Nano technology and genetic engineering are terms that were unheard of in the 20th century. Now, in the 21st century they are becoming household terms. Due to the impact these two fields, and also the field of robotics, have on our everyday lives they were chosen as some of the most important innovations of the 21st century. These three fields are working everyday to improve our lives and ensure the survival of the human species.

The most basic animal instinct, regardless of species, is that of self preservation. Therefore, it is only natural that humankind do everything in its power to ensure the continued existence of our species. One way to accomplish this is to reduce the risk of losing human lives. The field of robotics is seeking to do just that by creating machines that can perform life threatening tasks such as clearing mine fields or going in to burning buildings.

Since humankind developed robots to help protect lives from outside threat, scientists saw the need to create a field who’s mission was to protect humans from their own genetics. Hence the field of genetic engineering was born. Although a fairly new field it is the hope that eventually scientist will be able to pick out only the desirable traits from genes, allowing couples to create the perfect child.

Genetic perfection may still be a long way down the road. However, there is another field that is seeking to fill the gap. It may take many of these microscopic, self-replicating robots called nanos, but scientists are already making headway in using the nanos in the medical field, even if they are still in the experimental stage. One industry that is no longer in the experimental stage of nano technology is the industrial quadrant. Here they manufacture microchips, and may one day manufacture food.

Through whatever means necessary human kind is making advances to preserve our way of life. With the help of robotics, genetic engineering, and nanotechnology, important advancements are being made for humankind.

If you’re intrigued by what you read and want to understand more about innovation and creativity, please visit Christopher Stanley’s blog Innovation Definition, where he gets to the roots of things and explains the latin word for innovation.