Technological Convergence

Abstract

Technological convergence is accelerating and allowing humanity to move from slow and erratic biological evolution to fast and precise technological evolution. The expression “emerging technologies” is used to cover new and potentially powerful fields such as biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and nanotechnology. Although the expression might be somewhat ambiguous, several clusters of different technologies are advancing exponentially and will be critical to humanity's future. NBIC is a common abbreviation that stands for nanotechnology, biotechnology, information technology, and cognitive science. Other technologies like robotics, quantum computing, and space technologies can be added towards an accelerating “technological convergence” that might lead to a “technological singularity” as proposed by US engineer and futurist Ray Kurzweil. According to Kurzweil, we will reach a “technological singularity” by 2045, when we will be able to transcend many of our current limitations and move from biological humans to technological transhumans, both on planet Earth and beyond.