The Futureproof Series.
Postcards
From the Future.
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Futureproof Series
Postcards From the Future
As part of designbivouac’s Futureproof Series, this collection offers a set of visual explorations and concise narratives designed to spark conversation, challenge assumptions, and inspire strategic thinking about what lies ahead.
“Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions.”
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Methodology
Futurecasting is a creative process where designers explore various social, cultural, economic, political, and ecological factors to envision potential futures. Rather than predicting the future with certainty, futurecasting focuses on imagining possible and preferable scenarios that inform long-term strategies. It helps businesses understand the forces shaping the future, anticipate changes, and create proactive strategies. Preferable futures align technology with human needs while ensuring sustainability from a planetary perspective.
“The best way to predict the future is to design it.”
Frameworks
The Futureproof: Postcards From the Future series draws on frameworks, such as Joseph Voros’s Futures Cone and backcasting, to guide its exploration. By working backward from a desirable future state to our current reality, backcasting helps identify the necessary conditions to achieve a preferred vision. The aim is to encourage thoughtful consideration of our shared future and inspire active participation in shaping it.
Visual and Narrative Approach
The series' visual approach integrates AI tools into the creative process, blending visuals with written narratives that evolve organically as each postcard from the future takes form. The series is designed to inspire deeper reflection on the necessary actions to make our collective preferred future a reality.
The 21st Century Land Grants
After overcoming the economic and political fallout of the 2020 Global Pandemic, the United States government and several enlightened billionaires came together to fund the 21st Century Land Grant program. The goal was to improve land quality in the Western states, alleviate homelessness, raise living standards for those in agriculture, and foster a new and widespread American organic farm movement.
Future Narrative
After overcoming the economic and political fallout of the 2020 Global Pandemic, the United States government and several enlightened billionaires came together to fund the 21st Century Land Grant program. The goal was to improve land quality in the Western states, alleviate homelessness, raise living standards for agricultural workers, and foster a new and widespread American organic farming movement.
The Sheridan family’s 21st Century Land Grant, located just east of Mono Lake, California, was one of the first “drop and prop” housing designs placed on a central piling and “V” shaped foundation to minimize environmental impact.
Before the 21st Century Land Grant Program was adopted in the United States, the post-pandemic politics of fear, divisiveness, and grifting had been exposed. Nothing was being produced, but more money for the wealthiest billionaires. California and neighboring states were the first to see tangible progress. California had the foresight to couple the Land Grant Program with the completion of the State Water Project, which had started in the 1960s and 1970s but was only half the size of the original project plan. The State’s completed water project network included a new “capillary system.” Fed by an extensive network of new reservoirs and waterways, the dense water network ensured deep storage reserves of seasonal rainfall and snow runoff.
Before the system was completed, excess water resources flowed unimpeded into the Pacific Ocean. Within 10 years of the water system’s completion, fundamental differences in land quality across California were visible. Once the arid land was transformed, it began supporting small-scale farming. Coupled with the 21st Century Land Grant initiative, California ensured that the State Water Project would interweave with the land granted to those who would sustainably work the land. Success in other states followed, but on a smaller scale.
The Jensen plot was one of the first minimal structures placed on 21st-century Land Grant land. These modest yet efficient accommodations provide shelter, comfort, and connectivity for the owners who work the surrounding 40-acre plot.
Similar to the G.I. Bill extended to veterans of World War II, citizens could qualify for low-interest loans for 40-acre or 80-acre lots with guaranteed water rights. The only provisions were that grantees would assist with building their homes from certified modular factory-built home kits and agree to tend the land for at least 10 years. What sprang up was a latticework of mutually supporting small farmers like those seen during the great Western migration over two centuries earlier.
Companies producing modern and efficient kit homes that could easily be transported or airdropped to new land grant sites made healthy profits that they reinvested in their businesses as the demand for their “new homestead” housing boomed. New Land Grant Owners (or “New Landers” as they came to be known) and their efficient homes referred to as “Drop and Props” were connected by the timely, widespread availability of affordable 2-4 person Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (EVTOL) craft. This form of transportation drastically reduced transit times on the new frontier. Traveling “as the crow flies” was now possible, and neighbors with hundreds of acres of farmland between them were just minutes away from each other.
The Montreat family's windmills, which they service, provide additional income and enhance the comfort of their 80-acre 21st-century Land Grant location in Christmas Valley, Oregon.
The area around California’s Mono Lake, east of the Sierras, before the New California Water Project additions were completed.
The area around California’s Mono Lake, east of the Sierras, 10 years after the completion of the New California Water Project additions.
With plentiful clean water, crops, renewable energy, and satellite connectivity available, the 21st-century Land Grant arguably had an even more significant impact on the United States than the original land grant programs. While ensuring that plenty of wildlands remained across the United States, this new era of peace and prosperity, which was universally enjoyed, ultimately freed humankind to look to the stars again with renewed vigor for exploration.
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Futureproof: Endoskeletal Workwear
These work jeans by Sustain™ help me get through long days at work. I feel like I am 30 again. The endoskeletal support structure sewn into the selvage jean material bears most of the weight I lift daily. The system makes working on my feet far more bearable.
Future Narrative
These endoskeleton work jeans by Sustain™ help me get through long days at work. The endoskeletal support sewn into the selvage jean material bears most of the weight I lift daily. The system makes working on my feet far more bearable. It is not bulky or complicated, unlike other exoskeleton systems. My favorite feature is that the system allows you to sit and rest, even without a chair. I take more frequent microbreaks and adjust my posture, which increases my overall wellness and efficiency. I also love that this high-tech garment line supports traditional craft jobs in places like North Carolina, where Sustain™ manufactures its endoskeleton armatures and sources its long-lasting denim material.
Implications
As breakthroughs in supportive and assistive garments occur, how might we protect the physical and mental health of those doing physically taxing jobs, rather than assuming they can do more work over longer hours?
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Futureproof: TRACER Micromobility Companions
I’ve come to love my trusty TRACER companion, Max. He is always there for me, helping me maximize my workdays. Thanks to the TRACER virtual leash system, he is just a few steps away, faithfully following in my footsteps and carrying the heavy loads I am responsible for delivering to their final destination.
Future Narrative
I love my trusty TRACER (Tracking Retail Assistive Cargo Electric Rover) companion, Max. He is always there for me, helping me maximize my workdays. Thanks to the TRACER virtual leash system, Max is just a few steps away, faithfully following in my footsteps while carrying the heavy loads I am responsible for to their destination. My productivity has tripled since I added Max to the mix. Next month, I may purchase the stair-climbing accessory for Max to expand its delivery capabilities even further.
Max reminds me of my Gen 2 TRACER, Miles. Miles kept everything I needed close at hand in high school. Thankfully, my backpack became much lighter. During soccer practice, Miles was great. It was like having your equipment locker right there on the sidelines. Miles kept my stuff safe and my hydration drinks ice cold. Coach Lloyd even asked Miles to jam some tunes to fire us up during practices.
Before Miles and Max, I had my first Gen 1 TRACER, Moose. He was less refined than Miles, but he helped me with my paper route and could even carry me around back then. My Dad and I used to hike and camp with Moose. We stuck to the easy trails, and Moose powered our camp. He even heated our tent on cold nights. I still miss Moose.
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Futureproof: The Lunar Grid
As we continue to extend our areas of exploration on the lunar surface, we have come to rely on grid pods as an extended safety envelope when away from one of our main facilities. Grid pods, placed at one-mile intervals, ensure that teams are never far away from essential life support systems, supplies, and a place to repair equipment or recuperate and recharge.
Future Narrative
As we continue to expand our reach across the lunar surface, grid pods have become an essential part of our operational strategy. They serve as an extended safety envelope for crews venturing beyond the main base facilities. Strategically placed at one-mile intervals, these compact yet robust outposts ensure that they are never far from critical resources no matter where a team operates.
The Nordic-USA Lunar Grid Pod exemplifies all the advanced learning gained through extensive research in extreme Arctic conditions. It is one of the most reliable and capable modules on the Sea of Tranquility.
Before the grid pods were in place, working in the expanding areas of exploration was a stressful experience. Last year, we began repurposing sections of supply rockets that were being taken out of fleet service to use as grid pod shelters. These days, knowing that there are a few within a mile of our workplace is comforting. Given the diversity of nations involved in lunar exploration, the pods are a bit of a mishmash, but that gives them a certain charm. Some even enjoy taking a break from base operations and the relative solitude of grid pod maintenance duty.
Each grid pod is equipped with life support systems, emergency supplies, communication relays, and basic repair tools, creating a dependable network of safety and sustainability across challenging terrain. They also serve as havens for astronauts to recuperate, recharge, and regroup, whether after long extravehicular activities or during unexpected delays.
Beyond their practical function, grid pods represent a broader philosophy of lunar exploration—resilience through redundancy, and mobility through modular design. As our operations scale and lunar missions become more complex, this grid system provides the security and flexibility needed to thrive in the harshest environment humans have ever called home.
One of the original rocket module to Lunar Grid Pod conversions, Pod A-3 remains a familiar and comforting site after a long day on the Sea of Tranquility.
The Sea of Tranquility’s D-2 site comprises several Lunar Grid Pods. It is the first site to connect retired rocket modules to create different types of zones. Several living habitats and vehicle maintenance pod modules are available at the site.
Lunar Grid Pod C-3 was the first dual-use pod with a pressurized habitat module and an unpressurized service bay.
Japan’s D-8 dual-use Lunar Grid Pod has a safety habitat and an optionally pressurized and external service bay.
The elegant D-4 international Lunar Grid Pod is appreciated for its large window views and expansive interior. It also has the best espresso.
After many years of faithful service, the original Alpha-1 Lunar Grid Pod is still functioning. Now dependent upon the Sea of Tranquility’s Kennedy Base Station for power, it is a few meters from the south entrance. Steeped in history and character, it has remained a favorite across generations of lunar explorers.
Technology
Lunar Grid Pods utilize repurposed sections of retired rockets. Provisions for pressurization, power, environmental controls, and supplies are all fitted, giving the rocket sections a valued second life on the lunar surface.
Signals
Necessity and access often drive innovation in remote locations here on Earth. Harsh conditions on the Lunar surface will likewise necessitate that resources be utilized in various ways, perhaps seeing uses in many forms across many lifetimes, thus increasing the sustainable nature of Lunar exploration.
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Futureproof: Lunar Mining
The race to secure more helium-3 (He-3) is on! The isotope of helium is rare on Earth due to our shielding atmosphere, but it is plentiful in the lunar soil. He-3 is advancing quantum computing, powering fusion energy facilities, and making the production of in-space propellants possible.
Future Narrative
The race to secure more helium-3 (He-3) is on! The isotope of helium is rare on Earth due to our shielding atmosphere, but it is plentiful in the lunar soil. He-3 is advancing quantum computing, powering fusion energy facilities, and enabling the production of in-space propellants. New companies are growing, offering trans-lunar transport, space mining equipment manufacturing and maintenance, lunar accommodations, and even space medical care. Thankfully, with such a range of space exploration and energy companies all staking claims to lunar plots, an international regulatory board oversees allocations for mining operations. I’m proud to crew one of the Prospector craft, which oversees sustainable lunar mining and exploration operations.
Technology
Helium-3 extraction, storage, and transportation technologies must be developed to harvest the rare but potentially vital isotope from the lunar surface.
Implications
As lunar mining operations become a reality, companies like SpaceX, Astra, Caterpillar, Shell, Exxon, Glencore, Interlune, and other future energy and mining companies will face new opportunities.
International regulatory bodies may need to be established to ensure the future sustainability of lunar mining and exploration.
Early Signals of and Related Concepts
TechCrunch Article on Interlune lunar mining startup.
Lessons from deep-water and deep-space exploration efforts will likely be transferable. See the Futureproof Autonomous Undersea Resource Explorer Postcard.
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Futureproof: Westie Rescue Team Members
Hi. I’m Buster. Since our translator-enhanced training took place, I now relate to my trainers at an entirely new level. It feels so good to have an even richer bond with them. I am proud they believe in me enough to let me go into dangerous places to help save their friends.
Future Narrative
Hi. I’m Buster. Since our translator-enhanced training took place, I now relate to my trainers at an entirely new level. It feels wonderful to have an even deeper bond with them. I am proud they believe in me enough to let me go into dangerous places to help save their friends. People have been so good to me. I want to do good work for them. Digging and tunneling perfectly align with my breed heritage, so it’s a lot of fun most of the time. This new kit protects me and allows me to bring things to people in tight spaces. My trainer always has my back, literally. I use a rope attached to me and carry an air supply hose to people who need it, which I can use as well.
Buster is a highly decorated member of California’s vaunted Earthquake Rapid Response Team and is credited with saving over 300 lives.
Biology
West Highland Terriers, affectionately known as Westies, possess unique qualities that make them exceptionally well-suited for search and rescue operations in earthquake-stricken areas. Their compact size and agility are invaluable in navigating the challenging terrain of collapsed buildings and rubble. While larger breeds may struggle to maneuver in tight spaces, Westies can effortlessly weave through debris, accessing areas that would otherwise be inaccessible to rescuers. This ability to easily traverse precarious environments increases the chances of locating survivors trapped beneath the wreckage.
West Highland Terriers are known for unwavering determination and tenacity. Once they catch the scent of a trapped individual, they exhibit relentless perseverance in their search efforts. Their boundless energy and enthusiasm drive them to tirelessly scour through the rubble, undeterred by the chaos and devastation surrounding them. This innate drive to help and refusal to give up, even in the face of adversity, make them invaluable allies for rescue teams working against the clock to save lives.
Westies possess heightened senses, enhancing their effectiveness in search and rescue missions. Their acute sense of smell enables them to detect human scent amidst the chaos of disaster sites, even when it is faint or buried beneath layers of debris. Additionally, their sharp hearing enables them to pinpoint sounds that may indicate signs of life beneath the rubble, aiding in the location of survivors. These enhanced senses, coupled with their intelligence and trainability, equip West Highland Terriers to excel in locating and rescuing individuals trapped in the aftermath of earthquakes.
Technology
New AI-driven translators have further enhanced the ability of Westies and their Trainers to communicate, further strengthening their bond and the effectiveness of their partnership in disaster zones.
A carbon-fiber embedded protective suit with a thermal protection layer helps protect Westies from sharp debris and thermal extremes.
Rescue Westies carry air, hydration, communication, and recovery lines into caverns, which Westies can also use to replenish themselves during rescue operations.
K-9 rescue suites integrate lighting and pockets that contain communication equipment and medical supplies.
Seeing the face of a West Highland Terrier during times of distress can help calm victims and enhance their chances of survival.
Implications
What new occupations and contexts will they thrive in as we grow our bonds and communication capabilities with K-9 friends?
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Futureproof: Autonomous Water Rescue Craft
We finally received the first of five autonomous water rescue craft last month. Since then, three people have been saved from rip tides. These craft use an array of sensors to locate swimmers in distress. Once identified, the craft approach and the two vertical motors up front dip the hinged netted rescue area below swimmers.
Future Narrative
We finally received the first of five autonomous water rescue craft last month. Since then, three people have been saved from rip tides. These crafts use an array of sensors to locate swimmers in distress. Once identified, the craft approaches and the two vertical motors up front lower the hinged, netted rescue area below swimmers. Swimmers are gently lifted above the water and settle securely on the safety netting for transport back to shore. Affectionately referred to as “Swoop and Scoops,” these crafts now provide an ever-present additional safety response along our shoreline.
Some municipalities use autonomous water rescue rafts in concert with larger craft when more than one swimmer is distressed. These smaller craft, designed with a partial submersion front motor, are typically deployed in smoother bodies of water or beyond wave breaks. They can also help patrol larger public beach areas more efficiently.
Technology
Sensors and Detection Systems: Autonomous aquatic rescue vehicles integrate various sensors, including sonar, cameras, and thermal imaging technology. These sensors enable the vessel to detect and locate distressed individuals, even in low-visibility conditions.
Communication Capabilities: The communication systems of these waterborne vehicles enable them to extend radio coverage and establish connections with rescue teams or individuals in need of assistance. They can relay vital information, provide reassurance, and coordinate rescue efforts seamlessly.
Payload and Rescue Mechanisms: Autonomous aquatic rescue vehicles carry essential supplies, including life preservers, first aid kits, and automated defibrillators. They can deliver these to distressed ships close to shore. Some have built-in mechanisms for towing or lifting individuals out of the water.
Efficiency and Speed: These rescue vehicles significantly reduce response times by leveraging sensor and autonomous technology to pre-position in areas presenting the most risk to swimmers or boaters on any given day. They operate swiftly and precisely, enhancing the chances of successful rescue missions.
Adaptability and Versatility: These rescue watercraft are customized for various scenarios, from rescuing individuals stranded at sea to aiding in swift water or flood rescue operations. Their adaptability makes them valuable assets in diverse water-related emergencies.
Implications
These water rescue vehicles feature advanced autonomous navigation systems, enabling them to operate independently in water environments. They can navigate complex waterways, identify obstacles, and reach victims quickly and efficiently. Their vigilance never wanes.
They are constantly deployed and on patrol, reducing the time needed to respond to water rescue events.
Overall, autonomous aquatic rescue vehicle technology represents a game-changing innovation in enhancing water safety and emergency response capabilities.
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Futureproof: Progenitor Community on Mars
It’s been almost two years since our trusty spacecraft Progenitor gently touched down in Columbia Hills for the last time. After making five trans-terran trips, we completed all conversion activities in record time, transforming our spacecraft into a high-rise habitat.
Future Narrative
It’s been almost two years since our trusty spacecraft Progenitor gently touched down in Columbia Hills for the last time. After making five trans-terran trips, we completed all conversion activities in record time, transforming our spacecraft into a high-rise habitat. Decades ago, the Mars Rover Spirit discovered that hot mineral springs had once burbled up from the rocks near the Gustav Crater, which is nearby. This has proven invaluable as we now harness hydrogen and oxygen from the soil to meet our air, water, and power needs, and we are growing food hydroponically on the Progenitor’s upper decks. We look forward to having Martian neighbors as the spacecraft Assurance will join us on Plot Five early next year.
Technology
Spacecraft like SpaceX’s Starship will be large enough to ferry many people to the Red Planet.
One way to accommodate new residents of Mars may be to repurpose spacecraft as they are retired into longer-term surface habitats.
Utilizing existing elements in the Martian soil will be crucial to the long-term terraforming of the planet.
Implications
Terraforming other planets will empower humans to become a multi-planet species and live beyond any potential extinction-level events on Earth. How will the new Martian communities survive, thrive, and govern to sustain life on the red planet?
Related Concepts
Hassel + EOC Envision a Home on Mars
Partial Inspiration Source
Great Space Battles: A Terran Trade Authority Handbook
Additional designbivouac Post on Peter Elson
To view more of Peter Elson’s work visit: www.this-is-cool.co.uk/the-classic-sci-fi-art-of-peter-elson/
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Futureproof: Autonomous Grocery Module
These autonomous grocery modules always feature the week's best deals. Some keep items cool, while others keep pre-prepared meals warm. I’ve seen them used for special events like concerts, conferences, and pop-up stores. The slide-down side panels keep things in place and at temperature while in transit.
Future Narrative
These autonomous grocery modules always feature the week's best deals. Some keep items cool, while others keep pre-prepared meals warm. I’ve seen them used for special events, such as concerts, conferences, and pop-up stores. The slide-down side panels keep items in place and at the correct temperature while in transit. When placed outdoors, the slide-out solar panels up top keep things shaded while topping off the battery pack. Two fit side by side in a delivery van and are motorized, making ramp loading a breeze.
Technology
Motorized, battery-powered grocery module with supplementary solar panel charging.
Recycled automotive battery packs in the base move the module and cool or warm products.
Implications
Stores can utilize fleets of autonomous grocery modules located in the back of stores to automate grocery stocking. These modules benefit from a direct connection from the back-of-store warehouses to delivery vehicles and onward to customer sites with maximum efficiency.
Delivery services providing warm, cool, and bulk items can better serve pop-up stores and venues.
Modular flexibility enables stores to maintain high stock levels of high-volume products.
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Futureproof: Clearview Highrise Windows
With declining air quality, the cost of cleaning highrise windows has skyrocketed. The Clearview highrise cleaning system seamlessly integrates into most architectural layouts. Our building maintenance costs have dropped significantly, and our views have never been so clear.
Future Narrative
With declining air quality, the cost of cleaning high-rise windows has skyrocketed. The Clearview high-rise cleaning system seamlessly integrates into most architectural layouts. Using stored and filtered rainwater from the roof, the system’s vertical brush and squeegee assembly regularly sweep across window surfaces to remove dirt and grime. Our building maintenance costs have decreased significantly, and our views have never been clearer.
Technology
Rooftop rainwater collection and filter water delivery system.
Programmable channel-mounted full-length cleaning brush and squeegee.
Implications
As air quality continues to degrade and particulates increase in our cities, our highrises can be kept looking their best with new cleaning systems that don’t put traditional window washing crews at risk. Many individuals can be retrained to deploy and maintain systems like the Clearview Highrise Cleaning System, which requires far less time in the air.
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Futureproof: Next-Gen Jalopies
Improving the performance of that first car has been a time-honored tradition amongst auto enthusiasts. What does the future hold for weekend garage projects as we move into the new era of electric-powered automobility? Will the focus be on power, efficiency, torque, range extension, or perhaps all of the above? And with the right to repair access disputed by some electric vehicle manufacturers, will this even be possible? What does safe electric vehicle modification look like in the 21st century?
Future Narrative
It finally happened. I got my first car! Working with Dad on it last Saturday was great. We audited all the electronics and created an upgrade plan together. That was half the fun. The range is significantly lower now, considering this vehicle is a 2021 model with 274,000 miles on the odometer. Mechanically, it is sound. The body is in great shape and has a wrap on it, so the paint looks amazing. Still, we’ve got to do something about the range. While we are at it, I would love to boost the power.
Deak and Dan Jardigan are among a growing number of families worldwide who are learning how to maintain and modify electric vehicles at home safely.
The prior owner had planned to donate the battery pack to the Second Life Auxiliary Battery (SLAB) program, repurposing it as a home energy backup battery. Dad and I have some other ideas. I am looking forward to this project. It makes the things I learned in my electronics class much more relevant and tangible.
In March, we installed a Stage 1 Tesla Performance Enhancement Pack (PEP Pack), which restored the vehicle's original range.
We added the FLUX Performance Enhancement Pack (Grey Market PEP Pack) in August, dramatically enhancing acceleration.
A Tesla FLUX (Functional Line Upgrade-X) vehicle modification safety interface module is shown. This product has proven to be a gateway for next-generation electric vehicle modifiers.
Implications
Improving the performance of that first car has been a time-honored tradition amongst auto enthusiasts. What does the future hold for weekend garage projects as we move into the new era of electric-powered automobility? Will the focus be on power, efficiency, torque, range extension, or perhaps all of the above? And with the right to repair access disputed by some electric vehicle manufacturers, will this even be possible? What does safe electric vehicle modification look like in the 21st century? What do OEM and third-party aftermarkets for electric vehicles look like? Will it be a spin-off SEMA community or be more like a new “home-brew” type of group from the early days when Jobs and Wozniak worked together?
Related Links
www.unpluggedperformance.com/
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Futureproof: Ghost Recon & Rescue
Now that fusion power can be supplied via compact and lightweight equipment, new forms of mobility are popping up everywhere. Various defense forces are exploring how H.O.V.E.R. (Human Operated Vertical Equipment for Reconnaissance) technologies can help protect infantry as they conduct nearly silent patrols at extended ranges with a full equipment loadout. First responders use similar H.O.V.E.R. (Human Operated Vertical Equipment for Rescue) systems in search and rescue operations.
Future Narrative
Now that fusion power is available through compact and lightweight equipment, new forms of mobility are emerging everywhere. Advances in silent magnetic levitation are also transforming the micromobility landscape. Various defense forces are exploring how H.O.V.E.R. (Human Operated Vertical Equipment for Reconnaissance) technologies can help protect infantry as they conduct nearly silent patrols at extended ranges with a full equipment loadout.
A “virtual leash” control system ties soldiers into larger H.O.V.E.R. rigs capable of in-hover control and longer distances.
The “Follow me” virtual sled feature allows soldiers to move with more equipment or fire support.
First responders utilize similar H.O.V.E.R. (Human-Operated Vertical Equipment for Rescue) systems in search and rescue operations. These systems help searchers gain a better vantage point from which to locate those in need of rescue and make extracting them easier, safer, and more comfortable.
Search and Rescue Group 4 of Chinook County, California, temporarily uses version 2.7 of the Yutani H.O.V.E.R. system to improve its search perspective.
Search and Rescue Team 7 of Katima County, Washington, used the Weyland H1A H.O.V.E.R. prototype to “leap hover” and overcome obstacles, including stream beds.
Search and Rescue Team 2 from Baymont, California, uses the “follow me” feature of the R.O.V.E.R. (Robotic Overland Vertical Equipment for Rescue) to aid them with equipment transportation and patient extraction across rough trails.
System Benefits
The H.O.V.E.R. system enables users to overcome challenging portions of trails, urban obstacles, and small streams by activating the system and gently propelling themselves forward. In a similar fashion, trenchworks and minefields can be safely traversed. Systems from three companies are being tested to hover a typical soldier and their equipment to a maximum height of fifteen feet. Users can cover up to 30 meters with one bounding movement. A continual low-power lift function relieves users of most of the weight of their equipment.
Search and Rescue units are also testing systems. These teams benefit from similar abilities to effortlessly cross small streams or challenging portions of terrain. During searches, backcountry first responders gain a better vantage point above brush and lower forest layers. Overall, this first generation of H.O.V.E.R. systems shows great promise for reducing the physical burden users endure when carrying full combat or search and rescue loads on extended operations.
Those testing the units say it reminds them of the footage of astronauts bounding across the moon's surface, but for longer distances. Select units are testing larger rigs capable of providing hovering capabilities and directional control for small groups of linked soldiers over longer, currently classified distances.
R.O.V.E.R. (Robotic Overland Vertical Equipment for Rescue) sleds are being tested in search and rescue operations. Hover sled technology provides the sleds with 12-15 hours of constant low-level lift as they utilize a “virtual leash” feature to follow users' paths. The sleds bear the main load of the team’s equipment, increasing the endurance of search and rescue teams and the amount of territory they can search. Rescued patients are carried out of the wilderness on R.O.V.E.R. sleds, further enhancing the safety of rescue missions.
Related Links
Learn more about Gravity’s jetpack technology at www.gravity.co
Veritasium’s feature on the world’s strongest magnet
Outline of magnetic levitation and some of the most notable instances of it in mobility to date: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maglev
Learn more about the Earth’s magnetic field.
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Futureproof: Engineered Forests of the Future
I suppose they have a beauty of their own, but it has taken a while to get used to them. These square-column trees were introduced in Scandinavia about a decade ago to maximize sustainable forest material output. Their shape has been bioengineered to maximize transport efficiency to mills and reduce the milling needed to produce lumber products.
Future Narrative
I suppose they have a beauty all their own, but it has taken a while to get used to them. These square and rectangular-column trees were introduced in Sweden about a decade ago to maximize sustainable forest output. Their shape has been bioengineered to maximize transport efficiency and reduce the milling needed to produce core hardwood lumber products. While a quarantine on squared trees is in effect, and their use is currently limited to Sweden, Finland, and Norway, one wonders if that will last.
Columnar trees increase the volume of usable hardwood forest material
A mixed load of squared and rectangular trees maximizes the loadout of autonomous logging rigs.
Autonomous logging rig scans products for flaws and then begins the wood curing process while en route to mill.
Technology
While trees vary dramatically from fruits, selective seeding of a few engineered forests has resulted in the growth of square and rectangular columnar trees. Favored by today’s largest furniture manufacturers, the new bioengineered Squared Timber™ line of lumber products increases the usable hardwood of a log by as much as twenty-seven percent.
Implications
How far are we prepared to go to optimize the natural world around us for our needs, and what could the unintended consequences of such actions be?
Related Concepts and Research
Here's what fruits and vegetables looked like before we domesticated them
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Futureproof: Hug-Powered Pet Washer
Are your pets uncooperative at bath time? Then, you’ll love the Hug-a-Dub-Dub hug-powered pet washer! Just slip your critter into the easy-access washing suit.
Future Narrative
Are your pets uncooperative at bath time? Then, you’ll love the Hug-a-Dub-Dub! hug-powered pet washer! Just slip your critter into the easy-access washing suit and buckle them in. Add your favorite pet-cleaning soap and warm water into the easy-fill port behind the neck collar. Squeeze the tail bulb or give your pet hugs, and micro streams of cleaning solution move through hundreds of pores in each cleaning chamber, gently cleaning your pet’s coat and skin. Slide open the paw drains and repeat with a warm water rinse cycle. A universal hair dryer attachment allows quick drying without all the “hair in the air” mess.
Technology
Following the K.I.S.S. (and hug) principle, this Hug-a-Dub-Dub suit requires nothing but willpower to operate.
Hug-powered fluid displacement massages and cleans your pet gently.
Outdoor use or a sink or cleaning tub is recommended.
Implications
The device saves precious water.
It saves on cleaning time as hair can be conveniently rinsed from washing suits before storage.
How else will you ever wash your pet again after you use the Hug-a-Dub Dub suit?
Availability
Available April 1st at fine retailers near you. See note below for additional details*
* Note: Enjoy April Fools Day. Not an actual product. At least not yet.
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Futureproof: Solar Fields Future Technician
It's hard to believe I’ve been doing this job for six years. Thankfully, these new maintenance backpacks hold and power everything we need during a panel field service shift. My pack's nearly silent compressor cools the air that flows throughout my cooling jacket and chills the plates in my heat-exchanging wrist cuffs.
Future Narrative
These new maintenance backpacks hold and power everything we need during a solar panel field service shift. My pack's featherweight and nearly silent compressor cools the air flowing through my cooling jacket and chills the plates in my heat-exchanging wrist cuffs. The equipment runs off my pack’s flexible solar panels and a small battery all day. It produces enough filtered drinking water to keep me hydrated for an entire shift. Given all the new equipment, I think this job is here to stay. Some might even call it future-proof.
Cooling wrist plate of SOL-ICE personal climate management system
Version 1.0 of SOL-ICE cooling jacket
Version 1.0-3 of the SOL-ICE power, cooling and water production pack
Technology
As solar energy costs continue to decline, a workforce with new capabilities and evolving needs will be essential for maintaining our next-generation clean energy infrastructure. Advances in solar power will help the energy grid and power personal climate management equipment. Organizations will benefit from embracing design thinking to prototype and explore viable technologies needed to meet the needs of a new workforce. This often involves initially integrating off-the-shelf technology as a proof of concept, as shown in version 1.0 of the solar technician cooling jacket and power backpack. Iterations and refinement are needed and, in this case, resulted in the production version of the SOL-ICE (Solar Occupation Lifeline - Individual Cooling Equipment) system.
Note that the production version of SOL-ICE (as shown in use by the solar technician above) reduces the original prototype volume by 43%, part count by 78%, and weight by 67%.
Implications
As global warming continues, technological innovation will be necessary to safeguard the health and well-being of those who assume new roles in extreme environments.
Related Concepts and Research
www.coolingcuff.com/science
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atmospheric_water_generator
An article documenting the effectiveness of fan-attached jackets on www.nature.com
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.