A computer programmer from Bristol believes Star Trek has encouraged inventors ‘to boldly go where no one has gone before’ because it has inspired several modern-day technologies.
David Graves, creative director for GWS Media and Robotics, has revealed seven inventions first seen in the sci-fi series ahead of the release of the new television series Star Trek: Discovery which will air this autumn.
David, a Cambridge University graduate who has worked as a computer programmer for nearly two decades, said: “As well as entertaining people over the years, Star Trek has greatly influenced the way technology is designed and made.
“The show has encouraged inventors and engineers ‘to boldly go where no one has gone before’ and improve people’s lives through technology.”
David has cited seven technologies seen in Star Trek before making it to the real world.
1. Robots that can feel
A key character and fan favourite in Star Trek: The Generation is ‘Data’ - an android which could feel human emotions.
In 2016, Bristol-based company GWS Robotics invested in ‘Pepper’ from Alderbaran – a four feet tall robot which can talk, laugh, dance and even ‘feel’.
David said: “Pepper is the first humanoid robot capable of recognising human emotions. This means it can adapt the way it reacts to people, which is an amazing developmental leap.”
While still primitive when compared to the walking supercomputer of Data, Pepper shows robotics is constantly developing.
2. Tractor Beams
Now a common sci-fi trope, tractor beams have been seen throughout the Star Trek universe since its inception in the 60s, and were long viewed as some distant futuristic technology.
But a team of researchers from the University of Bristol have shown that anyone could make one for as little as £70.
In a paper published in Applied Physics Letters , the researchers showed that anyone can build a miniature tractor beam using one electrical signal and a passive wave modulator, which can be 3D-printed at home.
Bruce Drinkwater, professor of Ultrasonics at the university, said: “The process is so simple that we have released a YouTube video with instructions that show people how they can build their own acoustic tractor beam step-by-step with components that can be bought on the internet.”
3. Virtual Reality
A virtual reality chamber, known as a holodeck, features in the spacecraft to simulate events and places.
Advancements in virtual reality have made it popular technology, particularly in gaming.
4. Automatic Doors
Automatic doors did not exist at the start of Star Trek’s creation. To create the illusion of sliding doors of the USS Enterprise, members of the TV crew had to manually open the doors whenever cast members approached. Today, automatic doors are commonplace.
5. Transporter Technology
Arguably one of the most iconic pieces of technology from the Star Trek franchise, the transporter is a teleport system which enables the crew to travel to nearby planets.
In 2015, the Hasso Plattner Institute in Germany invented a device that can deconstruct an object in one room and then 3D print it in another.
Named ‘Scotty’ after the character of the same name in Star Trek , the device is designed to be used personally and professionally to send items over long distances.
It is an early stepping stone in transporter technology and the idea of deconstructing and reconstructing matter.
6. Voice Command Interfaces
The Starship Enterprise responds to questions and commands during the show.
This technology has now been embraced by companies such as Google and Amazon. It enables customers to carry out a range of commands - from regulating thermostats or lighting to selecting their favourite music.
7. Renewable Energy
The USS Enterprise in Star Trek is powered by an antimatter reactor, which generates enough power for intergalactic travel – while being free and, to an extent, renewable energy.
Early Star Trek episodes also feature technology such as tidal generators and wind turbines, which are used by the energy industry today.