Technology is constantly evolving, adapting, and advancing. Frequently, things that seemed unlikely (or even impossible) start to become feasible in just a few short years. For example, until recently, wearable computers seemed like a far-fetched concept. Today, however, they are the next big thing to enter the mainstream. The introduction of the Oculus Rift may cause virtual and augmented reality to become a part of everyday life. In light of this, here is the top ten list of fascinating futuristic technologies we'll almost certainly encounter soon.

10. Jet Packs 

Jet Pack International is developing jetpacks at a rapid pace. The H202 and H202-Z are hydrogen peroxide-powered jetpacks enabling users to soar up to 250 feet in the air at speeds of up to 77 miles per hour.

The flight times and range of the higher-capacity H202-Z are currently limited to 33 seconds and 3,300 feet, respectively. Yet, it's a good starting point. Hence, the Jet Pack International units have a lot of potential. The shortcoming in travel distance and time is more than made up for by how portable and maneuverable the flight is and how small the units are.

9. Speeder Bike

If you're a fan of "Star Wars," the Aerofex Aero-X is a real-world version of the speeder bike. Hence, this invention is unquestionably something you should keep an eye on. After more than 15 years of study and development, the Aero-X was born.

The Aero-X can travel up to 45 miles per hour and hover at 12 feet. This is thanks to two sizable rotors and a water-cooled 240-horsepower engine. The additional carrying capacity is 310 pounds. Furthermore, Aerofex asserts that this prolonged period of research and development has enabled them to eliminate the potentially hazardous coupling effect when using two rotors. This guarantees the safety and maneuverability of the Aero-X, which won't become a technical disaster.

8. Prosthetic Limbs That Feel Touch

Denis Aabo Sorensen had the honor of testing a brand-new prosthetic hand developed by a team of European engineers and scientists. This technology connects directly to Denis' remaining upper arm nerves, in contrast to conventional prosthetics. This demonstrates that the "hand" is controllable and has a sense of touch.

Blindfolded tests revealed that Denis could distinguish between various objects, including a bottle, a baseball, and a mandarin orange. Additionally, it might apply various degrees of pressure, enabling Denis to touch, hold, or grab something.

7. Iron Man Suit

The US Army hopes to see the Tactical Assault Light Operator Suit (TALOS), a combat suit, in use in a short time. The TALOS protect soldiers in Special Operations from fire, shock, and ballistics. Therefore, the goal is to offer these soldiers better, more versatile, and mobile protection than currently available. 

Universities, governmental organizations, and businesses will work together to develop the TALOS suit. Even though there has yet to be a functioning prototype, the project is moving forward quickly. Of course, don't expect to be able to purchase this. However, some of the technology here will eventually find its way into civilian applications.

6. Super Strength Enhancements

A team from the University of Pennsylvania created the Titan Arm. This upper-body exoskeleton increases strength and allows you to lift an additional 40 pounds. Although the Titan Arm was created with a more modest objective, it's still a far cry from the Powerloader that we see (and love) in the Alien movies.

The Titan Arm is designed to offer additional strength and protection to anyone lifting heavy objects regularly. Additionally, it assists in rehabilitating people who have experienced severe arm injuries or strokes. The Titan Arm uses 3D printing technology, reducing the cost of developing a prototype.

5. Enhanced Maglev Train

Chinese researchers have been investigating the future of trains. Even though China and Japan already have high-speed Maglev trains that can travel more than 260 miles per hour, the upcoming super Maglev technology is expected to be even faster.

Using the same technology, Super Maglev encloses the train in a vacuum tube to further reduce air resistance and enable higher, astounding speeds. According to researchers, enclosed-tube Maglev systems could enable trains to travel at speeds up to 1800 mph.

4. Hybrid Alternate Reality

A hybrid reality environment called Cave2 enables researchers like artists, scientists, and engineers to fully immerse themselves in their work. A 20-speaker surround sound system, ten cameras, and 72 LCD panels make up the 360° wraparound structure known as The Cave2.

With 3D glasses, researchers and engineers will be able to virtually experience and navigate any object. This includes the human body and solar system planets! Cave2 has a ton of potential, especially regarding scenarios requiring the visualization of large amounts of data.

3. Star Trek Replikator

The idea that 3D printing is helpful for more than just making gadgets is gradually winning over people as technology has taken the world by storm. Food is another item that is easily printed using 3D technology. The German company Biozoon has developed a line of 3D-printable powder mixtures that solidifies when printed but quickly melt once consumed.

This new food, printed in three dimensions, is primarily intended for elderly patients with dysphagia or the inability to swallow. Because seneoPro is 3D-printed, family members and caregivers can easily combine the powders to make various dishes. Such technology would undoubtedly lower the risk of choking.

2. Fast Wireless Charging

Until now, charging wirelessly has typically involved using a pad rather than wires and cables. However, ask the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology staff, and they will tell you that remote wireless charging is also possible.

The team recently displayed a new Dipole Coil Resonant System (DCRS) prototype to wirelessly power devices from up to 15 feet away. The DCRS system reportedly has enough capacity to power up to 40 mobile phones and even more extensive appliances like a TV. It accomplishes this using a magnetic field.

1. Fast Charging Battery

An innovative nanotechnology company called StoreDot recently unveiled a prototype for a new type of battery that uses all of its expertise in energy storage and nanotechnology. StoreDot employs bio-organic "nanodots" with improved electrolyte performance and electrode capacitance.

Although the science is somewhat complicated, the result isn't: thanks to these nanodots, the battery can be fully charged in 30 seconds. The best part is that Store Dot's nanodots are bio-organic, making them much more environmentally friendly than many competing nanodot technologies. They are also much more power-efficient.

Technology is progressing quickly, bringing new discoveries and ground-breaking ideas every year. Some of the brightest minds working today are inventing the next piece of tech that will fundamentally alter our lives. Although it sometimes seems that science is advancing steadily, technology has advanced significantly over the past 50 years.

Which of these technologies seems most interesting to you? Is there something even more impressive that's not on our top ten list?

Cover photo: Tumisu/Pixabay