Posts in Futureproof Series
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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Futureproof: Sea Level Rise and eVTOLs Reshape Coastal Cities

When they started modifying the city’s coastline in 2021 to accommodate rising sea levels, I knew it was just the beginning. The continued rise of the seas redefined our streets, and the rise of EVTOL travel has reshaped the roofscape of our metropolis.

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Futureproof: 21st Century Balconies

Well, here it is, right on time. Many debated the merits of allowing aerial delivery by drones within city limits years ago, but now it is commonplace. Breakthroughs in drone safety and making them much quieter were key to growing acceptance. Now, units with balconies in New York command a premium over those without them due to the convenience of balcony delivery.

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Futureproof: Cinema Pro Drone Companion Package

I’ve ridden some epic long-distance motorcycle journeys and always captured key moments in my mind. I never wanted to pull over to fumble with a camera or nurse GoPro batteries and miss out on the true essence of a ride. Now, I capture memorable stretches of trips and spirited riding sessions with a simple button press.

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Futureproof: Preventative Wildfire Seed Globes

The wildfires have been devastating over the past decade in our county. In the paper last week, I read that new wildfire seed globes will be used during this fire season. They come in various sizes and contain water and seeds of plants native to our area.

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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.

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