The Future This Week: A.I., Drones, and Mind-Controlled Robo-Limbs

In The Future This Week, Serious Wonder boots up and jacks in, searching for this week’s headlines of the future. From 3D printed robotic limbs controlled via the mind to a whole new world of sports that enhances athletes with advanced technologies, the future is definitely reaching into some of the best sci-fi literature imaginable.

Science fiction was always considered a genre which dreamed big, but fell hard on its face. That’s all changed now that the 21st century has become a sci-fi hub of dreams and wonders in which promises a future beyond our wildest comprehension. The future consists of 3D printing, advanced robotics, artificial intelligence, cyborgs, and limb regeneration. What a time to be alive! Welcome to the future!

The newly formed Superhuman Sports Society (S3), which consist of researchers, designers, and artists, have announced their goal of creating new sports empowered by augmented human technologies, such as powered suits, wearable robotic devices, and augmented reality. SOURCE

Sengalese-American singer Akon has recently announced plans of launching a new “Solar Academy” in Africa as part of his Akon Lighting Africa Initiative, whereby he’ll provide electricity to 600 million people. SOURCE

For the first time in history, a computer has come up with a new scientific theory without direct human help, solving one of biology’s biggest mysteries – how a sliced up flatworm can regenerate into new organisms. SOURCE

Taking us one step closer to finally achieving drone-delivery services, both Verizon and NASA have decided to team up and create technology which will help manage and monitor commercial and civilian drones in our skies. SOURCE

19-year-old Easton LaChappelle is starting to really impress the roboticist community for his recent inventions of inexpensive 3D printed robotic arms that he can control with his mind using a brainwave headset. SOURCE

Scientists at the Massachusetts General Hospital may have just revolutionized the ability to perform whole-limb transplants by successfully growing an entire rat limb in a petri dish. SOURCE

Photo Credit: Digital Trends