Future Now: 10 Really Cool Things That Are about to Happen

The future is closer than we think, bringing along some pretty amazing changes that are about to become part of our everyday lives. We’re not just talking about flying cars or robots—though there’s plenty of that, too. What’s coming next will reshape how we live, work, and even play in ways that might surprise you.

Think about a car that folds up to fit in the tightest spaces or solar panels so thin and efficient that they blend right into our surroundings. These aren’t distant dreams—they’re things you might be using sooner than you think. And it’s not just on Earth where we’ll see these changes; space travel is on the verge of becoming something ordinary people can actually experience.

In this list, we’re diving into ten incredible developments that are just around the corner. These aren’t just cool gadgets—they’re innovations that will change the way we see and interact with the world. So, get ready to be amazed by what’s coming next.

Related: 10 Predictions About a Typical Future Day in the Life

10 The Foundation of Smart Cities

As our cities grow and change, the idea of smart cities is becoming more than just a buzzword. It’s about using technology to make urban life smoother, greener, and safer. At the core of this concept are technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and big data. These aren’t just fancy gadgets; they’re tools that help cities function better and improve the day-to-day lives of the people who live there.

Think about it—sensors embedded in city infrastructure that can manage everything from traffic lights to water systems, making sure things run efficiently without us even noticing. AI plays a key role by analyzing data to predict and solve problems before they happen, whether that’s reducing energy use or enhancing public safety. Blockchain comes in to keep all this data secure and transparent, which is crucial when so much information is being shared. And with big data analytics, city planners can make more informed decisions that truly benefit the community.

Smart cities aren’t just about adding more tech to our lives—they’re about creating places that adapt to our needs, making urban living more sustainable and enjoyable. As these technologies continue to evolve, we’ll see our cities transform into environments that are not only smart but also more in tune with the people who live in them.^[1]

9 Foldable Electric Cars: The Next Leap in Urban Mobility

City driving is about to get a lot smarter with the rise of foldable electric vehicles. These compact cars are designed to tackle urban challenges like limited parking and congested streets. Leading the way is the Israeli company City Transformer with its CT-2 model, which can narrow its width to just one meter, making it a breeze to fit into tight spots or weave through traffic. But City Transformer isn’t the only player in the game. This idea is catching on, with other innovators also exploring how to make urban travel more efficient.

What’s exciting about foldable EVs like the CT-2 is their blend of practicality and sustainability. The CT-2, for instance, is built with eco-friendly materials and features a lightweight battery that’s 70% lighter than those in most electric cars. This makes it twice as energy-efficient as a conventional vehicle, capable of reaching speeds up to 55 mph and covering up to 112 miles (180 kilometers) on a single charge—perfect for daily city commutes.

These foldable electric vehicles represent a fresh approach to urban transportation, offering a smart solution for the growing challenges of city life. As more companies jump on board with this concept, we’re likely to see a wave of compact, sustainable cars that make getting around the city easier and greener. [2] ^[2]

8 Solar Panels You Can Print on Almost Anything Are on the Horizon

Imagine a world where solar panels are so thin and flexible that they could be printed onto your backpack, car, or even your phone. Oxford University researchers are bringing us closer to this reality with their development of ultra-thin, perovskite-based solar panels. These panels, 150 times thinner than traditional silicon ones, have shown the potential to generate nearly double the energy by capturing a broader spectrum of sunlight.

What makes this technology so groundbreaking is its versatility. While we’re not quite there yet, the concept of integrating solar power into everyday objects is becoming more feasible as research progresses. Picture a future where your phone charges itself from the energy it absorbs throughout the day or where your car roof helps power your commute—these are no longer just ideas but real possibilities on the horizon.

However, challenges remain, particularly with the durability of these perovskite panels. Scientists are actively working to improve their stability for long-term use. With these advancements, we could soon see a significant shift in how we harness and use solar energy in our daily lives.^[3]

7 Rockets on a Roll: SpaceX’s Ambitious Plan to Mass-Produce Space Travel

SpaceX is reshaping the future of space travel with its bold plan to mass-produce Starship rockets, bringing us closer to the day when space exploration becomes routine. At their Starfactory in Texas, the goal isn’t just to build rockets faster; it’s to revolutionize how we think about getting to space. Imagine a world where rockets are assembled with the same efficiency as cars, rolling off the production line regularly. This isn’t science fiction—it’s the direction SpaceX is heading.

While daily rocket production is still an ambitious target, SpaceX is laying the groundwork for a future where space travel could be far more accessible. These rockets aren’t just for the elite few; they’re part of a broader vision to support everything from satellite launches to potential human missions to Mars. The idea of regular space travel is becoming less of a dream and more of a tangible possibility.

As SpaceX continues to push the envelope, we’re witnessing the early stages of what could be a new era in exploration—one where space is no longer the final frontier but a reachable destination for many.^[4]

6 AI-Designed Supercars: Driving the Future of Innovation

Picture this: a supercar where every component, from the tiniest screw to the sleek outer shell, is crafted with the precision of a digital mastermind—AI. That’s the magic behind Czinger’s 21C supercar. The process begins with AI fine-tuning each part, ensuring it’s as light and strong as humanly—or rather, digitally—possible. This obsessive attention to detail makes the 21C not just a car but a marvel of modern engineering, perfectly balancing power with efficiency.

Once the design is ready, the parts are brought to life through advanced 3D printing. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill assembly line; each piece is meticulously printed layer by layer, achieving a level of precision that traditional methods can only dream of. Then comes the “robotic octopus”—a cutting-edge machine that assembles these parts with the finesse of a master craftsman but with the speed and accuracy only robotics can deliver.

The result? A glimpse into the future of automotive manufacturing, where AI and 3D printing redefine the boundaries of what’s possible. Czinger’s approach is more than just a leap forward for supercars; it’s a revolution that could transform how all vehicles are made, merging creativity with technology in ways we’re just beginning to explore.^[5]

5 Smart Grids Powered by IoT Are Revolutionizing Energy

In some of the most remote corners of the world, a quiet revolution is taking place, bringing reliable electricity to places that have never had it before. Companies like E.ON Off Grid Solutions are deploying smart grids powered by the Internet of Things (IoT), using their Rafiki Power brand to light up homes and redefine how energy is managed. These advanced grids, equipped with IoT technology, continuously monitor and optimize power distribution, ensuring that even the smallest communities receive consistent and efficient electricity.

What sets these grids apart is their ability to adapt in real-time, predicting and preventing potential disruptions. This level of foresight reduces downtime, ensuring that the power keeps flowing. The impact is profound: businesses can thrive, schools can extend their hours, and healthcare facilities can operate with newfound safety and reliability.

As these smart grids continue to spread globally, they are setting a new benchmark for sustainable energy. IoT-powered grids aren’t just transforming energy access in remote regions; they are offering a glimpse into a future where technology drives sustainable development worldwide.^[6]

4 The Rise of Open-Source Hardware

The OpenTitan chip’s debut is a game-changer in hardware security. This cutting-edge chip is the first commercial-grade product developed by the OpenTitan coalition, which includes tech giants like Google and the nonprofit lowRISC. Unlike traditional hardware, OpenTitan offers a fully open-source design, allowing for unprecedented transparency and security. Its creation marks a pivotal moment in the open-source hardware movement, combining an open design with rigorous verification stages to ensure robustness.

What sets OpenTitan apart is its integration of the RISC-V open-source processor core with advanced hardware security features. The chip, known as Earl Grey, packs a suite of security and cryptographic modules into a single microprocessor. The project, initiated in 2019, represents a global collaboration, with contributions from major tech companies and independent developers alike, highlighting the power of collective effort in technological innovation.

As concerns about digital security escalate, OpenTitan’s approach could redefine how we approach hardware protection. By making its design fully open and accessible, it not only improves security but also fosters greater trust and innovation in technology. This coalition’s work underscores how open-source principles can drive major advancements in secure, transparent hardware solutions.^[7]

3 OPPO Air Glass 3: The New Rise of Smart Glasses

The OPPO Air Glass 3, introduced at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024, marks a significant update in smart glasses technology. These glasses feature a full-color display integrated into the lenses, providing clear visibility for real-time information. The standout addition is OPPO’s AndesGPT, an artificial intelligence (AI) model that acts as a voice assistant. This feature allows users to perform tasks using voice commands, although it requires a connection to a smartphone due to the high processing demands.

Currently, the Air Glass 3 is in the prototype stage and not yet available for purchase. It builds on OPPO’s previous smart glasses models, aiming to enhance the way users interact with digital information. While augmented reality (AR) devices like the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses and Apple Vision Pro are becoming more common, the Air Glass 3 seeks to refine the concept initially popularized by Google Glass.

As augmented reality continues to advance, the OPPO Air Glass 3 provides a preview of how smart glasses might evolve, combining advanced display technology with AI to improve daily interactions.^[8]

2 Inverse Vaccines: A New Hope for Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS), type 1 diabetes, and celiac disease occur when the immune system mistakenly targets the body’s own cells. These conditions are increasingly common and currently have no cure. The situation has been further complicated by studies linking COVID-19 to a higher risk of developing autoimmune disorders, making effective treatments urgently needed.

A novel approach in treatment research is the development of inverse vaccines, also known as tolerogenic vaccines. Unlike traditional vaccines that stimulate the immune system to fight off infections, inverse vaccines are designed to retrain the immune system to tolerate the body’s own proteins. This means teaching the immune system not to attack its own cells, which could potentially prevent or manage autoimmune diseases.

Although still in the early research phase, the concept of inverse vaccines shows promise. Recent studies into immune tolerance mechanisms suggest that these vaccines might offer significant benefits for those living with autoimmune conditions, paving the way for new therapeutic options in the future.^[9]

1 T Coronae Borealis: The Once-in-80-Years Nova Explosion

Prepare for a rare celestial event that’s set to dazzle the night sky by September 2024. T Coronae Borealis, a striking binary star system in the Northern Crown constellation, is expected to erupt in a brilliant nova display. This system, composed of a red giant and a white dwarf, experiences spectacular explosions approximately every 80 years. The last major outburst was in 1946, which captivated stargazers around the world.

T Coronae Borealis has a long history of dramatic flares, first recorded in 1217 AD. Recent observations suggest that the system is nearing another explosive phase. The white dwarf is accumulating more material, leading to an increase in brightness and signaling that a nova could soon occur.

When the nova reaches its peak, it will be bright enough to be seen without a telescope for about a week. This event promises to be a spectacular sight for observers in the Northern Hemisphere and a valuable opportunity for scientists to study the evolution of binary star systems and nova phenomena. [10] ^[10]