Pioneering predictions: How a 1925 visionary saw 2025
Professor Archibald Montgomery Low, a visionary from the early 20th century, foresaw many technologies that have become reality today. His forecasts from 1925 regarding the year 2025 were remarkably 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. It is also worth noting that 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 that time, rotary dial phones were used, which often led to errors. He also predicted "moving walkways," which are now common in shopping centres and airports in the form of escalators.
Furthermore, as reported on the IFL Science portal, Low also 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 GMT.
Renewable energy and other visions
Low accurately predicted the development of renewable energy, speaking of 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, people in 2025 were supposed to wear garments made from synthetic felt, which is not a commonly used material for clothing production 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 - 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 how far-reaching the imagination of early 20th-century people was. Thanks to visionaries like Low, we can better understand how technology shapes our future.
