10 crazily ambitious Google projects that will change the world

If you didn’t realize that Google is attempting to transform the world into a more habitable place from the ground up, then this list will let you in on the secret. Google CEO Larry Page often suggests that companies aren’t evil. Some are accomplishing great things, and Google is an example of what can be done when money isn’t an issue. Here are the top ten crazily ambitious Google projects that will change the world, and soon:

1. Nanoparticle Cancer Detection

Google X Labs would like to create a pill stuffed with a nanoparticle payload capable of detecting cancer and other diseases. The nanoparticles would use a magnetic iron oxide contrast agent in order to inform a paired wearable device if cancer cells were found in your body. Using this strategy, Google hopes to eliminate most forms of cancer before they have a chance to do any lasting damage. After all, the longer you live, the longer you can use Google’s search engine.

2. Project Wing

Google X Labs is also hard at work developing a drone delivery service similar to Amazon Prime Air. Because regulations in the U.S. currently ban commercial drone services, most testing is done in Australia. Although recently proposed U.S. regulations seem to have squashed the commercial applications of drones, it’s still too early to tell: other countries are already exploring the possibilities, and it would remain economically and politically untenable for us to ignore the prospects offered by drones. The technology is inevitable.

3. Makani

Google plans to make a kite-like drone in order to capture the energy of the wind. The drones would be fitted with wind turbines, and attached to a cable which would shoot energy back to the ground. The project is currently code-named Makani.

Here it is in action:

4. Project Loon

Upwards of 2/3 of the world’s population doesn’t have access to the internet, and that’s a lot of lost business for companies like Google, Amazon and Facebook. All three have brain-stormed methods of rectifying the situation, and Google is planning a fleet of balloons which would provide wireless internet to those below. They estimate balloon Wi-Fi will be a $10 billion business.

5. Project Tango

Project Tango is the equivalent of Google Maps, except scarier, faster and indoors. Just watch, and try not to think too much about the implications of the technology:

6. Calico

Google is researching the biology behind immortality. While long considered nothing more than a human dream, biological immortality does exist in nature. Calico aims to help people live indefinitely, and the project has an almost unlimited source of funding to achieve the endeavor. After all, rich old men would love to stay around long enough to burn more of their money. Life extension is inevitable, and most of us will still be around to see it. Let the overpopulation fear-mongering commence!

7. Google Genomics

This branch of Google Cloud is devoted to processing genomic data in order to create a library of information that we can use to improve our understanding of genetic code. Google Genomics is about processing power and storage capacity, so they aren’t directly involved with research done on the human genome or any other.

8. Google Contact Lens

Google X Lens technology takes clunky wearables one step further, and the project was announced before the wearable craze even took off. The contact lens they developed can detect the glucose levels of a diabetic, and might also eventually be used to quickly detect proteins in tears which could indicate various other diseases, including cancer.

9. Google Projects use Deepmind

Check out this video for a detailed explanation on what Deepmind is compared to electronic assistants like Siri or Cortana, and why it’s up to the coming challenge of the next decade:

10. Nest

Google is jumping on the Internet of Things (IoT) bandwagon using Nest. With Google’s involvement, the device basically allows you complete control over your home and everything in it. You can regulate temperature and climate with detailed voice-activated instructions or run your home’s security system remotely. As the IoT continues to transition to the mainstream, expect many more connected smart devices to hit the market.

We would have mentioned Google’s work on autonomous vehicles, but let’s face it: you already know all about that. Leave us a comment if you liked our list, or let us know if there’s anything you would add!

Article originally published on TechGenMag with permission from TechGenMag Editor, Kristian Markus.

Image: Maurizio Pesce via Flickr