What’s a piece of technology you’re convinced will exist in 20 years?

The text outlines the evolution of technology, highlighting its impact on human life over millions of years, from rudimentary tools to advanced machinery. It explores how bipedalism and cognitive development led to the emergence of modern humans and significant advancements in metallurgy and tool-making. The Industrial Revolution marked a turning point, shifting from manual labour to mechanised processes requiring substantial energy. As technology progressed through four industrial revolutions, innovations like computers and artificial intelligence became integral. The future promises even greater automation and integration of biology and machines, while also raising concerns about cybercrime and misuse of technology.

Introduction

From using stone balls as weapons to crude stone tools, then to Neolithic and metallic tools, the human race journeyed a long way to attain near perfection in technological advancements. It is a saga of efforts, endurance and perseverance of a race that, in due course of time, established its relevance, strength and intellect. Using technological advancements, the human race has successfully walked on the surface of the moon and Mars.

Technology

Technology is the ability to utilise knowledge in practice and develop a device or tool to ease the work. It took a long time to develop and make this a practice. With the gradual development of techniques and their conversion into workable ideas, machines emerged, easing life and performing gargantuan tasks in a short period of time with much less physical labour. It is interesting to learn about the journey of technology in some detail.

Organic Evolution

It is hard to imagine life on Earth millions of years ago. Scientific studies and fossilised evidences throw light on the climatic conditions and the form of life that existed and flourished on Earth. The evolutionary process is a change in organisms to adopt the changing surroundings and climatic conditions. This change is passed on to the next generations to become permanent. The changes were brought by Mutation, a process of genetic change in an organism. Genetic materials are basically complex organic compounds that are part of a large, strand-like structure contained in a sac called a chromosome. The stranded structure is a double helical thread known as DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid). It is instrumental in protein synthesis; a complex process that takes place in cells of an organism according to the code present on every bit of DNA, known as a gene.

First humanoid

It took a long, very long time to make a modern human. About six million years ago, the first humanoid appeared on Earth in Africa. The primary characteristic of humans is bipedalism, a feature that freed their forelimbs to become hands. Soon, early humans learned to use their hands and dexterity. Walking straight on two legs was an added advantage. (Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History)

Physical features

The erect posture began to give an oval or rounded shape to their face and brain. The elongated and protruding face,  a common feature in animals, began vanishing. Humans’ faces flattened with an increase in the size of the cranium. A bony case to house the brain, the cranium became large and strong due to the fusion of bones. The well-developed brain helped make complex decisions and apply logic. The most remarkable feature in bipedalism was the thumb in the palm of the hands.

Thumb: important development

Using their thumbs, early humans were able to do their primary work of hunting effectively by holding a tool or weapon (maybe a stick, log or even a stone axe). Combined with the increasing cognitive power of a stronger brain, bipedalism and the presence of the thumb did wonders for humans.

Nature’s laboratory

The experimentation in nature continued to seek a perfect organism that could survive and develop. Various organisms evolved and perished, leaving their spoor on time. This became evidence over time, revealing many things about the organisms’ structure, living conditions, vegetation, and feeding habits. Starting from microscopic organisms to humongous ones and then to smaller, agile and smart animals. This came to the finish line when early humans emerged on the globe about six million years back. This was the phase when, along with the change of appearance, habits, and brain application began. This gave the new organisms a clear edge over other organisms.

The Challenges of Colonizing Mars

Modern Human and technology

The race kept evolving; ultimately, it reached the stage when Homo sapiens came to Earth about 2.5 million years ago. The race pursued discovery, invention and most importantly, metal extraction. Metallurgy proved a milestone in the evolutionary journey of the human race. Metals were malleable, hard, heavy and could easily be moulded in any desired shape, size and volume.

Necessity and technology

The technology was attuned to human necessity and requirements. Their tools became refined, strong and more effective. The weapons like axes, bows, arrows, and the like were not only effective but also long-lasting. The turning point of technology was about 3500 BC when wheels were invented. The use of wheels gave humanity momentum, and it started galloping.

Human curiosity

The curious human mind started searching for answers to questions about their existence and various natural phenomena. Human inquisitiveness led to the discovery of many things unknown to humanity. Discoveries were mostly accidental. The law of gravity, for example, was propounded when an apple fell from the tree. Similarly, X-rays were discovered by chance.

Focused work and technology

With time, scientists focused on various things and burned the midnight lamp to decipher the intricacies of Nature for human welfare. They also suggested means to use that knowledge for wider human welfare. The riddle of steam coming out of a kettle and the conclusion by James Watt that steam has power was used in making a steam locomotive that is used in hauling trains.

Industrialisation

The invention of the ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) revolutionised the way of human living. Combining wheels with ICE, huge machines were made which became an inseparable part of various industries, including the automobile industry.

Technology: Old scenario

Before mechanisation, work was done manually. Farming, oil extraction, mining et cetera were the labour intensive works and some of them were hazardous. Demand for a large work force fulfilled by slavery or bonded labour. They were forced to work under unhygienic conditions for long hours. Mechanisation eased the process and broke the shackles of slavery, but produced other complications. Industrialisation brought huge machinery capable of manufacturing large amounts of prepared goods easily.

Energy requirement and machines

To run huge machines, a lot of energy is required. Manual work had limitations. To get energy and run machines, steam produced by burning coal to boil water and generate steam was necessary. Heavy industries used a large amount of coal and separate units for boilers. This resulted in many moving mechanical parts and heavy maintenance, but it had to be done.

Technology and advancement

The Industrial Revolution completely changed society and social perspective. The huge, cumbersome machines required a large space, heavy maintenance, and comparatively less production. As they say, necessity thy name is invention; regular research and development pushed the boundaries. New and cleaner, cost-effective techniques are coming in. More effective and clean, easy-to-operate machines replaced the old and worn-out, cumbersome machines. These are comparatively small, clean and very effective, which positively affect the production and quality of the finished products.

Four industrial revolutions

The industrial revolution thus belongs to four categories. It reflects the evolutionary trend in industrialisation. They are:

• Industrial mechanisation by using steam power (In late 18th century)
• In late 19th century, steam was replaced by electricity for industrial production of goods and powering machineries.
• The 20th century witnessed a wave of computer technology. Computers used to automate industries
• Cyber system, Artificial Intelligence and Internet of things are in trend now.

The technology is galloping. The fast pace of computer technology has swiftly taken its seat. From digital payments to anything, computer technology is monitoring, maintaining, operating and performing optimally and efficiently.

Future

Professor Steven Bramwell of the London Centre for Nanotechnology predicted that lines between machines, electronics and biology would blur significantly (BBC). It says a lot about the use of nanotechnology, computer technology and cyber systems. The storm that AI has produced is phenomenal. A futuristic world would be automated and more effective. Using AI techniques, children might be able to learn by “immersive stimulation” rather than reading books. Armed with nanotechnology and AI, the health sector would be more effective and targeted. With more automation, road traffic would be hassle-free, fast and almost free from accidents.

Science and technology are for the good of humanity. They are easing people’s problems and giving reasons to smile. Nonetheless, it also has a flip side, which is not very rosy. The most alarming thing is cybercrime and the misuse of technology. It is like using a knife for a good purpose but using it for crime.

Some more interesting reads:

• Essential Objects for Survival: Food, Shelter, and Tech
• The Importance of Rest: Balancing Work and Life
• The Journey of Computers: From Abacus to AI
• The Challenges of Colonizing Mars
• Guiding Adolescents: Key Insights for Parents

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