Star Trek tech
Embrace technology, with care
As a child of the 1970s, I remember almost every day after school coming home to watch a fascinating TV show called Star Trek. This show, coupled with Star Wars the movie, would spark my interest in computers and science. I vibrantly recall thinking about traveling through space with hyper-drive or figuring out how a phone could work without a long cord.
This issue of Kentucky Living showcases the Kentucky connection of William Shatner, who I naturally think of as Captain Kirk. Because life imitates art, let’s look at some products that came true from the imagination of Star Trek’s creator Gene Roddenberry.
The cell phone has become an integral part of our society. At times, I am saddened when I see young people in a crowd not interested in what’s going on as much as the social media posts. However, I am amazed at the ability to communicate from practically anywhere.
The first time I saw remote phones and remote communications was on Star Trek. Now phones are replicating the face-to-face communications with a pocket product. Today, our co-op staff better understands through the use of videos, FaceTime, or drones that take pictures of electric lines.
Almost every episode of Star Trek would start with the main deck of the Enterprise being viewed by computers and tablets. Electric co-ops routinely use mobile computing tablets in the office and in the field to check messages, verify data on spreadsheets, and connect to the world.
Star Trek helped scientists and engineers see the future. Google Glass, Bluetooth headsets, and GPS are just a few other products that resulted from Star Trek inspiration. Electric coops today use amazing technology to help pinpoint electric outages and track potential weather systems that could impact your service.
Electric co-ops are keeping pace and sometimes bypassing the pace of technology so we remain viable, efficient, and provide members with the best product at the lowest price.
How long will it be before we can be transported from Lexington to New York City? I don’t know, but I do believe that technology will continue to move forward.
I pray that people everywhere remember the other themes of Star Trek as well. They include friendship, peace, and courage to do the right thing. Embrace technology, but at the same time remember to care for others. Live long and prosper, my friends.
