Course detail

Exponential Technologies

FSI-ZNVAcad. year: 2025/2026

The course provides a view of the likely future development of technology, both at the global level and in the selected specialized areas related to mechanical engineering. Attention is paid mainly to disruptive and exponential technologies, which fundamentally surpass and displace existing technologies. The course helps students to create a thought framework that leads to the belief that even small groups of people can contribute to solving major societal challenges through these technologies.
Teaching takes place in cooperation with the Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts, Masaryk University.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

3

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

prof. Ing. Martin Hartl, Ph.D.

Department

Institute of Machine and Industrial Design (ÚK)

Entry knowledge

- knowledge of physics, mechanics, materials science and machine design at the level of bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Conditions for granting the credit:
- active participation in lectures (min. 5 from 10 points),
- submission of an essay dealing with the possible future use of knowledge of disruptive or exponential technologies in mechanical engineering (min. 25 from 50 points),
- presentation of an essay and discussion (min. 20 from 40 points).

Lectures: attendance is mandatory and controlled by the teacher. Maximum of two absences is allowed. In case of long-term absence, compensation for missed classes is in the competence of the course guarantor.

Aims

Students will be able to understand the future development of technology, have an overview of disruptive and exponential technologies and understand the essence of dramatic changes that these technologies bring to human society.
- Knowledge of theoretical basis of technological singularity.
- Understanding of the limits of "linear thinking".
- An idea of the future demographic, economic and technological development of society.
- Ability of global and interdisciplinary thinking.
- Ability to use the knowledge of emerging sciences and technologies in solving engineering problems.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

KURZWEIL, Ray. The singularity is near: when humans transcend biology. New York: Pinguin Books, 2006. ISBN 978-0-14-303788-0. (EN)
The technological singularity. New York, NY: Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 2017. ISBN 978-3-662-54031-2. (EN)

Recommended reading

BOSTROM, Nick a Steven KOTLER. Superinteligence: až budou stroje chytřejší než lidé. V českém jazyce vydání druhé. Praha: Prostor, 2018. Globus (Prostor). ISBN 978-80-7260-389-3. (CS)
BRYNJOLFSSON, Erik. Druhý věk strojů: práce, pokrok a prosperita v éře špičkových technologií. V Brně: Jan Melvil Publishing, 2015. Pod povrchem. ISBN 978-80-87270-71-4. (CS)
DIAMANDIS, Peter H. a Steven KOTLER. Hojnost: budoucnost je lepší, než si myslíte. Praha: Dokořán, 2013. ISBN 978-80-7363-526-8. (CS)

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme N-KSI-P Master's 1 year of study, summer semester, compulsory
  • Programme N-PDS-P Master's 1 year of study, summer semester, compulsory

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

prof. Ing. Martin Hartl, Ph.D.

Syllabus

- Singularity and exponential technologies.
- Economic, intercultural and anthroposocial factors of the future development of the society.
- Evolution and its perspectives.
- Biology-inspired artificial intelligence.
- Autonomous machines.
- Current state and future of nanotechnologies.
- Current use of solar energy and prospects for the future.
- The future of biomedical technologies.
- Mobile robotics.
- How to write an essay.