Science fiction continues to help drive advances applicable to the medical field as well. Below are several science fiction-inspired technologies that could be the next to break into medtech, which are also detailed in our infographic on the subject.

Virtual Reality Could Transform Medical Imaging

VR isn't just about gaming. The technology could be used for a variety of medical applications, ranging from training surgeons to redefining physical therapy.
 

Robots in Medicine: Not Just for Surgery Any More

As its population ages, the United States may be required to follow the lead of Japan, which is already testing the use of robots to care for elder care. One of the most promising robots is known as Robear (seriously)--a bear-inspired patient care robot that is strong enough to lift patients from a bed to a wheelchair.

Technology to Help the Paralyzed Walk

In the past decade or so, powered exoskeletons have begun to catch on in medicine for their use to help paralyzed patients walk and in physical therapy.

Designer Babies

The 1997 film Gattaca serves as a warning of what a world characterized by rampant genetic discrimination might look like. But the prospect of creating designer babies is becoming more likely with each passing year thanks to rapid progress in genetics, raising the question of how much genetic manipulation of an embryo's DNA is acceptable?

Wrist-Worn Computer as Medical Device

Apple CEO Tim Cook has admitted that the Apple Watch was partly inspired by Dick Tracy's wrist-worn computer. While the success of the first-gen Apple Watch and, indeed, smartwatches at large, remains to be proven, the devices could potentially provide a powerful means of tracking chronic conditions and monitoring elder patients.