The End of New Technologies

Ever since the beginning of intelligent humanity we have been making technological advancements whether it be stone tools or the microprocessor. It has seemed that all we needed to advance technology was a spark in the mind and some innovation. But is that but enough anymore, is technology now becoming limited by the laws of physics that physics that control every aspect of our lives and are we starting to plateau in the production of new technology?

The technology and advancements in knowledge seem to be slowing down, but then again the coming and going of technology has been an element throughout all of history, that we saw between medieval times and the Renaissance, the technological boom in the late 1800 and early 1900s, and the advancements of technologies of war during he two world wars and the cold war. Advancements in knowledge and technology seem to be what we strive for, a constant goal of humanity whether it be for the glory, the money, or just the lust to acquire knowledge. But is it now possible that our technologies are reaching the limit. Falling from the sky, you continue to accelerate due to the force of gravity, the longer you fall for, the faster you go, but at once point you will reach terminal velocity and you will stop gaining speed and you will be stuck at terminal velocity. In terms of technology though, are we going to be upon that terminal velocity in our lifetimes?

Inventing something in the late 1800s and early 1900s was as simple as making a coil uninsulated wire, putting a current through it, and a piece of toast on top and calling it a toaster. Unfortunately for us, today it is much harder think of an invention, like a wheelchair that climbs stairs, but oh wait, its already been invented its called the ibot 400. This is now the case for almost all ideas you have, its already out there. And if it isn't like a perpetual motion machine, its may be because it denies the laws of physics.

Is there a point where we can no longer advance things, where we start to be limited not by our knowledge or innovation but by the physics and chemical limitations by the materials we use. An electric motor is around 80% efficient. We lose that 80% in mostly resistance in the wires, friction, and the small space between the electromagnets and the permanent magnets. Well the space we cant reduce or the spinning parts would be touching, which would cause obvious problems, we already have the strongest magnets possible, neodymium magnets taken from the earth, we've reduced friction with oil, ball bearings, and even magnetic bearings. And for wire friction well you could save that by using gold, silver or platinum wire which are the only things with lower resistance then copper. The efficiency of electric motors has basically reached its apex, likewise all aspects of technology will eventually reach there apexes too, where they are limited by the raw materials they are  made of and no longer will be able to be bettered by knowledge and innovation. It is without question that that day will eventually come for every aspect of technology. What is unknown is when that day will come.