It is easy to believe that as a result of scientific advances in the fields of biotechnology, nanotechnology and a host of other emerging technologies that the world of the future will be a far more dangerous place than it is today. These risks are, of course, very real and I don’t want to minimize them, but in order to effectively “jump the curve” assess what the future will look like in terms of security it is important to take a comprehensive view of all advances in technology.
To this end, I would like to bring to your attention two articles from today’s Internet. The first is a press release from the University of Arizona describing how a $2.2 million grant will help researchers at the university develop software that will help better predict the actions of paramilitary groups, terrorists and criminals. Essentially the technology is trying to predict the unpredictable by employing complex algorithms to recognize links and patterns in people’s actions and then discern connections that would probably elude even the best human intelligence analysts.
The second article comes compliments of the University of San Diego where researchers are developing a “common sense” algorithm to identify objects in photographs. One practical application would be using the system to detect a suitcase that has been left on a subway platform during rush hour or, perhaps, to detect a group of people wearing bulky or heavy clothing during a hot summer day. In short, the technology could help quickly find suspicious activity.
The combination of these two technologies when supplemented by advances in UAV’s and robotics, such as I discussed in this post, could quite possibility lead to a future where we are more—and not less—secure.
Jack Uldrich is a writer, futurist, public speaker and host of jumpthecurve.net. He is the author of seven books, including Jump the Curve and The Next Big Thing is Really Small: How Nanotechnology Will Change the Future of Your Business. He is also a frequent speaker on future trends, innovation, change management and executive leadership to a variety of businesses, industries and non-profit organizations and associations.
