Imagine waking up in the year 2075 not to a blaring alarm, but to a gentle simulation of dawn light and birdsong, perfectly aligned with your body's natural sleep-wake cycle. This is just one glimpse of a future that leading futurologist Tracey Follows believes is firmly on the horizon for the UK, with radical advancements like flying cars and connected 'shared brains' set to redefine everyday life.
The Dawn of Aerial Mobility and Agentic AI
According to Follows, the iconic flying car, a staple of science fiction, could become a reality on British roads—or rather, in its skies—sooner than we think. Within the next decade, we could see short journeys being made by aerial mobility vehicles, she states, pointing to the existing capabilities of drone technology. She highlights Dubai's rollout of vertical takeoff and landing vehicles as a sign of what is to come, suggesting that the UK is not far behind in adopting this transformative transport technology.
The conversation then turns to artificial intelligence, which Follows identifies as the next monumental leap for humanity. She expresses particular fascination with 'agentic AI'—systems that can think and act on our behalf. This technology could handle complex tasks like contract negotiations or executing blueprints, fundamentally altering commerce and the banking sector. Money itself may evolve into cryptographic tokens, she predicts, phasing out physical cash and traditional high-street banks in favour of a faster, digitised system.
Brain-Computer Interfaces and the Rise of Neuro Rights
Perhaps the most profound change forecast involves the direct connection between the human brain and computers. Follows points to the work of Elon Musk's Neuralink venture as a precursor to what will become commonplace. The case of Noland Arbaugh, the first human recipient of a Neuralink chip, demonstrates the potential; he can now operate a computer using only his thoughts, regaining independence after a paralysing accident.
However, this new frontier of brain-computer interface technology brings with it urgent ethical questions. Follows cautions that as the monitoring of brainwave data increases, potentially even entering the workplace under the guise of 'cognitive health', there will be a pressing need for 'neuro rights' to protect mental privacy. She emphasises that regulatory frameworks will be essential to govern this emerging field.
A Sustainable and Connected Future
On a more optimistic note, Follows envisions a future where technology also drives sustainability. Innovations like triboelectric nanogenerators (Tengs) woven into clothing could capture energy from movement to power wearable sensors. The construction industry is also evolving, with research into self-healing buildings and sustainable materials.
This technologically integrated world, where your wardrobe monitors your health and your fridge knows your nutritional needs, is not a distant fantasy. Follows believes these technologies will converge, making the impossible possible almost overnight. For her, the most powerful tool we have is imagination, urging today's engineers to start building the future they want to see.
