Science fiction can often turn into science fact if the right intelligent minds are working on a project. Surprisingly, many gadgets, gizmos and futuristic pieces of technology we've seen in film and TV over the years are actually just around the corner.
Leading scientists and some of the brightest brains have been working hard on groundbreaking technology that could revolutionise all sorts of industries. Here's 10 pieces of sci-fi technology that you may actually be able to own yourself, very soon.
IRON MAN SUIT
The Iron Man armor is already an iconic piece of design and we're nowhere near getting to the capabilities that Tony Stark managed to achieve in the fictional Marvel cinematic universe. However, Adam Savage himself has demonstrated a very close version of the suit.
While it certainly looks like the Iron Man armor, the team that produced it have managed to link it up with a jet pack allowing its user to fly. They have stabilizers and a sturdy frame, but with leading robotics in the mix, this could become even more advanced in a few years.
AIR TOUCH DISPLAYS
Some of the biggest science fiction shows and movies have air touch displays that allow its users to utilize efficient technology without the use of screens. The touch screen is what we're all currently used to but this could revolutionize the way we communicate and work.
The idea of an air touch display is already in the works at many different companies. They are combining technology used in virtual reality headsets to have a display in front of a user, although we're not quite at the stage of the movies yet.
EXOSKELETON
Exoskeletons are one of the most popular ideas in sci-fi over the last few decades. Whether it's Ripley using them to fight off aliens or perhaps another suit being used to kill Avatars, there's plenty of examples of this kind of weaponry.
Due to its military use, there's actually plenty of research being done into giving soldiers exoskeletons, which can help protect from injury and increase durability and strength. The technology certainly isn't ready to roll out but there's some real progress being made.
HOLOGRAMS
Holograms are the kind of thing you'd expect to only see on television, yet they are becoming one of the most sought after pieces of technology. That's because there's genuine research taking place, in space of all places.
That's right, scientists are actually experimenting with holograms in the darkness of space, where they are projecting clear images. Other research that uses tiny lasers is also taking place, but there is definitely good work being done here.
SELF LACING SHOES
This one is more for fans of Marty McFly, but famously cinema showed us that Nike may one day be able to make self-lacing shoes. While the company made versions of these for the anniversary of the film, they weren't quite like the originals.
However, there are now shoes that you can buy that will tighten and loosen, based on an app on your phone. The future really is here with these kinds of shoes starting to become more commonplace in companies that are investing in advancements.
UNIVERSAL TRANSLATOR
Google translate is, of course, an example of technology being used to translate one language to another, however, this can be improved upon. It can now also work off of images, as can variations of the technology from different competitors.
There have now been demonstrations using a variety of software that showcase the fact that language can be translated in real-time. With the idea that you can now speak into your phone for translation, perhaps one day we'll have full conversations through our technology.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
AI has already been created but not to the extent that we've seen in the movies. We use artificial intelligence as a loose term because it could mean any number of computer systems. However, genuine sentient intelligence could be round the corner.
Scientists have discovered ways to make our computers almost infinitely more high speed and intelligent than what we currently have. The more we go down this route however the closer we get to computers gaining some kind of real thought process.
JET PACK
We've seen a version of the jet pack on the real-life Iron Man suit, but there are other ways that jet packs are being created. A popular version of the technology is by fire huge blasts of water, or air, over land or some kind of body of water.
This can work really well although it is also quite powerful and difficult to control. You could ride on a jet pack tomorrow though if you found one, but this technology isn't quite ready for traveling to work with; at least not for now.
LANDSPEEDER
The Landspeeder in Star Wars has become the dream of many, with a floating craft like this almost becoming impossible in the real world. However, there are so many different ways that this kind of vehicle can actually be achieved in reality.
Multiple people are working on ways for our vehicles to float. Of course, the use of air is one way to do so, but one of the most promising ways in which this can be fully made real is through magnets; however, there are many problems that can come with this.
LASER GUNS
It may seem odd to suggest that actual laser weapons may be a thing of the future, but plenty of groups are working on this as a real option. The military has designs for laser cannons that could remove drones and even smaller blasters are being created by people with the right experience.
Lazers are a difficult thing to control and you have to have a lot of training and expertise to use them without endangering yourself, but experts believe that a weapon of this magnitude is very plausible.