How Close Are We To Technology? — Part 1: Physical

Over the course of this three part series I would like to explore the interaction between humans and technology, and how I believe we are connecting on three key levels: physical, emotional, and intellectual. I’ll provide my thoughts on how computers and technology are mixing with society, and what impact this could be having. I’ll also look to the future, asking; can previous trends help us predict how technology will interact with us in years to come?

For Part 1, we’ll start with the physical. Nowadays, technology is very much ‘in the palm of your hand’, and whether we realise it or not, we are always connected. You only have to take a short trip on public transport to see the majority of people tethered to their phones.

In order to see how our physical interaction with technology has changed over time, we’ll look at some key stages in the development of computers through history.

“we have been taught to love technology, to caress our devices”

Cogs & Card

Let us first venture back to the 19th century; the early days of technology. Computers were vast mechanical machines that required a skilled operator, who knew of their complex and intricate workings. The operator would interact with the computer through levers (see the operation of Charles Babbage’s Difference Engine) or punched card, and therefore had a very ‘hands on’ physical connection.

At this point, technology was not readily available or even understood, but rather confined to the laboratories of universities and dedicated research departments. However, despite not having a wide range of users, we can see from the need of operators a clear physical interaction, one that is very up close and personal.

Terminal Times

Leaping forward to the 20th century we see a huge progression in technology. Computers advanced dramatically; their electronic hardware became more powerful and could be accessed by many operators at once. This was done through terminals, which allowed for the inputting and reading of data to, and from, the computer. The computer usually lived elsewhere, perhaps a different room or building, creating a great disconnect between it and the user, unlike what we saw in the days of punch cards.

Gloss & Glass

As we step over the millennium we see technology moving faster than ever before, and becoming more deeply embedded in society. What before was a luxury is now a necessity, a fashion statement.

Computers have become ubiquitous, small and powerful pieces of technology that control and steer everyday life. We are now accustom to their presence, and can’t be without them. Our connection to technology has once again become very personal, we hold and wear the devices, both terminal and computer now squeezed into a small package.

This physical intimacy, close proximity, to such computational power did not happen by chance; we have been taught to love technology, to caress our devices. Remember gently swiping across the front of your phone to unlock it?

“it won’t be long before the physical worlds of humans and technology become merged”

Silicon Sky

‘The cloud’ becomes the latest trend in technology, we see a big shift in how data is being processed; more and more of the computational effort is being moved away from the devices we use. This feels rather familiar to the days of the terminal. Of course, devices are still incredibly powerful, but we are not as physically connected as we were. We now rely on push notifications and alerts, technology appears to be connecting with us from afar.

As we become more aware and accepting of previously hidden technologies such as Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence, we see new ways of interacting become available. We start using our voices, talking to technology like family; technological devices are starting to hide themselves in our homes as smart thermostats, smoke alarms, and speakers. Technology is quite literally everywhere, and although its presence is felt and appreciated, we don’t seem set to continue being as physically close and connected as we once were.

Virtual Vision

The concept of reality looks set to become rather blurred; technology companies are investing heavily in developing ways to again bring humans and technology closer — closer than ever before. Both Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence are being rapidly developed, it won’t be long before the physical worlds of humans and technology become merged.

“nanotechnology could develop tiny robots that could do anything from fighting infection to cleaning your teeth”

Concluding Thoughts

The Proximity Wave

I see a potential pattern here; over time we flip between being physically close to technology to then being more distant and separated. Does this pattern suggest that we will see Androids, like in the movies, as humans and technology become embedded? Will we see greater use of technology in medicine? I remember vividly talking with a group of friends about how nanotechnology could make it possible to create tiny robots that could do anything from fighting infection to cleaning your teeth.

Is There An Explanation?

I feel there must be an explanation for this pattern, whether deliberate or not. Perhaps it is driven by the technological giants who are creating opportunity, telling us what we want and how we should be using it. Of course, maybe instead it’s just that we don’t know how best to utilise technology in society, so we keep trying and experimenting with new things, without a thought to the long term. How do we want technology to physically interact with our lives?

My Vision

I am driven by technology for good, both personally and for my business; Lunar Works. I believe that technology is still yet to be fully utilised in a positive and meaningful way, no matter how physically connected to it we are. This is the challenge that keeps me enthusiastic about the industry and excited for the difference I can make.

Next Steps

The future for technology seems clouded; it’s not yet clear how well society will accept the technology currently being developed behind closed doors. Legislation and ethics are always battling to keep up with technological development, and this will only become more apparent as we all become more aware about how technology really is integrating with our lives.

These are my thoughts and musings; you may see the world in a different way. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Where do you feel our physical connection with technology is heading?

In Part 2, I will be looking at our connection with technology on an emotional level, and the dependence we seem to have developed for it.