1. Space Tourism
Virgin Galactic is scheduled to become the first private commercial “spaceliner” to blast tourists into space, with an inaugural trip in 2014 carrying its founder, Sir Richard Branson. Branson and his children, Holly and Sam, will lift off on SpaceShipTwo from the Spaceport America in New Mexico.
Beyond 2014, a handful of private companies are also racing to bring tourists to space, including the ambitious Mars One colony trip to the red planet and Space Adventures’ trip to the moon.
2. Wearable Tech
Ok, Glass. Show us the future. Google is expected to ship its groundbreaking augmented-reality glasses to the public in 2014, expanding the wearable tech market.
Smartwatches like Samsung’s Galaxy Gear watch and the Pebble Smartwatch will continue to be more useful as developers create more apps for the devices. Health-tracking devices like the Nike Fuel Band, Jawbone Up and Fitbit Force will continue to drive the health technology marketplace into the mainstream.
3. Internet Of Things
At the 2013 IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin, technology company Philips demonstrated a concept called the HomeCooker Next that could time cooking, change temperature and stir food — using a smartphone. The Nest thermostat not only can control your home’s temperature remotely, it also learns your behavior and makes adjustments accordingly.
The networking of our physical world will continue to boom in 2014. Connected devices are no longer just limited to smartphones and computers. Everything from door locks and home appliances to bikes and watches can now be networked.
4. Robots On The Rise
Will the machines become self-aware in 2014? We certainly hope not, but advancing technology in robotics and artificial intelligence are definitely on the rise.
Google acquired a portfolio of incredible robots with its purchase of Boston Dynamics in 2013, including the Cheetah, Petman and Atlas, making spectators wonder what the tech giant has planned for the machines.
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is challenging robot-makers to address the need for rescue workers in dangerous emergency response situations. The DARPA robotics challenge is underway and will have finals happening at the end of 2014. Winners will receive a $2 million prize.
5. Machines In The Sky
Keep an eye on the sky in 2014 because unmanned aerial vehicles – or drones – are about to become a big part of the airspace.
Amazon made a big splash when CEO Jeff Bezos on “60 Minutes” revealed plans for a drone that would deliver packages in 30 minutes. But a handful of other drones garnered attention in 2013, including drones that could deliver beer at a festival and pizza to a home in the United Kingdom.
In 2013, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released its first annual roadmap to address concerns that are arising with the increased use of drones in American airspace, paving the way for clear regulations of the flying devices. The FAA recently announced the locations of six drone test sites in the United States, setting the stage for what could be the next booming industry.
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