8 Star Trek Technologies Moving From Science Fiction To Science Fact

[psh]

Readers here might enjoy my recent piece in Forbes.com:

"8 Star Trek Technologies Moving From Science Fiction To Science Fact"

Some of the 8+ technologies (or story elements) of Star Trek discussed include:

1) Warp Drive
2) Universal Translator
3) Handheld Computers
4) Medical Tricorder
5) Energy Weapons
6) Androids
7) Teleportation
8) Intelligent Aliens
9) Other Technologies​

 

[publiusr]

Re: 8 Star Trek Technologies Moving From Science Fiction To Science Fa

I'd settle for fusion.

 

[Paul Weaver]

Re: 8 Star Trek Technologies Moving From Science Fiction To Science Fa

I call my tablet a padd, far better term than "tablet".

As for universal translator, that is centuries away, no matter what microsoft's PR department say. Something that can talk to a new alien species it's never met and decode the entire language, and re-emit it in a variety of voices, within seconds. The ability to do this while stood in a room, and the ability to give a different language to various people in the room?

And keep lipsync working too?

No, a universal translator is as close to google translate as the space shuttle is to a horse and cart.

And quantum teleportation vs star trek transporters? As similar as the space shuttle to an orange.

As for the 10% chance of discovering extra-terrestial life in the next 18 months? I wish I could put $10000 on that not happening. Would be a nice easy $1000 win. If on the painfully remote chance it did happen xkcd 955.

 

[Destructor]

Re: 8 Star Trek Technologies Moving From Science Fiction To Science Fa

Well... the article more or less admits that item 1 is impossible.

And number 8 is kind of grabbing at straws.

 

[Robert Comsol]

Re: 8 Star Trek Technologies Moving From Science Fiction To Science Fa

Handheld Computers have become a reality, so have flat Screens, already featured in TOS, but I guess flat screens are no longer worth mentioning?

Bob

 

[Metryq]

Re: 8 Star Trek Technologies Moving From Science Fiction To Science Fa

Well... the article more or less admits that item 1 is impossible.

But—but—but, NASA already has a warp drive, and lots of slick graphics to prove it! Let's do lunch at Rigil Kent!

How about number 6, androids? Can Mr. Data pass as a 13-year-old Ukrainian boy?