FIRST-WORLD COUNTRY

What it will take for India to get there by 2047

- RAJ CHENGAPPA

The Metaverse. The idea belonged in science fiction and cyber culture imaginations till Mark Zuckerberg made it the new handle of his colossal digital empire. The nomenclature stood for an expansive network of interconnected digital universes that could, conceivably, virtually enhance physical reality while physically transforming virtual reality. Sounds like gobbledygook? Here's the simple explanation. Right now, despite the fabulous advances in technology, we largely rely on 2D interface communication- the kind you see on Zoom or MS Teams. You have virtual meetings, but not the sense of shared physical space. What happens when you are finally able to make real eye contact and read body language? Why, you could even do a beam-me-up-Scotty kind of thing, and teleport your digital avatar to a factory to inspect it or try out new clothes at a shop. What you will need is 3D communication technology. It is in the making and you will have to wait for it, not till 2047, when India celebrates 100 years of its Independence, but till 2027-just four years from now.

What you could have in 2047 is 4D communication technology. It promises to make life more comfortable and exciting. Imagine having 4D maps to help autonomous (driverless) vehicles navigating roads or flight paths, ensuring zero collision and the fastest commute. Or your own robotic exoskeleton—a whole body suit a la Iron Man—which responds to your thoughts and uses the power of machines to augment physical capabilities. Shaky hand, did you say? Your exoskeleton will hold your glass for you so that you do not spill anything. And that’s only a simple task, it can follow much more complex commands. A quantum leap in computing, communications and extraordinary human creativity have led to a convergence of technologies that is making possible what was once considered impossible.