Professor Low's 1925 predictions brilliantly hit the mark
Professor Archibald Montgomery Low, a visionary from the early 20th century, predicted many technologies that are a reality today. His forecasts from 1925 regarding the year 2025 were surprisingly accurate.
Professor Archibald Montgomery Low, known as the "father of radio guidance systems," was one of the most influential inventors of his time. In 1925, he published a book titled "The Future," in which he predicted how technology would change life in 2025. His visions were often published in British newspapers. Notably, Low used the title of professor, although he technically was not one.
Accurate technological predictions
Low predicted the development of smartphones, describing them as "automatic telephones" that always dial the correct number. At the time, rotary dial phones were prevalent and prone to dialing errors. He also foresaw "moving walkways," which are now common in shopping malls and airports as escalators.
Furthermore, as reported on the IFL Science portal, Low forecasted that "the television machine will replace illustrated newspapers," and daily news would be delivered by "a loudspeaker." He predicted the invention of wireless alarm clocks. However, he believed that in 2025, all alarm clocks would be set for 9:30 AM.
Renewable energy and other visions
Low accurately predicted the development of renewable energy, envisioning the use of wind and ocean tides. His visions also included online banking and the use of technology by criminals. Not all of his predictions were accurate; for example, he suggested that people in 2025 would wear garments made from synthetic felt, which is not a widely used material for clothing today.
Another scientist, J.B.S. Haldane, also predicted the development of wind turbines in the United Kingdom, but his predictions were not as accurate as Low's. Haldane forecasted that by 2023, children would be "produced" in laboratories. Low also predicted special glasses for selecting movies in cinemas, which can be compared to today's VR sets.
Legacy of a visionary
Although not all of Low's predictions came true, his visions were incredibly inspiring. His work demonstrates the far-reaching imagination of early 20th-century thinkers. Thanks to visionaries like Low, we can better understand how technology shapes our future.
