Diminishing Return of Sci Fi Movies – Why we are no Longer Impressed by Robots

In 1987, Robocop was futuristic.  The new remake is a few degrees away from Asimo  or the bionic exoskeletons that have been showcased by the military/ research groups.  We now have robots for cleaning the floor, and Segways, and drones are almost an every day word on the news.

The problem here is that the gap between what we have previously imagined and are seeing prototypes of are very low. If Darpa wanted to make a Robocop, im sure they could in a few months ( or they have already !!?? ).  When I was growing up, their was some mystique about the future and tech.  Now with Moore’s law, the advances in technology are more about integrations and software, rather then hardware.  Thats why Apple’s updates have become less impressive each year. Still amazing, but no longer capture some physical design driven emotional appeal.

The same has happened with movies.  Sci Fi is increasingly becoming hyper fantasy, or closer to the drama genre. One is too close to real life, and the other is a bit too far fetched.  I love a good movie, as much as the next guy, but I wonder how the genre will have to shift to keep audiences engaged? Maybe we will have to move from technology and aliens being the focus, and go back to good old fashioned story-telling.  The gimmick cannot be a gimmick if its really just a commodity.

Here is the question I will leave you with – Now that technology has become accessible and open, what are the next great advances that we can be inspired by ( media wise ) ?

-Pd, 15 minutes.

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The 3 Places that Innovation Really Come From

1. Firms with a lot of money or time.

Not always, but if you have the right culture, drive, and resources, you have the opportunity to be more creative. This does not guarantee results, but there is a reason a handful of firms continue to win Lion awards and adage mentions.  Certain places attract talent, and those places often attract jobs and resources that allow that to continue.  Culture can build culture.

2. From other industries who have a new perspective on an old problem. 

People always say great minds think alike. Really, great minds don’t.  Being the odd man out, can give you a different way of approaching a problem, and sometimes you are the disruption that everyone has been looking for.

3. From the bottom up. Out of Necessity. 

The opposite side of the spectrum is the underdog.  Ones that want it better then anyone else, and will sacrifice everything to get it.  More then resources, timing, its drive and passion that can find a way.  Sometimes even a bit of crazy.

 

Im not saying that innovation always leads to results. Thats a different topic.  But when you are looking for disruption, creativity, or different – those are the 3 places I would start.  As always, context and execution are everything.

-pd