Today I, as Dan Sodergren, was lucky enough to do some filming for the BBC. 

As they asked me to be interviewed about the future of technology and the predictions of the legendary show Tomorrows world. I had to say yes - as I was a massive fan of the programme.And so it’s a great honour some 30 years later, to give my views on their predications.

The teenage me would be most impressed and the piece will be out soon on the BBC.

When I look back at

Tomorrow’s World 

It wasn’t just a show—it was a vision. For many of us, it wasn’t just entertainment; it was an invitation to imagine, to innovate, and to create. It gave us a glimpse into a world of possibilities, and for me, it became a personal call to action. Tomorrow’s world made me who I am today - a tech futurist that does talks for companies on the future of work and AI.

Today, as we navigate the #FifthIndustrialRevolution, those predictions feel more relevant than ever. This new era of technological transformation isn’t just about innovation; it’s about the intersection of humanity and technology. It’s about redefining work, community, and connection.

The future isn’t something that happens to us—it’s something we actively create.

But how did they do on their predictions 30 years ago - some thoughts.

The Internet: From Fragility to Lifeline

Stephen Hawking once said the internet could be "switched off." It’s hard to imagine now. The internet has become the digital backbone of the #FutureOfWork, connecting billions of people and enabling remote collaboration, innovation, and creativity on an unprecedented scale.

Today, the challenge isn’t whether we can disconnect but whether we should. We’re constantly online—our phones never more than a few meters away. Yet, as we embrace this digital dependency, we need to ask how we balance connection with intentional disconnection.

This tension between progress and well-being is at the heart of the #FifthIndustrialRevolution.

Hacking and Cybersecurity: A Predicted Battle

Tomorrow’s World predicted the rise of hacking, describing “cyberspace riots” as a looming threat. They were right. Cybersecurity is now one of the most critical pillars of the digital economy.

What they couldn’t have foreseen was the role AI would play in this battle. Today, hackers and defenders alike use AI, making cybersecurity an arms race. The #FifthIndustrialRevolution demands not just technological solutions but a human-centered approach to protecting identity, privacy, and trust in an increasingly connected world.

Banking Automation and Emotional AI

Back in the 90s, the idea of automated banking seemed futuristic. Now it’s a given. From app-based services to AI-driven financial advisors, the way we manage money has been transformed.

But as automation increases, so does the demand for emotional intelligence in AI. The human connection that many predicted we’d miss is being reimagined. AI-powered chatbots and advisors don’t just execute transactions—they understand feelings, building trust in new ways.

The #FifthIndustrialRevolution isn’t just about doing things faster or cheaper. It’s about creating systems that connect with people on a deeper, more meaningful level.

VR, AR, and the Future of Connection

Virtual Reality was a quirky prediction back then—clunky headsets and sci-fi dreams. Today, VR and AR are redefining industries. Training, healthcare, education, and entertainment have embraced these technologies, and the possibilities are expanding daily.

In the #FutureOfWork, VR and AR aren’t just tools; they’re enablers of connection. They allow remote teams to collaborate as if they’re in the same room, provide immersive training experiences, and even recreate physical presence in virtual spaces.

And with AI enhancing these tools, the possibilities feel limitless. Floating heads might’ve been fun for the 90s, but the future is about avatars that connect, communicate, and collaborate in ways that feel genuinely human.

Emotional Intelligence in AI: The True Revolution

Perhaps the most exciting part of the #FifthIndustrialRevolution is the rise of emotional intelligence in AI. In the past, chatbots were clunky and transactional. Today, they’re empathetic, responsive, and capable of understanding human emotions.

This isn’t just about better customer service. Emotional AI is reshaping industries from mental health to education. It’s making technology more human, allowing us to connect in ways we never imagined.

And here’s the kicker: people often prefer interacting with AI in certain contexts. It’s always available, never judgmental, and increasingly empathetic. This blend of humanity and technology is at the core of the #FutureOfWork.

Driverless Cars and Smarter Transport

Tomorrow’s World predicted both driverless cars and hyperfast transport. While autonomous vehicles are becoming a reality, hyperfast travel remains a challenge. The reasons are simple: cost, complexity, and environmental concerns.

But do we even need hyperfast travel anymore? Digital technologies, like holographic communication and AI-driven collaboration tools, are making physical travel less necessary. The #FifthIndustrialRevolution asks us to rethink transport—not just to go faster, but to go smarter.

Driverless cars, on the other hand, are set to transform not just how we travel but how we live. They’ll redefine commutes, urban planning, and even the concept of car ownership. Imagine a world where your car isn’t just a vehicle but a mobile office, a personal retreat, or a shared resource.

The Bigger Picture: Humanity at the Heart of Innovation

What Tomorrow’s World got right wasn’t just the technology—it was the human impact. Every prediction they made was rooted in how these tools would shape our lives, our work, and our communities.

The #FifthIndustrialRevolution is the next chapter of this story. It’s about more than just adopting technology; it’s about integrating it into the fabric of our humanity.

As I often say in my talks: “We’re not just in a digital transformation; we’re in a human transformation.” The technologies of the future—AI, VR, automation—aren’t just tools. They’re bridges, connecting us in ways we never thought possible.

Join the Conversation

As we build this future together, let’s ensure it’s one that reflects our best selves. Let’s use technology to solve problems, connect communities, and create opportunities for everyone.

For more insights into the #FifthIndustrialRevolution and the #FutureOfWork, visit www.thefifthindustrialrevolution.co.uk or www.dansodergren.com.

Together, we can shape a world that’s innovative, inclusive, and inspired by the best of humanity. Join my newsletter here too. And maybe, if you don’t already, follow me, Dan Sodergren on Linkedin.