Envisioning 2025: Prophetic insights of Archibald Low
Professor Archibald Montgomery Low, a visionary from the early 20th century, foresaw many technologies that are 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 anticipated how technology would transform life in 2025. His insights were often featured in British newspapers. It's also worth noting that while Low used the title of professor, he wasn't technically one.
Sccurate technological predictions
Low foresaw the development of smartphones, describing them as "automatic telephones" that always dial the correct number. At that time, rotary dial phones were common, which often led to errors. He also envisioned "moving walkways," which are now prevalent in shopping malls and airports as escalators.
Furthermore, as reported on the IFL Science portal, Low anticipated that the television machine will replace illustrated newspapers, and daily news would be delivered through "a loudspeaker." He predicted the invention of wireless alarm clocks. However, he believed that by 2025, all alarm clocks would be set for 9:30 a.m. ET.
Renewable energy and other visions
Low accurately predicted advancements in renewable energy, referring to the use of wind and ocean tides. His visions also included online banking and the utilization of technology by criminals. Not all of his predictions were accurate, though; for instance, he suggested that people in 2025 would wear garments made from synthetic felt, which is not a widely-used material for clothing production today.
Another scientist, J.B.S. Haldane, also anticipated the development of wind turbines in the United Kingdom, but his "predictions" were not as precise as Low's—partly because he 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 shows the depth of imagination people had in the early 20th century. Thanks to visionaries like Low, we can better grasp how technology shapes our future.
