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.
Clearing the Wreckage of War
The war in Ukraine was brutal for all involved. For many years, war wreckage covered vast regions of the country. Mines and unexploded ordnance rendered large swaths of land unusable. Much of Europe’s breadbasket lay dormant. Enter the Weyland Heavy Industries Collassal Landmine Equipment and Armamament Removal (CLEAR) platforms.
Future Narrative
The war in Ukraine was brutal for all involved. For many years, war wreckage covered vast regions of the country. Mines and unexploded ordnance rendered large swaths of land unusable. Much of Europe’s breadbasket lay dormant. Enter the Weyland Heavy Industries Colossal Landmine Equipment and Armament Removal (CLEAR) platforms.
A Weyland Heavy Industries CLEAR platform stands ready to slice and shed an abandoned tank in the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
While many knew the cost of rebuilding Ukraine would be high, few grasped the daunting scale of what it would take to make Ukraine ready for reconstruction. Weyland Heavy Industries was one of the first to understand the scope of the challenge. Remarkably, just 18 months after proposing the CLEAR platforms, the company had three prototype units actively clearing former battlefields in Ukraine.
The massive CLEAR mobile recycling platforms shredded and smelted main battle tanks and other military vehicles densely strewn across Ukraine. Minefields and unexploded ordinance were also cleared, likely saving tens of thousands of civilians. Ten nuclear-powered behemoths restored most former battlefields in Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk Oblast within four years of the program's introduction. Paradoxically, CLEAR platforms left behind what appeared to be an apocalyptic landscape, but the land was safe for Ukraine’s skilled farmers to transform into productive farmland again.
Weyland Heavy Industries applied its large-scale marine manufacturing processes to produce the mega-scale CLEAR vehicles. The battlefield clearing program positioned the company in a favorable light. Once decommissioned from battlefield clearing, the massive CLEAR machines were repurposed, providing power for small—to medium-sized cities. This proved profitable since Weyland Heavy Industries was given rights to all materials salvaged from the battlefield.
The knowledge gained from the program led to the company producing fleets of autonomous mega-combines that productively roamed the same once-scarred landscape—and ultimately, the company’s large-scale future terraforming equipment destined for Mars.
Early Signals
Recycling efforts are upscaling to recover precious resources.
VTN Scrap Shear C1700
VZ-950 Universal Shredder
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Vertical Environmental Retrenchment
As sea levels rose, coastal cities developed various environmental retrenchment strategies. Some mandated a gradual drawdown of development in areas most at risk. Others hardened infrastructure and developed megaprojects to manage storm surges and keep the rising sea at bay. A few cities approved vertical retrenchment strategies.
Future Narrative
As sea levels rose, coastal cities developed various environmental retrenchment strategies. Some mandated a gradual drawdown of development in areas most at risk. Others hardened infrastructure and developed megaprojects to manage storm surges and keep the rising sea at bay. A few cities approved vertical retrenchment strategies.
As rising seas redrew the boundaries between land and water, a radical new approach to urban adaptation emerged: vertical retrenchment. High-rise owners, facing the encroachment of the tides, were often compelled to collaborate, banding together to create elevated, shared “ground” levels far above the original street plane.
In this process, the lower floors of buildings—once bustling with lobbies, shops, and cafes—were deliberately sacrificed. These spaces became part of the submerged past, traded for long-term resilience. In their place, massive pilings were driven deep into the earth, anchoring structures with newfound strength and raising entire city blocks above projected future sea levels.
The result was a new urban fabric—promenades in the sky, where pedestrians moved above the waterline, navigating a layered metropolis shaped as much by climate as by design. It was an act of architectural survival and collective foresight—an upward migration that redefined what it meant to live on solid ground.
Elevated promenades connect complexes to higher inland areas.
Lower floors are repurposed as “ground” floors rise.
Some complexes repurposed lower floors as snorkeling havens. Aerial and marine ferries and a network of elevated causeways linked the complexes to higher mainland areas. Ensuring that building foundations and underwater utility connections remained in top condition took a toll on the finances of many cities.
Grand Vista Complex circa 2024.
Grand Vista Complex after hurricane Shelton.
Grand Vista Complex after Category 5 hurricane Hammond.
Coastal city hurricane storm surge and sea barriers resemble fortress walls from the medieval era and elevated highways define new ground floor levels for cities along coastal areas worldwide.
Larger cities dealt with rising seas by providing elevated green spaces along their peripheries. Others built extensive networks of stormwater storage and pumping facilities. A few cities had to take more drastic measures by walling off their dense downtown areas to protect them from hurricane storm surges, persistent water inundation, and rising sea levels. Massive seawall foundations replaced the lower floors of buildings, and the outer periphery of streets terminated with massive seawalls.
Collins Avenue in Miami’s tidal district during a king tide event. Some older structures in the city were demolished to create coral reef barriers as additional protection from hurricane storm surges.
Unfortunately, for some municipalities where finances were stretched thin, they were forced to sacrifice entire sections of developed areas to the rising sea. Some contracted explosive demolition services to strip and drop older buildings, providing a modest level of additional protection from hurricane storm surge and wave action. As a further testament to the power of nature, marine life thrived with the creation of new coral barriers.
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.
Futureproof: On the Go Food Printer
Well, Weyland has done it again. Their Food Printer FP-400 model is one of the best purchases I have ever made. It is so convenient and offers endless meal possibilities. Just pop in Protein, Veggie, and Seasoning gel-encapsulated pouches in the back of the unit and print out a preferred portion of your favorite meal in minutes.
Future Narrative
Weyland has done it again. Their Food Printer FP-400 model is one of the best purchases I have ever made. It is so convenient and offers endless meal possibilities. Just pop in Protein, Veggie, and Seasoning gel-encapsulated pouches in the back of the unit and print out a preferred portion of your favorite meal in minutes. Entrees are steaming hot, delicious, and nutritious. It’s a massive improvement over my grandpa’s lunchbox.
In addition to providing convenient, nutritious meals on demand, the FP-400 uses plant-based gel packaging, thus eliminating plastics from food. As food prints from gel pouches, it is again encapsulated with a gelatin packet coating to seal in moisture. When an item reaches serving temperature, the gel melts away. Even the grey condiment containers with each meal item are gel-based and dissolve within days after use. It is so satisfying to enjoy any of my favorite meals at work. It reminds me of my dad's amazement when the iPod and the concept of having 1000 songs in your pocket were introduced.
Implications
As advanced food printers become available, product shipping is massively simplified. The variety of product SKUs drops significantly, streamlining food distribution and lowering the cost of food.
Plant-based protective gel pouches promise to reduce plastic waste in the food chain.
Paper packaging is dramatically reduced as food ingredients are shipped in protein, veggie, and seasoning gel-encapsulated pouches.
In this new age of on-demand, printed meals, brands may shift towards shaping recipes instead of offering the final product.
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Futureproof: Space Elevator Lifts Humanity
Last week, we celebrated the 10th anniversary of the opening of Span One of the Space Elevator complex. Over the last decade, the price of going into space has dropped dramatically, and critical environmental research and space tourism have reached new heights.
Future Narrative
Last week marked a significant milestone as we celebrated the 10th anniversary of Span One, the inaugural launch and operational span of the Space Elevator complex. A decade ago, its opening was a bold leap into the future, transforming humanity’s relationship with space. Over the past ten years, the impact of Span One has been nothing short of revolutionary. The cost of accessing low Earth orbit and beyond has plummeted, enabling a surge in innovation and accessibility. Once limited by budget and launch constraints, critical environmental research platforms now operate continuously above the Earth, gathering unprecedented data to monitor climate change, ocean patterns, and atmospheric conditions in real time.
Meanwhile, space tourism has evolved from an exclusive novelty into a rapidly growing sector, with more people experiencing the awe of Earth from above than ever before. The elevator's stability, safety, and sustainability have redefined what space infrastructure can be, serving as both a technological marvel and a beacon of international cooperation.
The production of carbon nanotubes at an industrial scale made the long-envisioned system a reality. Over the last decade, hundreds of tons of material have been lifted into space, and prices for orbital lifting continue to fall. The costs associated with building the Space Elevator have been offset by the frequency of mining spacecraft delivering valuable and exotic minerals from the asteroid belt. As we look ahead, Span One stands not just as a symbol of engineering excellence but as a foundation for a new era of exploration, discovery, and global connectivity beyond our atmosphere.
Singapore was selected as the anchor site for the International Space Elevator. As shown above, Segment A rises from the anchor site, which was chosen due to its proximity to the equator.
Northward view of Segment A of the International Space Elevator. The “EXPANSE” pad and viewing levels of The Four Seasons section provide guests with sweeping views of Earth. Note the extensive growth of logistics facilities surrounding the anchor point.
Implications
If the lightweighting and strength challenges can be solved, space elevator structures have the potential to usher in a new era of space exploration.
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Futureproof: Angel's Lace Clears Space Debris
Since the dawn of the space age, humans have polluted the space surrounding Earth. Decades ago, international space agencies recognized the importance of clearing space debris from Earth’s orbit. Today, Weyland Aerospace Group’s space debris capture mesh, or “Angel’s Lace,” is slowly clearing the planet of space debris. Thankfully, progress is being made in concert with other collection systems, clearing the way for future human exploration.
Future Narrative
Since the dawn of the space age, humans have polluted the space surrounding Earth. Decades ago, international space agencies recognized the importance of clearing space debris from Earth’s orbit. Today, Weyland Aerospace Group’s space debris capture mesh, also known as “Angel’s Lace,” is slowly clearing the planet of space debris. Thankfully, progress is being made in concert with other collection systems, clearing the way for future human exploration.
Weyland’s Angel’s Lace system includes an array of microsatellites called Spoolers. These microsatellites are nuclear-powered, equipped with six-way maneuvering thrusters and a mechanical means of spooling out and latching onto the system’s fine carbon-metallic capture mesh. Upon reaching a set orbit, the capture mesh deploys over a 16-square-mile area. Spoolers keep the mesh in relative tension as space debris is captured. The fine mesh is magnetized to increase the efficiency of collecting small metallic objects.
The capture mesh slowly collapses as more space debris accumulates. Upon capturing a significant amount of space debris, the capture mesh is maneuvered into an Earth-facing orientation and brought back into tension by Spoolers positioned along the periphery of the mesh. Debris ejects into a retrograde orbit destined to burn safely in the Earth’s atmosphere. The spooler craft then repositions the capture mesh in tension, and the process of capturing more space debris begins again.
Weyland Aerospace Group’s “Angel’s Lace” system collects space debris across a 16-square-mile area. Once captured, the debris is directed toward and ejected into a retrograde orbit, where it burns up in the Earth’s atmosphere.
Weyland “Spooler” microsatellites deploy and maintain the system’s capture mesh positioning. Spoolers comprise multidirectional nuclear thrusters, optical and positional sensors, and capture mesh management hardware.
Implications
Without systems like Angel’s Lace in operation, the human race was on a path toward being imprisoned on Earth by its ingenuity and desire to explore the universe. With each year's improvements in spacecraft design, combined with the operation of Angel’s Lace and other large space debris systems, the amount of space debris orbiting Earth is declining significantly, ensuring safe access to space for the next generation of explorers.
Signs and Signals
Astroscale: Cleaning up Space Junk for a More Sustainable Future
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.
Futureproof: Protective Acoustic Wave
The war in Ukraine made the importance of drone and artillery defense clear to everyone. A groundbreaking technology emerged, leveraging acoustic wave energy and microwave energy (A.W.E.M.E) to create planar barriers to protect troops from frontal or overhead attacks. Today, a downscaled version known commercially as the SoundSentinel™, safeguards crops from insects.
Future Narrative
The war in Ukraine made the importance of drone and artillery defense clear to everyone. A groundbreaking planar wave technology emerged, leveraging acoustic wave energy and microwave emissions (A.W.E.M.E) to create barriers and protect troops from frontal or overhead attacks. Today, a downscaled version known commercially as the SoundSentinel™ safeguards crops from insects. Like bug zappers from years ago, the planar wave resonance eliminates specific pests as they pass over crops in the field.
In the agricultural sector, this acoustic barrier technology represents a significant advancement in pest control. Chemical pesticides or physical nets can harm the environment and are labor-intensive. Planar wave technology offers a sustainable and maintenance-free alternative. Applying tuned acoustic waves and microwaves to target specific insect species effectively eliminates pests from crops without harming beneficial insects or the surrounding ecosystem. This precise targeting reduces crop damage and increases yield, contributing to more efficient and eco-friendly farming practices.
In military applications, protective planar wave systems are stronger, sometimes leading to the acoustic capturing of smoke and flames, making the barrier temporarily visible. The invisibility of the protective barrier can be restored by briefly cycling the system and allowing smoke and flames to dissipate.
As with many technologies, acoustic and microwave barriers were developed in response to the intense need to protect troops in conflict. The technology then found its way into commercial agricultural applications. When deployed around a base, convoy, or troop formation, planar wave technology projects a plane of high-frequency sound and microwaves that disrupt incoming drones or ordinance. Multiple protective barriers can be deployed horizontally or vertically at various distances, providing full coverage for troops in the field. Forces can integrate planar wave technology into existing infrastructure or deploy it using power provided by armored vehicles that move with infantry units across the battle space, thus providing flexible and robust protection in various combat scenarios.
Refinements of protective acoustic barriers included projecting laser visual indicators that reflected off of trapped particulates within the acoustic barrier to aid troops in identifying the position of A.W.E.M.E. Mark II systems.
Early military planar wave barriers were so strong that, depending on environmental conditions, they sometimes spawned fires. As a result, troops referred to the A.W.E.M.E. Mark I system as the “Gates of Hell.”
Implications
The versatility of this acoustic barrier technology lies in its ability to be finely tuned to specific frequencies and intensities, ensuring optimal effectiveness for various applications. As research and development continue, we can anticipate further enhancements, such as integrating artificial intelligence to dynamically adjust sound parameters based on real-time threats or pest behavior. This fusion of acoustic engineering and advanced algorithms promises to revolutionize military defense and agricultural protection, marking a significant leap forward in the use of non-lethal defense and sustainable crop technologies. However, the health of those using this technology must be safeguarded, and we must avoid unintended consequences such as additional noise pollution or interference with wildlife across wide green spaces.
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: Roadside Cleanup Crews
I remember driving with my dad and occasionally passing by groups of those convicted of minor offenses serving their community service hours on a roadside cleanup crew. Back then, small groups wore hi-vis vests, carried trash bags, and picked up garbage along the roadways. A van or bus with a supervisor was somewhere nearby. That scene is very different today.
Future Narrative
I remember driving with my dad and occasionally passing by groups of those convicted of minor offenses serving their community service hours on a roadside cleanup crew. Back then, small groups wore hi-vis vests, carried trash bags, and picked up garbage along the roadways. A van or bus with a supervisor was somewhere nearby. That scene is very different today.
Things changed when we started to militarize law enforcement. It happened slowly yet intentionally. To save money, defense forces made obsolete MRAPS and other war vehicles available to police agencies at giveaway prices. These intimidating vehicles are now a part of our communities. Bakersfield resembles a war-torn Baghdad from a bygone era. Prisons are big business today, too. The prison is now the county's third-largest employer.
We also turned our backs on the climate accords and eliminated many environmental regulations that held corporations and individuals responsible for polluting. As a result, over the last 20 years, temperatures and the piles of trash along our roadways have continued to rise. Outdoor work crews must now be equipped with some form of cooling apparatus during the summer months. The garbage they come into contact with is far more dangerous to handle, too. Now, the government spends the money we were supposed to have saved by purchasing MRAP vehicles to equip those convicted of minor infractions with expensive disposable protective equipment, making it a relatively easy yet meaningful task to set up and supervise. Oh yeah, last year, our local city council approved cooling tent attachments for some of the MRAPs, which, ironically, makes them more expensive and polluting as they burn even more diesel fuel.
Seeing these work crews is becoming more common. Every time I pass one of these outfits on the side of the road, I am filled with a bit of fear for the future. The worst thing about all this is that I see the same fear on my son’s face, too.
Implications
To save money spent on decommissioning thousands of mine-resistant armored personnel carriers (MRAPs) produced for the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Department of Defense provided police forces with the option of acquiring MRAPs at bargain basement prices. This, and other up-armoring efforts, led to a distinct militarization effect for many police forces across America. In a quest for efficiency, cost savings, and force protection, the days of the cop on the beat who was well-known by neighborhood citizens are long gone. What will be the long-term effects of depersonalizing and militarizing America’s policing forces?
Climate change will continue to accelerate without drastic action, rendering important outdoor tasks impossible without the use of expensive environmental mitigation suits. What will the additional human and economic cost of heating and cooling clothing be, and how will this impact workers' quality of life? Will this become a further contributor to climate change?
If we reduce or eliminate environmental protections, what will the consequences be for clean land, air, and water? How might we reinforce an era of personal and corporate environmental responsibility and accountability? Rather than stifling businesses, what new businesses and clean industries could be created to reverse global warming?
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.