Anime has always been at the forefront of imagination, pushing the boundaries of storytelling and technology. Over the years, many concepts that were once thought to be the realm of science fiction have made their way into our real world, becoming commonplace tools and technologies that enhance our lives in countless ways.
In today’s post, we’ll explore 12 anime technologies that have found their way into our reality.
1. Virtual Reality (VR)
When you think of anime technology seen in real life, VR is probably the first one that crosses your mind.
Some of the most popular anime like Sword Art Online or Accel World have popularized the concept of VR gaming and virtual worlds.
In Sword Art Online, players get stuck in an online game, and if they bite the dust in the game, they are goners in real life too. Talk about high stakes…
In contrast, Accel World is set in the near future, where there’s a technology called Brain Burst that speeds up your brain and throws you into a virtual world. The characters deal with how this tech messes with their lives, both in and out of the game.
That being said, VR headsets, such as the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, though not as advanced as their anime counterparts, have transformed virtual reality from an abstract concept into a tangible experience. Users can now immerse themselves in digital worlds through these devices.
2. Augmented Reality (AR)
AR has gone beyond the realm of science fiction, with apps like Pokémon Go and Snapchat overlaying digital information onto our everyday surroundings.
We’ve seen the potential of AR in popular anime like Ghost in the Shell or Dennō Coil, where the characters use it for communication, navigation, or entertainment. Consequently, it completely blurs the lines between the physical and digital worlds.
In Ghost in the Shell, the characters use cybernetic enhancements and connect to a vast network.
On the other hand, Dennō Coil takes a slightly different spin on things. It’s set in a world where virtual creatures and spaces overlap with the real world. Kids wear AR glasses to play and explore, making their surroundings way more exciting. It’s like Pokémon Go on steroids.
3. Robotics
Many anime explore robotics in various ways. Take Astro Boy, for example, where we follow the adventures of a super cute and powerful robot named Astro. It shows us that robots can be more than just tools; they can be companions and friends.
Another anime, Chobits, also explores the concept of robots. This time, the robots serve as personal assistants, providing not just help for manual tasks but also companionship.
In the real world, we’re starting to see robots making waves in manufacturing, healthcare, and personal assistance, just like these anime predicted. Although they usually don’t look human, they’re becoming more sophisticated, capable of handling complex tasks like assisting in surgeries.
4. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
In the recent years, AI has been making a big impact in healthcare, transportation, and customer service.
In shows like Ghost in the Shell and Psycho-Pass, they explore some interesting ideas about AI.
Ghost in the Shell talks about AI merging with human minds, blurring the line between man and machine.
Then there’s Psycho-Pass, where biomechatronic computer network decides what’s right and wrong in the whole society. Pretty deep stuff.
In our real world, AI is already capable of amazing things, but there’s this ongoing conversation about ethics. What if AI gets smarter than us? Are we ready for that? Tech is giving us this powerful tool, but we need to figure out how to use it responsibly.
5. Biometric Security
In the anime Psycho-Pass, biometric security is a central element of the futuristic society portrayed. The series is set in a dystopian future where the government utilizes the Sibyl System to maintain order and control. Biometric security, in this context, involves the constant monitoring and assessment of an individual’s mental state, psychological condition, and overall crime coefficient.
While we haven’t reached the level portrayed in Psycho-Pass, real-world biometric security is already in use. Systems employing biometric identification, like fingerprint and facial recognition, are commonly integrated into security systems and smartphones.
6. Cybernetic Enhancements
There are already numerous examples of advanced prosthetics and cybernetic implants in our world, such as myoelectric prostheses, bionic eyes, and neural implants, which significantly improve the lives of people around the world.
For instance, Ghost in the Shell is famous for having folks who can deck themselves out with high-tech upgrades. The main character, Major Kusanagi, is mostly a robot with super strength and invisibility tricks.
Hacking minds is also on the table, and everyone’s senses get a major boost with cyber enhancements. However, the show is not just about the flashy gear; it gets into some deep stuff, questioning who we are when so much of us is machine.
7. Drones
Civilian drones have been on the scene since the 1980s, but the real game-changer came in the 2010s when they started becoming more autonomous. They went from remote-controlled toys to smart gadgets doing their own thing. Not to be outdone, military drones have been a thing for a while too, adding a whole new dimension to warfare.
Anime, always ahead of the curve, jumped on the drone trend too. Take 86, for instance, where the Giadian Empire’s Legion is like the mother of all drone armies. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill drones; they’re super advanced, bringing a whole lot of sci-fi action to the table.
8. Gesture-Based Interfaces
Gesture-based interfaces, though seemingly complex, have been a staple in technology and anime for quite some time.
One of the most notable examples of a gesture-based interface can be found in Serial Experiments Lain. There is a scene where Lain first enters the Wired. In this scene, she is shown moving her hands in a certain way, and the Wired appears to respond to her gestures. This suggests that the Wired is able to interpret human movements and translate them into actions within the digital realm.
Now, in the real world, we’ve got motion-sensing tech making a splash in gaming. Think about game consoles like the Xbox Kinect or PlayStation Move. You can play games, control menus, and even get a workout just by moving your body.
9. Communication Devices
Communication devices play a big role in anime, and you can spot smartphones in almost any modern series. Even in some fantasy anime where you wouldn’t expect it, the characters still want (and often) have their good old phone.
Besides smartphones, you’ll find a variety of other communication devices in anime.
One classic example is the holographic communicators where characters can have video calls projected in the air.
Another common one is the trusty earpiece communicator – think of those tiny devices characters wear, allowing them to talk discreetly.
Then there are more sci-fi gadgets like “telepathic communication devices” or even communicator watches, which are watches with advanced communication features.
In both anime and reality, smartphones are portrayed as everyday technology, mirroring their status as our trusty sidekicks. We use them for calls, texts, social media, and pretty much everything else.
10. Holographic Displays
In the real world, holographic technology is transforming our world, bringing a new dimension to entertainment, education, healthcare, and more.
From dazzling concerts and interactive museum exhibits to surgical guidance and virtual patient consultations, holograms are enhancing our experiences and expanding our possibilities. As technology continues to advance, we can only imagine the groundbreaking applications that lie ahead.
If you’ve seen Psycho-Pass, you know holograms are a big deal in the characters’ daily lives. They’re used everywhere, both personally and professionally. They can bring them up or dismiss them super easily, and they serve all sorts of functions.
11. Brain–computer interface (BCI)
In the cybernetic world of Ghost in the Shell, the fusion of man and machine is not just a concept but a way of life. Moreover, BCI play an important role in connecting characters to the network and interacting with digital information mentally.
Brain-computer interfaces are being actively developed in research settings. BCIs are devices that allow people to interact with computers or other devices using their brain activity. This is done by recording electrical signals from the brain and then using these signals to control a device.
For example, BCIs can be used to control prosthetic limbs, to restore sight to people who are blind, and to communicate with computers using the power of thought.
BCIs are still in their early stages of development, but they have the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with technology.
12. Laptops & Computers
Anime often portrays computers as essential tools for characters, whether they’re used for scientific experiments, everyday tasks, or connecting to virtual worlds.
In Steins;Gate, these devices become crucial for time-travel experiments. The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya grounds its characters in everyday life, where laptops serve as indispensable tools for both work and leisure. Meanwhile, in the sci-fi series Serial Experiments Lain, the Wired comes alive through characters’ interactions with their computers.
Just like in anime, this handy technology is a big deal in our daily routines. We might not give them enough credit, but they do tons of things for us, and there are lots of brands out there making them to suit different tastes.