2024’s Tech Predictions: How Past Movies Anticipated the Future

“Science fiction sometimes depicts real science science,” a saying that rings increasingly true in our technological landscape. The realm of science fiction has long been a canvas for the wildest imaginations of writers and filmmakers, envisaging technologies that seemed light-years away. Yet, many of these fantastical innovations have astonishingly transformed into realities over the past three decades. Mobile phones, once depicted as communicators in “Star Trek,” have become ubiquitous. The concept of virtual reality, a recurring theme in movies like “Tron” (1982), has now materialized into a tangible, immersive experience. Similarly, AI assistants, reminiscent of HAL 9000 from “2001: A Space Odyssey” (1968), are now an integral part of our daily digital interactions. As we delve into the technological marvels of 2024 and beyond, we find ourselves not just witnessing but living in a world where once-fictional technologies are now cornerstones of our reality. In this article, I want to delve into the most impactful technologies set to redefine industries, economies, and daily life in 2024 and beyond and which movies have already depicted them.

Generative AI, Knowledge Graphs, and Responsible AI:

Generative AI is leading a new wave of innovation by creating data-driven content. This is coupled with knowledge graphs that provide a structured representation of data and concepts, enhancing AI’s contextual understanding.

Generative AI leverages algorithms like GANs (Generative Adversarial Networks) to produce original content. Knowledge graphs, on the other hand, use nodes and edges to represent and interconnect information, enabling more sophisticated data analysis. The concept of Responsible AI embeds ethical considerations into AI development, ensuring fairness and transparency.

“Westworld” intricately explores the depth of AI, reflecting the complex ethical dimensions of Generative and Responsible AI. “Black Mirror Season 6 — Joan is Awful “ explores how generative AI and quantum computing can be used to create real-time fake realities. It involves creating new, original content based on existing data, and quantum computing, known for its potential to process vast amounts of data at high speeds.

Artificial General Intelligence (AGI):

Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) represents the zenith of AI research — a machine with the ability to understand, learn, and apply intelligence across a broad spectrum of human capabilities. Unlike narrow AI, which excels in specific tasks, AGI embodies versatile, human-like cognition.

AGI transcends the limitations of task-specific algorithms. It involves the integration of diverse cognitive functions like reasoning, general problem-solving, and abstract thinking, mirroring the human brain’s versatility. This contrasts with Generative AI, which, while advanced, focuses on creating content within specific parameters, lacking the broader understanding and adaptability inherent to AGI.

The quest for AGI echoes in movies like “A.I. Artificial Intelligence” (2001) where robots exhibit human-like consciousness and cognitive abilities, encapsulating the profound and complex nature of AGI.

Web 3.0, Web 4.0, NFTs, Blockchain, and Beyond Metaverse:

Web 3.0 and its successors represent a paradigm shift in internet usage, emphasizing decentralization, blockchain technology, and token-based economics. This evolution brings a new level of user sovereignty, with data privacy and ownership at its core.

The backbone of Web 3.0 lies in its blockchain infrastructure, enabling immutable data storage and smart contracts. NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) are revolutionizing digital ownership, each representing a unique digital asset verifiable via blockchain.

“Ready Player One” offers a glimpse of a decentralized digital universe, resonating with the principles of Web 3.0 and beyond.

6G and Beyond: Advancements in Connectivity:

6G is set to succeed 5G, offering exponentially higher data speeds, lower latency, and massive network capacity. It is the cornerstone of the Internet of Everything, connecting a myriad of devices and services.

6G will leverage advanced technologies like sub-terahertz (THz) frequency bands and sophisticated MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) antenna systems. These advancements will facilitate technologies such as holographic communications, ultra-precise location sensing, and enhanced mobile broadband.

Movies like “Blade Runner” and “The Fifth Element” depict advanced urban mobility, akin to what 6G technology could enable with flying cars and drone-based services.

Quantum Computing:

Quantum computing represents a quantum leap in computational power, harnessing the principles of quantum mechanics to process information in fundamentally new ways.

Quantum computers use quantum bits or qubits, which, unlike classical bits, can exist in multiple states simultaneously (superposition). This allows for parallel processing on a scale unachievable by classical computers. Quantum computing holds immense potential in areas like quantum cryptography, complex system modeling, and optimization problems.

“Star Trek’s” portrayal of parallel universes echoes the multi-state quantum mechanics principle. “Eagle Eye “, and God’s Eye in Fast and the Furious depict the power of supercomputers.

Multimodal Computing:

Multimodal computing integrates various input methods like voice, gesture, and touch, enhancing human-computer interaction. This is converging with the industrial metaverse, a digital twin of the physical world, creating immersive, interconnected digital environments.

Multimodal systems utilize advanced AI and ML algorithms for natural language processing, computer vision, and haptic feedback, providing a seamless user experience.

In “Iron Man”, Tony Stark’s computer system, J.A.R.V.I.S., is a prime example of multimodal interaction, responding to voice, gesture, and visual input, closely mirroring the concept of multimodal computing.

Model Compression:

Model compression techniques optimize AI models for performance and efficiency, enabling their integration into compact devices like the Humane Pin, a wearable AI device.

Model compression involves techniques like pruning, quantization, and knowledge distillation to reduce the size of neural network models without significantly compromising their performance. This enables the deployment of advanced AI in edge devices with limited computational resources.

The wearable tech in “Minority Report” foreshadows the integration of AI in everyday gadgets, akin to the Humane Pin.

Neuromorphic Computing:

Neuromorphic computing involves creating computer chips that mimic the human brain’s neural structure, leading to more energy-efficient and powerful computing systems.

This technology uses analog circuits to replicate neuro-biological architectures present in the nervous system, enhancing machine learning and AI capabilities. It holds promise in areas like sensory processing, brain modeling, and autonomous decision-making.

“Ex Machina” showcases advanced AI, echoing the principles of neuromorphic computing in creating machines with human-like cognitive abilities.

Autonomous Vehicles and Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS):

Autonomous vehicles and ADAS are transforming transportation, utilizing advanced technologies for safer and more efficient driving with minimal human intervention.

These systems use a combination of sensors, cameras, radar, and AI to navigate, detect obstacles, and make decisions. This technology ranges from basic assistance systems like automatic braking to fully autonomous vehicles that handle all driving tasks.

The self-driving cars in “I, Robot” and “Total Recall” offer a glimpse into the future of autonomous vehicles.

Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI):

BCIs link the human brain to external devices, enabling direct communication and control through neural activity.

These interfaces involve translating neuronal information into commands capable of controlling software or hardware, offering potential applications in medicine, gaming, and communication.

“The Matrix” showcases a form of BCI where characters download skills and information directly to their brains.

The lines between technology and imagination continue to blur, propelling us toward an exciting and uncharted future. These technologies, once the domain of cinematic imagination, are now tangible realities or within our grasp. In the words of Arthur C. Clarke, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.”