The age of information has begun - knowledge will become a decisive competition factor and the internet will be a accessible pool of knowledge for mankind. The industry is counting on real time communications. Multimedia-capable mobile instruments, robots and digital assistants make the daily routine and work easier. more

The challenge in 2030 is to provide eight billion people with heating and electricity and, at the same time, protect the resources and environment. Solutions are in sight. Power plants will be more efficient and no longer emit pollutants and CO2. Renewable sources such as geothermal energy will be available and synthetic fuels produced from natural gas and coal. Naturally, intelligent ideas for energy conservation will be put into action. more

Industrial mass production is being phased out like a discontinued item. Coming soon: individually made goods and networking down the line - from order placement to delivery. Increasingly, development and tests will be conducted virtually on the computer and often with the clients from around the world. Automation, robots and intelligent labels will determine the manufacturing and logistics processes. more

Mobility is not just a need of the industrialized nations - passenger traffic and goods transportation in industrialized developing countries is also growing rapidly. The automobile of the future will "tank" fuel and software. It will independently warn the driver of hazards and traffic jams - sensors and communications networks make this possible. Paying with smart cards and constantly updated traffic information will increase commuting comfort. more

The life expectancy of man is increasing and, unfortunately, so are the health care costs. The current motto is increase quality and reduce costs. Digitally networked clinics, telemedicine and computer assistance help save money and improve patient treatment. New techniques - such as molecular imaging - recognize diseases early. A whole diagnostics laboratory will fit onto a tiny biochip. more

The importance of the service sector is growing, in particular, personalized services that are user-oriented. For example, it will be possible to get individualized rates and using technical instruments will be easier. Virtual assistants collect information in internet. Intelligent cameras and biometric systems ensure a high level of security. more

In the future, materials can be tailor made at the atomic level. Through nanotechnology new surfaces, better displays and faster computers can be developed. Bioengineering builds the bridge between biology and technology. Thanks to adaptronics, materials are able to adjust to the changing conditions of the surroundings. more