Self-cleaning homes and air taxis: What London will look like in 2069
Londoners might have to abandon veganism in the next 50 years as insect burgers become the capital’s next street food craze, according to a report that predicts underground skyscrapers and aquatic roads will reshape our capital.
Researchers have also predicted that we will be playing “Quidditch-style” aerial sports matches. Though what the Health and Safety Executive will have to say about that is anyone’s guess.
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The research – commissioned by Samsung for the launch of KX, its new “experience space” by King’s Cross – promises air taxis and buses in the next 50 years.
Rocket travel to New York in less than half an hour and pods that get you to Scandinavia in less than an hour will also be possible, the study also predicts.
Report authors Jacqueline de Rojas, president of digital industry lobby group Tech UK, the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Rhys Morgan and food futurologist Morgaine Gaye compiled the study.
They believe London will deal with its growing population by inventing inverted skyscrapers that burrow into the ground as well as rising up into the skies.
Meanwhile human donors will be on their way out – instead, 3D printers will be able to produce replacement organs.
And after watching an interactive movie – complete with suits that let you feel the action – future Londoners might be chomping down the McCricket (other fast-food chains are available) as insect burgers take off on the high street.
Technology is already close to producing towards what Brits said they look forward to the most in Samsung’s poll.
An unsurprising 63 per cent of us want robots to clean our homes.
Meanwhile, the second most hotly anticipated item is body implants that can translate languages, handy for foreign tourists asking for directions.
For some reason, we are less keen on TV and movies being directly beamed into our brains, and so-called “brain-to-internet connectivity” was bottom of the list. Go figure.
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Tanya Weller at Samsung KX said: “Fifty years ago we could have never predicted such changes to the way we live, work, travel and eat.
“As the new Samsung KX destination opens in Coal Drops Yard, we’re excited that our guests will have the opportunity to discover a range of new, one-of-a-kind tech innovations, powered by Samsung technology.”
All images credited to Samsung