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Where will today’s cutting - edge technologies lead humanity? A forum that may offer some clues to help answer this difficult question took place in Tokyo in June. This future - gazing event gives us the opportunity to examine several of the latest technological innovations being developed by Sumitomo Group companies. By observing these technologies, some even still in the early stages of development, we can catch a glimpse of the possibilities for life in the 21st century. |
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Forum for Predicting the Future |
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The Izumi Garden Tower, a futuristic glass - walled skyscraper, stands at the center of a complex that also includes the Izumi Garden Gallery, the location of the Prospects and Dreams for Technology in 100 Years forum, held by the Sumitomo Rosokai, an association of former employees of Sumitomo Group companies. The association was formed in 1952 to encourage interaction among its members who all built long careers at Sumitomo Group companies. They meet four times a year for regular meetings and special events such as the Prospects and Dreams for Technology in 100 Years forum. One might be tempted to ask, why the topic “in 100 years’ time” was chosen? “Last year, Rosokai Chairman Tomiichi Akiyama, who serves as honorary advisor to Sumitomo Corporation, suggested we hold a discussion about the future,” says Dr. Tsuneo Nakahara, advisor to Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., who acted as coordinator and panelist. “At that time, he showed us a newspaper article from 1901 containing predictions for the 20th century.” The article contained more than 20 forecasts for the future — forecasts that gave a surprisingly accurate description of modern life with their predictions of the invention of wireless telephony (mobile phones) and long - distance transmission of photographs (facsimile) as well as the emergence of electricity “as a fuel.” “As over one hundred years has passed since the article was written, we also thought about making predictions for the future,” comments Nakahara, “and that’s how we came to organize this forum.” |
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The Rosokai set up a “future forecasting workshop” with the cooperation of current employees of group companies. Not only did they investigate which areas and subject matter to make predictions about, they also reviewed and studied relevant literature and documentation. The announced areas of study included life sciences, computing, and world affairs, with each being handled by one of five group companies. A great many forecasts were presented, made with a high degree of reliability thanks to their strong basis in science. It was predicted that in 100 years’ time, the world’s population will reach 11 billion and fossil fuels will have been used up, but this will have been offset by the development of alternative energy sources such as nuclear fusion and biomass. Many of the current problems in medicine and food supply will have been conquered through developments in biotechnology. The realm of human habitation is likely to have expanded underground and out to sea, both above and beneath the waves. And we will live alongside robots that will do the housework and help take care of the ill and the infirm. The forum was a great success, with 500 associate members and current group - company officers and employees in attendance. And now the big question: What challenges must be taken up so that these dreams can become reality 100 years hence? Read on to learn about some future technologies that are already under development.... |
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