How did they come up with that? That seems so obvious, why didn’t I think of that? I could have done that! or to quote that great 21st century philosopher Homer Simpson “Doh!”

Inspiration is truly all around us and one of my favourite sources is science fiction and that thing that we saw someone do in a movie, or read in a book, and for years without even knowing it have searched for how to turn it into a reality.

These science fiction seeds that turned into usable realities was our topic this week as I caught up with Clare Blake of 4BC and pondered about where does inspiration come from and what did we see in our movies, or read in books, that have already come true.

Here’s my list of sci-fi dreams turned into today’s reality:

1. The hoverboard – Back to The Future 1989
2. Google Glass – Back to The Future 1989
3. Bionic Eyes / Ears / Limbs  – Million Dollar Man 1974
4. Gesture Controlled Computer – Minority Report 2012
5. 3D Home Printing – Bugs Bunny Cartoon 1954
6. 3D Printing – Star Trek 1966
7. Androids –  Star Trek 1966
8. Tricorder –  Star Trek 1966
9. Mobile Phones – Star Trek 1966
10. Handheld Computers – Star Trek 1966
11. Flying Cars –  Jetsons 1962
12. Space Rocket Launch – Women in the Moon 1929
13. Robots – R.U.R. play by Karel Capek 1924

and callers added to this list, including Richard who told us about this 1928 Charlie Chaplin movie poster apparently showing a women walking in the background using a mobile phone.

Who said TV was bad for you?!

Have a listen to the segment now (19 minutes) to hear what today’s versions of these sci-fi inspired tech are and then share or like this to add to the list of what technology you’re waiting to come true from a movie or book you’ve read.