10 Breakthrough Technologies 2013

Think of the most frustrating, intractable, or simply annoying problems you can imagine. Now think about what technology is doing to fix them. That’s what we did in coming up with our annual list of 10 Breakthrough Technologies. We’re looking for technologies that we believe will expand the scope of human possibilities.

Smart Watches

The designers of the Pebble watch realized that a mobile phone is more useful if you don’t have to take it out of your pocket.
Ultra-Efficient Solar Power

Doubling the efficiency of solar devices would completely change the economics of renewable energy. Here is a design that just might make it possible.
Memory Implants

A maverick neuroscientist believes he has deciphered the code by which the brain forms long-term memories.
Prenatal DNA Sequencing

Reading the DNA of fetuses is the next frontier of the genome revolution. Do you really want to know the genetic destiny of your unborn child?
Deep Learning

With massive amounts of computational power, machines can now recognize objects and translate speech in real time. Artificial intelligence is finally getting smart.
Additive Manufacturing

GE, the world’s largest manufacturer, is on the verge of using 3-D printing to make jet parts.
Big Data from Cheap Phones

Collecting and analyzing information from simple cell phones can provide surprising insights into how people move about and behave—and even help us understand the spread of diseases.
Temporary Social Media

Messages that quickly self-destruct could enhance the privacy of online communication and make people feel freer to be spontaneous.
Supergrids

A high-power circuit breaker could finally make DC power grids practical.
Baxter: The Blue-Collar Robot

Rethink Robotics’ new creation is easy to interact with, but the innovations behind the robot show just how hard it is to get along with people.