He doesn't seem to have done well on a lot of these predictions. These are slated to happen in the early 2000s:
> Translating telephones allow people to speak to each other in different languages.
This is sort of possible, but not fluently really.
> Machines designed to transcribe speech into computer text allow deaf people to understand spoken words.
This one basically exists.
> Exoskeletal, robotic leg prostheses allow the paraplegic to walk.
I think there are some prototypes of this type of stuff but nothing in widespread use.
> Telephone calls are routinely screened by intelligent answering machines that ask questions to determine the call's nature and priority.
Not really, we have IVRs but they are in no sense "smart"
> "Cybernetic chauffeurs" can drive cars for humans and can be retrofitted into existing cars. They work by communicating with other vehicles and with sensors embedded along the roads.
Not even close
Seems like Ray Kurzweil might not be the best predictor of what is actually going to happen in the future. Seems like a bit of a snake oil salesman to me.
> Translating telephones allow people to speak to each other in different languages.
This is sort of possible, but not fluently really.
> Machines designed to transcribe speech into computer text allow deaf people to understand spoken words.
This one basically exists.
> Exoskeletal, robotic leg prostheses allow the paraplegic to walk.
I think there are some prototypes of this type of stuff but nothing in widespread use.
> Telephone calls are routinely screened by intelligent answering machines that ask questions to determine the call's nature and priority.
Not really, we have IVRs but they are in no sense "smart"
> "Cybernetic chauffeurs" can drive cars for humans and can be retrofitted into existing cars. They work by communicating with other vehicles and with sensors embedded along the roads.
Not even close
Seems like Ray Kurzweil might not be the best predictor of what is actually going to happen in the future. Seems like a bit of a snake oil salesman to me.