Implantable Technology: The Future of the Human Race
Technological breakthroughs are going to change the way you do business
Remember the Terminator film series starring Arnold Schwazenegger?
It’s hard to believe the hit sequel, “Terminator 2: Judgment Day,” was released 24 years ago. And, while many now consider it a classic, its imagery remains vivid.
In the first installment, a futuristic cyborg arrives from the year 2029 to the modern-day 1984 to assassinate a waitress whose unborn son is known to lead humanity in a war against machines. In the sequel, an identical robot serves as the protaganist.
Back then, 2029 seemed like a lifetime away. But, now, it’s inching much closer to reality. In fact, my oldest son, Owen, who was born in 2011, is set to graduate high school that year.
And, according to some, artificially intelligent creatures are likely to infiltrate the human race by that year, too.
MOBILE, WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY
A few weeks back, I had the pleasure of attending the Daikin Group Sales Meeting in Orlando. The event, which showcased the company’s utilization of intelligent technologies, offered a glimpse into the future, courtesy of Scott Klososky, president of Future Point of View.
Klososky suggested that the entire human race is rapidly evolving. Twenty years ago, mobile devices were novelty items. Today, most of us have one in our pockets. Some of you may even be using those devices to read this very article right now, courtesy of The NEWS’ mobile app.
Looking for quick answers on air conditioning, heating and refrigeration topics? Try Ask ACHR NEWS, our new smart AI search tool. Ask ACHR NEWS
It seems like we can’t put these devices down.
The next wave of technology may solve that issue, as the devices will operate hands-free. “Wearables,” or technology that is attached to the body, are about to come alive like Frampton circa 1976. Health monitors and smart watch devices that affix to a wrist are already very popular. Odds are a coworker, friend, or family member has one on his wrist right now. You’re likely to see one of these devices on many Christmas wish lists.
The evolution of wearables will soon include clothing, contact lenses, heart rate monitors, and more. Imagine equipping your sales team with wearable ear pieces that instantaneously provide perfect answers to customers’ questions or coaching when an awkward situation arises. Sound futuristic? It’s really not — these innovations are closer than you think.
IMPLANTABLES
What if I said we’re on the verge of taking technology even further by creating a whole new race of “transhumans,” or people implanted with technology?
Klososky alluded that, at birth, children may soon be embedded with the latest and greatest tracking chips and sensors, allowing parents to monitor their little one’s mood, location, movement, sugar levels, blood-alcohol content, heart rate, etc. Parents will receive alerts if and when something happens or if a loved one enters into a dangerous situation.
And, the generation that embraces this technology will look back on us, circa 2015, and consider our parenting methods crude.
While Arnold’s famous catchphrase was “I’ll be back,” this technology surfaces “in your back.” Again, this may sound over the top, but it’s likely a matter of when, not if.
CONTRACTING
Imagine the potential impact this advanced technology could have on your contracting company.
Through fleet management, you’ll be able to pinpoint exactly where your techs are at, monitor their moods, determine how they’re feeling, evaluate if a safety event has occurred, conclude whether they’re operating equipment properly, etc. If they stumble during a sales procedure, you’ll be able to provide them with the proper verbiage to appease the customer — instantly, in their ear — regardless of the situation.
Equipment trucks will likely be driving themselves. And, when power is low (because, by then, most vehicles will run on solar-powered batteries), you’ll be alerted to recharge.
HVAC equipment will also be much smarter than it is today. Computerized sensors will determine when a component isn’t working at peak efficiency. The air will be constantly monitored for volatile organic compounds and, if it falls below a certain benchmark, cleaning procedures will instantly be triggered.
Contractors will be alerted of system errors and will be dispatched to fix the problem before the consumer is even aware it existed. Daikin is already utilizing many of these elements through its Intelligent Equipment™ real-time monitoring and control of equipment and buildings.
THE FUTURE IS NOW
New technology will allow us to see and do things we’ve never considered possible. Learning to use these tools will give you an enormous advantage in the market.
To gain this advantage, you have to be willing to learn. You have to be willing to add new skills, try new things, and put technology to the test. Spend 15 minutes each week reading a bit more about new technology. Buy new devices and try them out yourself. Experiment with new methodologies. Strive to be three or four steps ahead of where you are today.
Tomorrow’s consumers are excited about new technology. Need proof? Look up the sales data on the Apple Watch or iPhone 6s.
If you’re unable to, at the very least, discuss this technology with consumers, you’re likely going to become irrelevant in tomorrow’s tech-savvy marketplace.
Publication date: 10/26/2015
Want more HVAC industry news and information? Join The NEWS on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn today!
