10個理由告訴你,未來會更好(中)

rn Technology Aims to Make the Blind See

8.可以讓盲人重見光明的現代技術

There have been some incredible breakthroughs in the field of medicine, which have helped to fight disease and extend survival rates. Thanks to advanced carbon-fiber and plastic composite prosthetics, amputees can have a variety of specialized limbs, all adapted for specific tasks. Modern technology has even transformed the lives of the deaf and heart of hearing with cochlear implants.

人類在醫學領域已取得了一些令人難以置信的突破，這些突破有助於抗擊疾病，且能增加存活率。多虧了先進的炭纖維和塑料複合假肢技術，截肢者得以使用專門製作的假肢，來應對特定的事務。現代技術甚至可以通過植入人工耳蝸，來改變失聰者的命運。

With the help of DARPA, the future is looking a little brighter for blind and visually impaired individuals. The Defense Advanced Research Project, a research division within the Pentagon has unveiled plans to build a cortical modem. This device is based on the field of optogenetics, which studies cells within the living tissue and finds techniques to control them. The cortical modem will harness the power of our DNA to help the blind, read, write, and see.

在美國國防部先進研究專案局的幫助下，盲人和視力受損者的未來似乎更加光明。國防先進研究專案是五角大樓內的一個研究部門，已經公佈了建立皮質調變解調器的相關計劃。這種解調器基於光遺傳學領域，該領域研究活體組織的細胞以及控制它們的技術。皮質解調器將藉助美國國防部先進研究專案局的力量，致力於幫助盲人恢復視力、閱讀和書寫。

This proposed device likened to “Terminator vision,” taps straight into the visual cortex to augment reality and could replace virtual reality completely. The modem utilizes a direct neural interface chip designed to display information without the use of glasses. Although this project is still in process and needs some work, it looks promising.

皮質調變解調器類似於“視覺終結者”，直接進入視覺皮層，可以完全取代虛擬現實，增強現實的視感。調變解調器運用了一種直接神經介面晶片，可以不用眼鏡就能顯示視覺資訊。儘管此專案仍在進行中，仍有許多工作要做，但前景可觀。

Upon successful completion, the cortical modem will be the size of two nickel and would cost around $10. Testing of the cortical modem hasn’t yet begun, and scientists are currently unaware of the health effects of the technology. DARPA has had success with the Atlas robot and biometric tracking technology in the past, which leaves scientists hopeful for the cortical modem project in the future.

皮質調變解調器完工後，僅有兩個鎳原子那麼大，價格約在10美元左右。皮質調變解調器的使用測試尚未開始，目前，科學家還不知道這項技術對人體健康是否有影響。之前，美國國防部先進研究專案局在Atlas機器人（Atlas是谷歌旗下波士頓動力公司研發的人形機器人）和生物識別技術方面已取得成功，這令科學家們對皮質調變解調器專案的前景充滿希望。

o-satellites Will Spread the Internet World-wide

7.谷歌的微型衛星將在世界各個角落覆蓋網際網路

There is no denying that the internet is one of the most significant advances of the 21st century. Communication has come a long way in the thirty years since the creation of the world-wide-web. Some experts even say that the internet is revolutionizing our lives.

毋庸置疑，在21世紀，網際網路是人類最重要的進步之一。自建立世界網際網路以來的三十年裡，通訊技術有了很大的發展。一些專家甚至說，是網際網路正在改變我們的生活。

The internet is available everywhere we go across multiple devices including laptops, smartphones, tablets, and PCs. With wi-fi networks available wherever you go, we are always “plugged in.” Some futurists even believe the internet has replaced all forms of communication. Whether you depend on the technology or not, experts agree that the Internet of the future will be unrecognizable.

無論你使用什麼裝置，膝上型電腦、智慧手機、平板電腦和臺式電腦，網際網路都無處不在。而隨著無線網路的普及，無論你去到哪裡，都能連上Wifi。有些未來主義者甚至深信，網際網路將取代通訊的所有形式。不管你是否依賴這種技術，專家們都認為未來的網際網路技術不容忽視。

Tech giant Google plans to invest over one billion dollars in a project, which will send 180 satellites to provide the internet worldwide. This project was founded to provide internet access to areas of the world without connections. These satellites will orbit the Earth at low altitudes, after which they will expand with larger satellites. Also, Google is working on a project titled, “Project Loon,” this is aimed at providing high-altitude broadband balloons to remote parts of the world.

科技巨頭谷歌打算在某專案上投資至少10億美元，這個專案計劃發射180顆衛星，讓全世界各個角落都能提供網際網路。該專案的成立，旨在為世界上還未連上網際網路的地區接入網路。這些衛星將繞低海拔地球軌道而行，隨後與大型衛星一同擴充套件。此外，谷歌公司正在開展一個名為“Project Loon”的專案，希望高空熱氣球為偏遠地區提供網路。

Together with Facebook, Google is trying to reach populations that were otherwise unreachable. Through their acquisition of the company, “Titan Aerospace,” Google is also working on solar-powered drones to help in their efforts to expand internet access. If Google succeeds at this project, it could result in Internet access in third world countries, and other inaccessible areas of the world and the benefits of this are endless.

谷歌正與臉書一起試圖覆蓋那些原本無法上網地區的網際網路連線，通過收購無人機生產商Titan Aerospace而研究太陽能無人機，以便擴大網際網路覆蓋範圍。若谷歌在該專案上取得成功，可以向第三世界國家和其他無法上網的地區提供網際網路，併為之帶來無窮利益。

-driving Cars Will Become a Reality

6.自駕車將不再是夢想

An autonomous car, or self-driving car, is a vehicle that can navigate itself without human involvement. The first prototype of these cars dates to the early 1920s, but it wasn’t until the 1980s that the first self-sustained car appeared. Since that time, many companies have developed working prototypes of these vehicles, which are still in the testing phases today.

自動駕駛汽車，是一種無需人類操作而自行駕駛的汽車。自駕車的首個原型可以追溯到二十世紀二十年代初，不過，直到二十世紀八十年代，第一輛自動駕駛汽車才問世。自那時起，很多公司便開發出了自駕車的雛形，然而，這些車至今仍處於測試階段。

The benefits of these cars are astounding and include a reduction in traffic accidents, injuries, deaths, less traffic, and much more. Despite these advantages, there have been some legal and technical obstacles when trying to get these vehicles manufactured to the mass market.

自駕車的優點令人震驚，比如，減少交通事故及傷亡、緩解交通壓力以及其他數不盡的好處。儘管優點很多，但是自駕車想要進入到大眾市場，還需要面臨一些法律和技術障礙。

There are, however, hopes for self-driving cars in the future. With companies like Google, Tesla, BMW, and Mercedes releasing or planning to release autonomous cars, the automobile industry is about to change dramatically. Currently, Singapore already has a driverless taxi service in place, and several large corporations have announced plans for trials of their self-driving vehicles. The future with self-driving cars is much safer with an estimated 650,000 lives saved every year, and a financial savings of $230 billion in auto insurance.

然而，自駕車的前景還是十分樂觀的，隨著谷歌、特斯拉、寶馬和梅賽德斯等公司發售或計劃發售自駕車，汽車行業即將發生巨大變化。目前，新加坡已有公司推出了無人駕駛出租車服務，幾家大公司已經宣佈計劃試用他們的自駕車。自動駕駛汽車投入使用後，每年將會有約65萬人保住性命，汽車保險的經濟成本將節省2300億美元，社會將更加安全。

Additionally, self-driving cars are estimated to change the real estate market and how your vehicle is purchased and financed. Futurists are saying we should prepare for the ride of our lives, as the transition to self-driving vehicles is comparable to the invention of the telephone. By the year 2021, an average of five percent of vehicles in the United States are expected to be driverless.

另外，自駕車可能還會改變房地產市場以及購買車輛的方式。未來學家們說，我們應當為未來的無人駕駛生活做好準備，因為自動駕駛汽車的出現可以與電話的發明相媲美。到2021年，預計美國平均5%的車輛都會是無人駕駛的。

tics and Artificial Intelligence Will Profoundly Change Our Lives

5.機器人技術和人工智慧將極大改變我們的生活

When you hear artificial intelligence, you might think it only belongs in the science fiction arena, but it is used every day and has a huge effect on our lives. Artificial Intelligence performs human tasks, which normally require human function through the use of computer systems and developments.

當你聽到人工智慧這個詞時，你可能認為它只屬於科幻領域，但我們每一天都在運用它，它對我們的生活有著巨大影響。人工智慧技術能執行人類的任務，這些任務通常需要人體功能，通過計算機系統的使用和發展。

There are currently several examples of AI that we use in our lives, the most recognizable would be the popular digital personal assistants, Siri, Cortana, or Google Now. These programs will find useful information in response to questions or prompts you ask. Another common instance of artificial intelligence involves the use of video games, which are now designed with characters who can learn behavior and respond to stimulus. Additional examples include smart cars, fraud detection, smart home devices, and much more.

舉幾個目前已經應用於我們生活的人工智慧的例子，最普及的可能是掌上電腦（PDA）、Siri、微軟小娜（Cortana）和谷歌語音（Google Now）。為了迴應你的問題和提示，這些程式會找到有用的資訊。人工智慧的另一個常見例項是電子遊戲，有些遊戲正在設計人物來學習人類行為和響應刺激。其他例子包括智慧汽車、欺詐檢測、智慧家居裝置等等。

In the field of medicine, artificial intelligence is reducing mortality rates and providing quicker and more accurate diagnosis. The once invasive surgery techniques are now delivered with minimal medication, shortened hospital stays, and smaller incisions.

在醫學領域，人工智慧可以降低死亡率，提供更快、更準確的診斷。一次性手術現在只需最少的藥物，更短的住院時間和更小的切口。

Artificial Intelligence has already made a profound impact, but it is expected to change our lives in the future profoundly. With the help of AI robotics, we can respond quicker in dangerous situations, reducing, and possibly eliminating deaths in potential disasters. Scientists also predict that a combination of human and artificial intelligence could create a potential super human.

人工智慧技術已經產生了深遠的影響，但它仍有望在未來更加深刻地改變我們的生活。在人工智慧機器人的幫助下，我們能對危險的情況作出更快的反應，並且，在潛在的災難中，人工智慧可能減少甚至消除死亡。科學家也預測人類與人工智慧的結合能創造出充滿潛力的超人類。

It is believed that everything we hold of value can be changed with a future of artificial intelligence, including civilization and even central issues like climate change.

要相信，我們現在一切有價值的東西都會隨未來的人工智慧而改變，包括文明，甚至像氣候變化這樣的重要問題。

nce Will Improve Our Food System

4.科學將改善我們的食物系統

The Earth’s food system is quickly running out of land, which is inhibiting the food production in the world’s growing population. According to agriculture maps, more than one-third of the Earth’s land is currently used to graze cattle or grow crops. Thus, the earth is running out of water and farmable land, this is partially due to our inadequate food system. It currently takes over 1700 gallons of water to yield one pound of beef.

地球的食物系統正迅速地消耗著土地，人口日益增長，這片土地也在抑制糧食生產。

Thankfully, there are several advances in the works, which promise to improve our food system in the future, and limit our dependence on the Earth’s precious resources. Innovators have already developed alternative meat products that are environmentally friendly and use 74% water, 95% land, and 87% greenhouse emissions. Additional startup companies are working on replacements for other common foods like milk and eggs.

根據農業地圖，地球上超過三分之一的陸地目前用於放牧或種植作物。因此，地球正在不斷耗盡水和可耕地，一部分原因是食物系統的不適當。目前，生產一公斤牛肉需要超過1700加侖的水。

Another development in the works involves the use of indoor farming, these are now a feasible option thanks to advances in solar energy, robotics, and artificial intelligence. These automated indoor farms will utilize nearly 10% less water and land in comparison with a traditional farm.

值得慶幸的是，科學技術有了幾項進展，有望在未來改善我們的食物系統，減少我們對地球寶貴資源的依賴。發明家已經開發了可替代且環保的肉類產品，只需使用74%的水，佔用95%的土地，排放87%溫室氣體。其他新興公司正致力於替換其他常見的食物，如牛奶和雞蛋。

Over the next 40 years, the global population is expected to increase to nine billion people, to meet the needs of a growing population, science and technology will advance in several areas. In the future, we can expect to see investments in agriculture, biofortification, and improved food security.

另一項發展涉及室內養殖，由於太陽能、機器人技術和人工智慧的進步，室內養殖才能成為一個可行的選擇。與傳統農場相比，這些自動化的室內農場將減少使用近10%的水和土地。未來40年，全球人口預計將增至90億人，為滿足日益增長的人口的需求，科技將推動數個領域發展。將來，會有更多的投資應用於農業、生物強化和提高糧食安全方面。

The most promising future development is the use of technology to address the growing number of people who go hungry every day.

最具前途的未來發展就是利用技術讓日益增多的飢餓人口填飽肚子。