The Replication Revolution

Growing up in the 80’s and 90’s I remember watching Star Trek: The Next Generation with such delight, marveling at the wonder and possibility of the future. Since then, I have seen technology transform our world with communication and transportation breakthroughs. The self-fulfilling prophecies of the sci-fi genre have brought forth androids and holographic interactivity and so much more. With 3-D printing we even have the prototype for replicators now.

Soon, we will have machines like this providing all of our food and clothing and everything else we might want. Customization will allow things to be made specifically to order, right before your very eyes. Your shoes will be tailor made to fit your feet exactly right and they will come in the perfect color and suit your style better than you could imagine.

Think about it, we are on the verge of a paradigm shift in manufacturing, not to mention we could end starvation. There are countless medical applications for this technology as well. Just imagine walking into an automated shop full of replicators. Vending machines will soon make you whatever you want while you wait. In the not-too-distant future I can be like Captain Picard ordering tea or anything else I might happen to decide upon. The possibilities are literally endless!!!