limitations, guided by scientific principles and human ingenuity. As we embrace these future technologies, teams can learn from science faction to drive their innovation processes forward.

Integrating Design Fiction in Your Innovation Process

1. Foster a Culture of Imagination and Exploration 🌌🤔: Encourage team members to read and watch science fiction to spark their creativity and broaden their perspectives. Hold regular brainstorming sessions where wild and speculative ideas are welcomed and considered, fostering innovative thinking.
2. Integrate Design Fiction into Development Practices 🔧🛠️: Adopt design fiction practices, creating speculative scenarios and prototypes to explore new technologies. This helps teams envision future advancements and identify potential challenges and opportunities.
3. Collaborate with Experts from Diverse Fields 🧑🔬📚: Engage with scientists, engineers, futurists, artists and science fiction writers to gain a holistic understanding of potential innovations. This collaboration enriches the innovation process, grounding new developments in both reality and visionary thinking.

By adopting these practices, teams can harness the power of science faction to fuel their innovation journeys. Embracing a culture of imagination, utilising design fiction, and collaborating across disciplines will not only help them stay ahead of the curve but also create a future that reflects the best of our scientific and creative potential.

Until next time, stay curious...

Carrie