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Future Technology Blog Recent Posts
Future Technology: Diving Cars?
If my recent posts on self-driving and ”intelligent” cars weren’t enough, Physorg.org is today reporting that a company called Rinspeed is attempting to develop a new car, dubbed sQuba, that can both drive on the road and dive underwater.
Even though I live in Minnesota—the land of 10,000 lakes—I don’t really see the practical application of this car. (Although if Al Gore is correct and global climate change does put Manhattan underwater I guess there could be a big market for it in the future.) Nevertheless, two things struck be about the announcement and they might help others “jump the curve” and innovate into the future.
For starters, one of the emerging technologies that might make this car a reality is nanotechnology. Specifically, the manufacturer—who is also working with Siemens Automotive Group—intends to construct lightweight body panels made of carbon nanotubes. (If you’re interested in seeing a more practical application of nanotechnology in the automotive industry, check out this recent post about General Motor’s innovative work in the area of shape-shifting materials.)
Secondly, I like the fact that Frank Rinderknecht, the CEO of Rinspeed, cites the 1977 movie, “The Spy Who Loved Me” as inspiration for his idea. As I state in my new book, Jump the Curve, one effective way to jump the curve is to add some science fiction to your reading diet—it can be a great source of inspiration and creativity.
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Dude, Where’s My Flying Car?
To Think Like a Child: Get on a Trike
Jack Uldrich is a writer, futurist, public speaker and host of jumpthecurve.net. He is the author of seven books, including Jump the Curve and The Next Big Thing is Really Small: How Nanotechnology Will Change the Future of Your Business. He is also a frequent speaker on future technology and future trends, nanotechnology, innovation, change management and executive leadership to a variety of businesses, industries and non-profit organizations and trade associations.
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Having these kinds of cars is also a bit scary. What if technology goes wrong? It would be an ultimate road kill.
H.I.D. Lights
By Klexis on 2008 12 18