NOVA scienceNOW: What Will the Future Be Like?

Gr 9 Up—The program's four segments examine present-day research into promising technologies that will affect our personal lives in the not so distant future. The first part looks at the current status and future promise of humanoid robots and explains how roboticists are working on enhancing mobility as well as programming improvements so that these machines can supplement a variety of people tasks. In "Mind-Reading Machines," the mix of biological and technological studies fuse as mind-reading machines attempt to simplify the human-machine interface to its lowest common denominator. Brain function research and advances in digital engineering have already produced devices that link thought and action, and much more is expected soon. "Augmented Reality" explains that in the future devices will be available that can project 3-D virtual images of objects and people into the real world. While contemporary video gaming might be the most ubiquitous example, research is quickly taking us into a world where reality and fantasy might routinely overlap. The final segment profiles Adrien Treuille, a young computer engineer who suggests that we are just beginning to see the potential usefulness of video game-like programs that can be used in medical research and other fields. Clues to the future can be found in places like technology fairs as well as robotics clubs in schools, not just laboratories. The program utilizes a wide range of animated graphics as well as interviews with researchers and others who are integral to these hi-tech pursuits. The chapter selection option enhances the film's usefulness. Although the host is a bit overbearing at times, the film will be popular for both classroom and media center use.—Dwain Thomas, formerly Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL