Guide-by-wire technology is not really new anymore.The military has taken advantage of this system for decades. What is new is the applications for which these systems are being developed. The focus is on manufacturing technology, allowing robots to move from station to station across a plant floor without need of track. Instead of the original guide systems that rely on embedded wire, however, electrical grids are set up below factory floors, allowing the robots to go anywhere based on a set of coordinates .
Currently, military projects include working on fusing the patterns on an infantryman's uniform to exactly match the background -- in other words, active camouflage. Even more amazing is the fact that as the uniform is viewed from several angles, the pattern of the uniform changes as well. An enemy viewing a soldier from the side might be introduced to one background, while someone viewing from behind at the same time would see a different camouflage.
Interest in 3D viewing is growing due to the advent of the 3D home television, TV programming, and 3D movies. Projects for electrical and computer engineers include constructing pixel design and optical development platforms that allow the user to view in 3D without special aids, and allow the viewing angle of the 3D picture to change depending on where the viewer sits. Microprocessor programming technologies that mimic human vision are quickly advancing, as are "three-dimensional LED and LCD" pixelation devices that may l be commercially available within the next five years.
Projects that read human physical behavior are being developed by engineers who are building technology that can watch the eyes of a human externally, and see exactly what the human being sees, including focal point. Although still something of a far-off development, these systems have the potential to allow hands-free driving by eyesight.