Forecasts for the future The World Future Society (http://www.wfs.org) has listed the top 10 predictions for the coming decade. Several involve using "smart" materials (i.e., materials with sensing and actuating capabilities). Cashless economy (smart cards) Electronic immigration (telecommuters, independent contractors, and other "lone eagles") Robots smarter than humans (inorganic evolution) Automated parole (implants replace prisons) Voice-driven furniture (smart chairs) Population shift to north (smart houses) Defective gene replacement (nanosensors and nanoactuators) Collision avoidance systems (smart automobiles) Older generation families (smart drug delivery devices) Automatic gardens (just-in-time farming) Return to article