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.
Next Generation Building Inspection
Megaprojects like the intercontinental high-speed rail system, urban environmental hardening, and coastal region retrenchment placed extreme demands on the industry. As a result, humans worked closely with an increasing variety of robotic counterparts, introducing new construction integrity challenges. New inspection methods were developed for all stages of construction.
Future Narrative
Megaprojects, such as the intercontinental high-speed rail system, urban environmental hardening, and coastal region retrenchment, placed extreme demands on the industry. As a result, humans worked closely with an increasing variety of robotic counterparts, introducing new challenges to construction integrity. New inspection methods were developed for all stages of the construction process.
New Pacific Gate Harbor site inspector Kate Kimmon uses a Yutani MASID-64 Multispectrum Acoustic Structural Inspection Device) to inspect new construction in Los Angeles, California.
New construction approaches, including 3D printing and robotically interlaced rebar-reinforced concrete, improved the strength of structures. A new generation of structural inspectors supported this wave of innovative and efficient building techniques. These guardians of safety utilized new technology to examine the inner structure of elements. Yutani’s MASID-64 Multispectrum Acoustic Structural Inspection Devices empowered structural inspectors to effectively see through all layers of a structure, ensuring the integrity of increasingly automated construction methods.
This is a typical view highlighting structural rebar as seen through a Yutani (Structural Viewing Device). Inspectors can view inside building structural elements up to 10 feet thick.
This view highlights areas that need closer inspection. Structural engineers using MASIDs have ensured the integrity of hundreds of thousands of structures.
Early Signals
“Just Print It” Blog entry on designbivouac charting the advancement of 3D printed homes.
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
The Glove That Rebuilt America
After the AI revolution of the 2030s, humans struggled to keep pace with robots. Thankfully, some small but powerful innovations, like the Weyland PowerGlove PG-10, proved to be equalizers for those working to revitalize America’s infrastructure
Future Narrative
In the wake of the AI revolution of the 2030s, human labor faced a daunting new reality. Robots quickly outpaced their human counterparts in nearly every sector with their tireless precision and speed. For a time, it seemed like the workforce was being left behind. But the story didn’t end there. Amid the sweeping changes, a wave of small but powerful innovations emerged—tools designed not to compete with machines, but to augment the human edge. Chief among them was the Weyland PowerGlove PG-10, a compact exoskeletal glove that delivered amplified grip strength, haptic feedback, and micro-assisted dexterity. Lightweight, durable, and surprisingly affordable, the PG-10 symbolized human resilience.
The Weyland PowerGlove PG-10 was worn by Kimberley Fortis, who drove home the “New Golden Spike” connecting the east and west branches of the intercontinental high-speed rail network.
For workers tasked with revitalizing America’s aging infrastructure, the PowerGlove was more than a tool—it was an equalizer. It allowed individuals to handle heavy materials with precision, operate machinery more intuitively, and endure long hours in challenging environments. With tools like the PG-10, the balance between human and machine began to shift—not back to the past, but forward into a new era of hybrid capability.
America’s need for systemic infrastructure renewal began with the Build Back Better initiative in the 2020s. Mega projects, such as the cross-country high-speed rail project, continued into the 2050s and benefited from AI enhancements and robotic support on construction sites nationwide. Over 250,000 men and women also answered the call to help rebuild America. Powered protective accessories, such as the Weyland PowerGlove PG-10 and other exoskeletal workwear, have significantly enhanced their capabilities, ensuring humanity’s continued role in improving the built environment for future generations.
The PG-10’s fingertip LED lighting enhances worker productivity and workplace safety. PG-10 power assist elements increase grip and work with other lifting accessories to increase operator strength and endurance. Next-generation synthetic nano-leather makes temperature, fit, and moisture management possible. Weyland's Micro-4 battery cells power grip strength enhancements and temperature regulators for months.
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Next-Generation Disaster Response Fleets
As the impact of natural disasters such as wildfires, floods, and hurricanes has increased over the last twenty years, a new breed of disaster response fleet vehicles has emerged to aid initial and long-term recovery efforts.
Future Narrative
Over the past two decades, the escalating impact of natural disasters—including wildfires, floods, and hurricanes—has driven the development of a new generation of disaster response fleet vehicles. Designed to support immediate relief and long-term recovery, these specialized vehicles are equipped with advanced technologies, modular systems, and rugged adaptability, enabling them to navigate unstable terrain and rapidly changing conditions. Their emergence marks a pivotal shift in emergency preparedness, enabling faster deployment, greater self-sufficiency, and more resilient support for affected communities in the wake of increasingly severe climate events.
Weyland Mobile Utility Light Emergency (MULEs) vehicles at work during the Great Missouri flood.
The fires and storms of the 2020s revealed the limitations of conventional first responder equipment. Existing fleets often had vehicles too large to navigate the rubble, debris, and newly defined urban and natural topography after events. Unable to reach those in need, new, heavy-lift capable drones, like those used in extreme environments like Mount Everest, were produced in greater numbers for a broader range of tasks. Search and micro-transport drones also facilitated aerial grid searching and delivery of sustainment items to those impacted by natural disasters. First responders determined they needed more flexible vehicles to accommodate conditions in damaged urban and wilderness areas.
Weyland Compact Reconnaissance Autonomous Base (CRABs) are often the initial first response vehicle deployed due to their size and nimbleness. They always travel in pairs, watching out for one another.
Weyland Industries was the first to respond with three complementary disaster relief and recovery vehicles. Weyland introduced the autonomous Compact Reconnaissance Autonomous Base (CRAB) to provide an agile initial reconnaissance response. Autonomous CRAB vehicles map the destruction of natural disasters and search for those in need. CRABs can roll over prepared or gravel surfaces or walk like their namesake, giving them unparalleled mobility over rough terrain and rubble. As a result of their small size and agility, CRABs are often the first "Walk-in" resource in disaster areas. Deployed in large numbers, their initial surveys inform master response plans. For safety, CRABs travel in pairs, allowing the lead unit to be recovered should they encounter challenges that cannot be overcome. Once other resources are in place, CRABs can serve as microgrids for power and communication, providing services for several days.
Weyland Industries’ Mobile Utility Light Emergency (MULE) vehicles are an upsized version of CRAB vehicles. They can carry more supplies and equipment and clear debris using various attachments. They work in concert with heavy-lift drones to extend search and rescue areas or deliver much-needed supplies during the initial days after a disaster strikes. MULEs can be equipped with many attachments and open initial rescue and supply routes through impacted regions.
Weyland BULLs arrive to provide supplies, road clearing capability, power, and purified water to a community in need just after hurricane Karen.
A third vehicle provided by Weyland Industries rounds out many first responder units today. Basic Utility Logistics and Life Sustainment (BULLS) units provide extended power and more comprehensive community communications capabilities over extended recovery phases. While each autonomous unit can deliver emergency supplies and ferry wounded to base camps, some specialized units provide power or purified water supplies for weeks.
Weyland’s fleets of CRABS, MULES, and BULLS disaster response vehicles have become a welcome sight worldwide during times of deep human need.
Early Signals
In 2019, Hyundai Motors explored a range of vehicles featuring articulating legs and rotary motors with wheels, as part of its Elevate concept. Read more about it here.
Dannar Industries is providing battery-powered vehicles capable of providing distributed power and carrying out a variety of construction-related tasks.
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Futureproof: Lawn Keeper Drones
We subscribed to the Lawn Keeper drone service last Fall, and our lawn has never looked better. Syncing with seasonal data and local weather forecasts, the service seeds and fertilizes our lawn at optimal times of the year. The optional Lawn Defender service makes weekly passes to keep weeds at bay by targeting them with just enough low-power laser energy to eliminate them.
Future Narrative
We subscribed to the Lawn Keeper drone service last Fall, and our lawn has never looked better. Syncing with seasonal data and local weather forecasts, the service seeds and fertilizes our lawn at optimal times of the year. The optional Lawn Defender service makes weekly passes to keep weeds at bay by targeting them with just enough low-power laser energy to eliminate them.
Lawn Keeper drone spreads grass seed and lawn nutrients across an exact GPS guided grid pattern for efficient and full lawn coverage.
I used to think they would be annoying, but today’s drones are so quiet that I view them as a sign of the passing of the seasons, like the smell of freshly cut grass or the rustling of leaves across the lawn. As an added benefit, the Lawn Defender drones eliminate weeds without the use of chemicals and work wonders on Mosquitoes.
Lawn Defender drones with low-power laser accessories rid lawns of weeds without the use of harsh chemicals. Popular with municipalities, they are also effective in managing pests like mosquitoes.
Technology
Drones are improving noise reduction, battery life, and GPS positioning. Prices continue to fall, and as more consumer use cases emerge, drones will become more integrated into our daily lives in hard-to-predict ways.
Implications & Signals
Drones are being adapted to new uses, from battlefields to wheatfields, daily. What restrictions might be needed for this new technology?
Might using drones provide a chemical-free way to manage pests?
Drone Launch Academy: How Are Drones Used in Agriculture?
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: 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: ThinLane Autonomous People Movers
Our visit to Austin last weekend was great. There was so much to do, and it was easy to get around. The ThinLane electric people movers can accommodate up to four people in the bike lanes that run all over the city. We downloaded the app and used them all weekend to get around town.
Future Narrative
Our visit to Austin last weekend was great. There was so much to do, and it was easy to get around. The autonomous ThinLane electric people movers can accommodate up to four people in the bike lanes that run all over the city. We downloaded the app and used it throughout the weekend to navigate around town. The city has established a micromobility strategy and policies. A few repurposed parking spaces in front of downtown businesses now serve as ThinLane loading and unloading zones. This keeps bicyclists happy as the ThinLane vehicles either keep pace or are out of the way. There are fewer cars downtown, and the streets seem smoother, too.
Technology
Autonomous, narrow, electric vehicles provide easy-on/easy-off mobility utilizing dedicated bike lanes. Occupants are safely transported up to 20 miles per hour and use an app to set pick-up and drop-off locations and make payments.
Implications
Many areas within a city require moving people in core areas at consistent but lower speeds or shifting them along a loop. These narrow electric vehicles provide significant bandwidth to the overall mobility system and use existing infrastructure.
Cities' policymakers must collaborate with businesses to understand the optimal flow of pedestrian traffic in dense areas.
Policies that allow a diverse micro-mobility ecosystem to thrive have to be adopted.
How can utilization fees offset some or most infrastructure costs associated with micromobility solutions?
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Futureproof: Autonomous Undersea Resource Explorer
Thanks to the new fleet of autonomous undersea resource explorers, we’ve found ten times more lithium and other rare minerals for use in electric vehicles. We’ve analyzed far more ocean floor per week than we ever could using the old system.
Future Narrative
Thanks to our new fleet of autonomous undersea resource explorers, we’ve found ten times more lithium and other rare minerals for use in electric vehicles. We’ve analyzed far more of the ocean floor per week than we ever could using the old system. It is impressive how well the 20 units follow a detailed grid search pattern. At this rate, we will have paid for the entire system within two years and helped migrate away from fossil fuel-burning engines.
Technology
Autonomous grid-following technology is made possible by consumer-grade ultra-low frequency GPS broadcasting.
Solid aluminum fuel combines with filtered seawater to produce hydrogen for the system’s fuel cell.
Implications
New fuels can provide remote, autonomous systems with long-lasting power, ensuring reliable operation.
Largely unexplored seabeds are expected to yield more precious metals and minerals, which are needed to meet the demands of new industries in the coming decades.
Early Signals of Possibility
Learn more about aluminum as a possible fuel cell fuel via this MIT news article.
Wired article on the potential and dangers of deep-sea mining. www.wired.com/story/deep-sea-mining-electric-vehicle-battery/
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Futureproof: Autonomous Rescue Crew Members
This was a bad one. After working earthquakes for 30 years worldwide, the big one hit Los Angeles this month. Thank God we had help from Danno and the other autonomous search and rescue members. Their strength is remarkable, and their sensors are invaluable. They have saved so many lives.
Future Narrative
This was a bad one. After working on earthquakes for 30 years worldwide, the big one hit Los Angeles this month. Thank God we had help from “DANNO,” or Disaster Assistant Non-Native Operator, and the other autonomous search and rescue members. Their strength is remarkable, and their sensors are invaluable. They have saved so many lives. They hear and see using acoustic, IR, thermal, and other high-resolution visual hardware. Once they find someone, it's incredible how they articulate and maneuver into small spaces to shore things up so we can reach them. DANNO has experienced five significant earthquakes. We have noticed him taking more breaks lately due to reduced on-board power stores, so the department is considering retiring him with merit. He will still be of use around our HQ, fixing vehicles and the like, and knows all our favorite recipes.
Technology
AI-enabled semi-autonomous mobility sensors, full vision camera array including thermal sensors, acoustic sensor array including heartbeat sensors, air quality measurement and alert system, onboard structural analysis AI synthesis, hydraulic lift capability, diamond blade cutter, spot fire suppression, emergency rescue comms package, and geo-positioning system.
Implications
How will human-robot partnerships evolve?
What rights will android and assistive robotic systems have?
How will these systems function in ways that are emotionally intuitive to humans, such as using body language or other non-verbal ways of communicating?
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.