Ready or not, future is coming
very soon, everything will be connected to the internet -- our cars, offices, homes and all the machines we rely on, from air conditioners and phones to cooking and cooling devices, lighting and temperature control systems.
each device will be programmed to manage itself, so we’ll no longer be caught off guard when fuel, gas, or batteries run out, or when the water tank empties or food vanishes from the fridge.
governments will be able to remotely control smart cities -- traffic systems, refineries, energy grids, border controls and ports. hospitals, farms and factories will run automatically, managed by humans or robots that outperform us.
these robots won’t need rest, vacations, or sick days and their decisions can’t be swayed by bribery or personal interests. advanced nations will continue to surge ahead, widening the scientific, economic and security gap between them and countries like ours.
our failure, or perhaps unwillingness, to keep pace with the digital revolution will hinder our growth, compromise our security and increase our dependence on the west . we will find ourselves struggling to address challenges without outside support, as their systems evolve to the point where everything will be automated.
a room will light up simply because it needs light and countless tasks will be handled seamlessly without the need for physical interaction. this will enable individuals to multitask like never before, all without leaving their seats.
the future is thrilling and alarming, a story of rapid progress for the west while we remain stagnant, stuck in superficial concerns.
as the technological divide grows, we will be left behind and our strength will continue to erode. instead of focusing on these critical changes, there will still be groups exploiting religion and manipulating the masses, while the world undergoes monumental scientific and technological transformations.
in the midst of these developments, it’s hard to ignore the irony that, in recent times, gulf countries -- kuwait included -- have become known for sending ‘celebrity preachers’ and ‘fashion influencers’ to western capitals.
they arrive in grand style, showing off their expensive attire and luxurious vehicles to deliver lectures, completely detached from the image of the traditional cleric.
it’s perplexing that these individuals, who stand out more for their fashion and charm than for any substantive expertise, have become role models , with thousands of people following their every move.
simply having money will not shield us from the tide of change. western robots are on their way and they will likely gain control. these machines will become more autonomous, capable of handling complex tasks and soon, they will be our partners.
however, their creators -- those who program them -- will hold the real power. many of the jobs that our people rely on will soon be replaced by robots, as automation takes over.
while new fields like space engineering may offer opportunities, we remain unaware or unwilling to prepare for them. the future is coming, whether we’re ready or not.