Make It So!

I’ve been a science fiction enthusiast since my teenage years. I believe I’ve read every Robert A. Heinlein and Isaac Asimov science fiction novel available at the public library. To this day, I occasionally reminisce and indulge in reading one or more of my favorites from that genre. And yes, I wholeheartedly admit that I’m a massive fan of all the Star Trek series. I proudly identify as a Trekkie. Don’t judge me.

I began contemplating some of the science fiction concepts we encountered in episodes of Star Trek, particularly the Original Series and The Next Generation, which have since become reality and are widely used today. Additionally, there are others that are currently in the development phase and may even become reality within my lifetime. Let me mention a few: the “communicator.” When Captain Kirk wanted to beam aboard his ship, he would simply flip open his communicator and utter the phrase, “Beam me up,” and the teleporter would execute the command. Although we haven’t yet developed teleporter technology, Motorola’s invention of the first flip phone, oddly resembling the communicator, was named Star Tak. I can’t help but wonder what inspired that name. Here are a few more examples.

Replicator: If you’re not a Trekkie, the replicator was a device that allowed individuals to simply state their desire for food to a machine, and it would be instantly created before their eyes. Currently, technology is exploring ways to create edible foods using 3D printing technology. Although not yet widely available, it seems to be on the path to becoming the precursor of a replicator. 3D printed (replicated) food is already being produced, and it’s possible that the food you just ate wasn’t actually a hamburger. However, I predict that it won’t be long before it becomes commonplace. Imagine ordering “Tea, Earl Grey, hot” and having it magically appear in front of you.

The Holodeck: The holodeck is a room with gridlines on its walls. When commanded, it can create a visually realistic reality through computer-generated life-like images and structures. Essentially, it’s a 3D virtual reality space. We’re getting closer to that concept with technologies like virtual reality and augmented reality headsets.

PADDs, handheld tablet devices commonly seen in Star Trek episodes, especially in The Next Generation, predate the advent of iPads and Android tablets. At the time of their creation, they were considered science fiction, but today, they are a common reality. For those curious, a PADD stands for Personal Access Display Device. I can’t help but wonder if the name iPad was inspired by PADDs. And while pondering that, did the Android brand draw inspiration from Data, the most renowned android of all?

It was once science fiction to have a computer speak to you, or to have you speak to it. Now, we do it all the time: “Hey Siri.” Personal computers were once science fiction too. In fact, I recently read about a device that can scan a human body and diagnose medical problems. I wonder if it will be called a tricorder. While we don’t yet have holographic doctors treating us, an e-visit is certainly a step in that direction.

Universal Translators were devices used in the Star Trek series to facilitate communication between species from different planets, has now become a reality.   Today, we have  earbud devices that can translate over 150 languages in real-time  .

In conclusion, I am certain there are numerous more instances of what was not but since has become a reality. I may need to rewatch all the episodes to identify what was not but is now. One final thought: I believe Donald Trump made a significant error in choosing the name Space Force; it should have been Star Fleet. Live Long and Prosper.