How Blade Runner predicted the future in 1982 — from sex robots to making video calls
We take a look at what Blade Runner predicted more than 30 years ago like driverless cars, digital billboards and off-world colonies
IN a move straight from sci-fi film Blade Runner, Microsoft will start interviewing people using an artificial intelligence in December.
Ridley Scott’s 1982 movie – set in 2019 and starring Harrison Ford as robot hunter Deckard – begins with a man being tested by a machine. And that’s not all it has predicted.
With sequel Blade Runner 2049 in cinemas now, GRAEME CULLIFORD looks at what the original got right – and what the new film forecasts.
Video calls
Deckard makes video calls, a novelty in the Eighties.
Video chat service Skype was launched in 2003, and is now used by millions of us. The iPhone’s FaceTime is also popular.
Digital Billboards
In 1982 electronic signs were not unheard of but they really took off ten years ago.
Today, as in the film, such ads barely raise an eyebrow.
Sex Robots
Daryl Hannah’s Pris is a “basic pleasure model” Replicant – a sex robot.
Sex dolls are advancing and the latest bot, Samantha, even featured on This Morning.
Driverless Cars
Deckard uses a self-drive “spinner” vehicle that can take off and cruise.
Today’s cars can’t fly, but self-driving motors are being built by firms like Google.
Off-world colonies
Tyrell Corp’s planet colonisation is a major part of the film.
Elon Musk’s SpaceX is aiming to build a community on Mars before the end of the century.
Robot workers
In the film, AI and android “replicants” are used as workers.
Today, bots are already taking over human jobs – such as Microsoft’s interviewer Andi.
Running ahead
THERE is already speculation over what Blade Runner 2049 gives us a view of about life 32 years from now.
ROBOT BABIES: The movie centres around a replicant (robot) giving birth. As we already have test tube babies, it looks likely we will create artificial reproductive organs in the future.
VOICE CONTROLLED DRONES: Drones are commonplace today and versions similar to the one owned by character K from the movie could be on the market soon.
WEATHER: Blade Runner 2049 shows dust storms and snow in Los Angeles after an environmental disaster.
Worryingly, California is currently experiencing its worst ever wildfires.