The Tech That Will Shape Tomorrow
Self-driving cars, AI that works for you, science that runs its own experiments. The technology of the next few years is going to feel like science fiction — and it's almost here.
Before you read
Talk or think about these questions first:
- Which technology do you think will change daily life the most?
- Would you get into a car that drives itself? Why or why not?
- Guess: what share of big companies plan to invest more in AI? Check as you read.
If you could send a message to someone ten years ago describing today's technology, they might not believe you. Now imagine the message we'll send ten years from now. The pace of innovation is accelerating, and a handful of technologies are going to reshape how we live, work, and travel. Here's what's coming — and why we'll need to be thoughtful about it.
Cars that drive themselves
The clearest sign of the future is already on the road. Self-driving cars — robotaxis with no human driver — are expanding from a few test cities to many more around the world. Soon, more of us will be able to call one with an app. Supporters say they'll make roads safer, because most accidents are caused by human error. Whatever you think, one thing is clear: the way we travel is going to change.
An assistant that does the work
The biggest shift is artificial intelligence. The next step isn't just a chatbot that answers questions, but an AI agent — software that can carry out whole tasks for you, from booking a trip to organizing a project. Businesses are racing to use it: about 92% of large companies plan to increase their AI investment in the coming years. AI is going to handle more of the boring work, which could give us more time for the things only humans do well.
of large companies plan to increase their investment in AI in the coming years.
Science at high speed
Some of the most exciting changes won't be visible at all. AI is starting to help scientists run experiments and analyze results far faster than before, which is shortening the time it takes to discover new medicines and materials. A breakthrough that once took a decade may soon take a year. This is the quiet revolution: technology that helps us solve the problems that matter most.
The future isn't something that will happen to us — it's something we're going to build.
The part we can't ignore
None of this is risk-free, and the article wouldn't be honest if it pretended otherwise. As we hand more of our lives to machines, cybersecurity and privacy become essential: we'll have to protect our data more carefully than ever, and governments are writing new rules — the EU's AI law will be fully in force in 2026. There are also fears about jobs and about spending too long staring at screens. The technology is powerful; how we use it is up to us.
Key vocabulary
- artificial intelligence (AI)
- — computer systems that can learn and make decisions.
- an AI agent
- — software that carries out whole tasks for you, not just answers.
- a breakthrough
- — an important new discovery or advance.
- cybersecurity
- — the protection of computers and data from attack.
- cutting-edge
- — the most modern and advanced.
- wearable tech
- — technology you wear, like a smartwatch.
- an algorithm
- — a set of rules a computer follows to do a task.
Based on 2025–2026 technology reporting: expanding robotaxi services, the rise of AI agents, around 92% of large companies planning to increase AI investment, and the EU AI Act reaching full implementation in 2026.
Read, Sort & Review
Answer the questions, sort the ideas, and study the flashcards. Tap Check Answers as you go, then Show My Score.
Did You Understand?
Sort the Ideas
Discussion
Questions
- Which prediction in the article do you agree or disagree with?
- Make a prediction with "will": "In ten years, I think…"
- Talk about a plan with "going to": "I'm going to…"
- Are you more excited or worried about the future of technology? Why?
Flashcards
artificial intelligencenountap to reveal
a gadgetnountap to reveal
a breakthroughnountap to reveal
wearable technountap to reveal
a digital footprintnountap to reveal
cybersecuritynountap to reveal
to back upphrasal verbtap to reveal
cutting-edgeadjectivetap to reveal
an algorithmnountap to reveal
to go viralidiomtap to reveal
Tap to see your score on the comprehension and sorting tasks, then show your teacher.
Your Result
The Tech That Will Shape Tomorrow
You have read about it — now hear someone talk about it. Listen to a short talk on self‑driving cars, AI agents and the new rules arriving in 2026, then check what you understood.
The Talk
Technology is changing so quickly that the next few years may feel like science fiction. Many of the ideas that once seemed impossible are already becoming part of everyday life.
One example is the growth of self-driving cars. In several cities, robotaxi services are already carrying passengers without a human driver behind the wheel. Although these vehicles are still being tested and expanded, they could make transport safer, reduce traffic, and help people who cannot drive.
Another major development is the rise of AI agents. Unlike ordinary chatbots, AI agents can complete a series of tasks with little human help. For example, an AI agent could organize your calendar, compare flight prices, book a hotel, and remind you about your trip—all while you focus on other work.
Businesses are also investing heavily in artificial intelligence. According to recent surveys, about 92% of large companies plan to increase their spending on AI because they believe it will improve productivity and help employees work more efficiently.
Artificial intelligence is changing science as well. Some research laboratories now use AI systems to suggest experiments, analyze results, and even recommend the next questions to investigate. This allows scientists to spend more time solving complex problems instead of performing routine tasks.
As AI becomes more powerful, governments are introducing new rules. The European Union’s AI Act, which reaches full implementation in 2026, is designed to encourage innovation while making sure AI is used safely and responsibly.
The future of technology will probably not replace humans. Instead, it will give us new tools that help us work faster, make better decisions, and solve problems that once seemed impossible.
What Did You Hear?
Is That What They Said?
Fill In the Notes
Discussion
Questions
- Which technology mentioned in the listening do you find most exciting? Why?
- Would you feel comfortable riding in a self-driving taxi? Explain.
- How could AI make your work or studies easier?
- What risks do you think AI creates?
- Do you think governments should regulate AI more strictly? Why or why not?
- Would you let an AI agent book a trip for you, or would you rather do it yourself?
- Which jobs in your country are most likely to change because of AI?
- The speaker says technology will not replace humans. Do you agree?
Tap to see your score on the three listening tasks, then show your teacher.
Your Result
Figures in this talk: the 92% comes from McKinsey & Company, The State of AI: Global Survey (2025); the 2026 date refers to the phased implementation of the European Union’s AI Act. The robotaxi and AI‑agent examples follow reporting from Reuters, AP News and other technology publications (2025–2026).