In December 1969, a cat robot without ears officially debuted, marking the beginning of a journey into an even brighter future through the pages of comic strips. Created and conceptualized by two talented Japanese artists, Hiroshi Fujimoto (1933 – 1996) and Motoo Abiko (1934 – 2022), the comic series “Doraemon” quickly captivated audiences, featuring a futuristic cat with extraordinary gadgets that do not exist in reality.
In Vietnam, there is no shortage of fans of Doraemon and the futuristic gadgets he possesses. However, time can blur memories, making those who used to enjoy Doraemon forget the strong influence of imaginative thinking. Using the pen name Fujiko F. Fujio, these two Japanese artists have long been credited with predicting the future through their unique perspectives.
According to the author, Doraemon has a total of 1,293 gadgets. Based on a detailed analysis conducted in 2004 by researcher Yasuyuki Yokoyama at Toyama University, Doraemon has introduced 1,963 gadgets across 1,344 stories. Many of these gadgets have transcended the comic pages to become part of our daily lives.
Time does not allow me to compile a complete list of all the gadgets, so below is just a glimpse of some of the many gadgets that Fujiko F. Fujio has predicted would appear.
From the Future, Doraemon has at least 2 versions of ChatGPT
First, it’s worth noting that it was a Thursday when the encounter took place.
Nobita forgot to submit his homework, and his teacher was facing the risk of being scolded. To help him recover from a devastating defeat, Doraemon pulled out a magic gadget from his pocket that could potentially write a homework assignment.
The writing tool created had a realistic style, very similar to what students today can write. It is possible to argue this because Nobita was hesitant when reading the writing created by the gadget, while Suneo was overly excited to see Jaian’s response when receiving a written piece that was completely unexpected.
The second gadget that can be compared with ChatGPT is the magic pencil. Simply need to hold it in hand, the user can solve any current issue on paper. If ChatGPT possesses a complete knowledge base and the ability to recognize accurately, it could also serve as Doraemon’s magic pencil.
Surprisingly, these two gadgets first appeared in volume 1 of Doraemon, published on July 31, 1974.
Software that creates images from input data, similar to DALL-E or MidJourney
Nobita was struggling with his homework task, and Doraemon immediately took out from his pocket three gadgets: a robot for comic creation, a comic book production kit, and a printing machine to help the child overcome his homework challenges.
Essentially, the robot can compile content based on requests, the kit can print out a comic book based on the provided data, and the printing machine can be used to produce magazines based on images and materials.
These systems are the predictive strength of Fujiko F. Fujio, and they have partially transformed into reality. However, artificial intelligence systems are still being developed and are already utilizing a wide range of input data to generate meaningful outputs in our context.
Unmanned aerial vehicles (drones)
Nobita was caught up in a flower arrangement class and was discovered by Suneo. The chapter introduced the idea of using drones to intimidate Nobita, forcing any nearby child to listen to him.
Knowing the situation, Doraemon used a battery-powered drone to deliver a flower arrangement, while simultaneously introducing a set of earphones, designed to follow Suneo’s footsteps, helping Nobita retrieve his dignity.
In the 21st century, this battery-powered device has become commonplace (in reality, this technology is still quite rare), but technologies tracking have steadily advanced. A device with a camera and microphone can be used for tracking, and the explorer is no longer too distant. This technology is now becoming more compact and sophisticated, and one day we will see drones with cameras and microphones that could be held in the palm of our hands.
Creating virtual reality environments
Since the previous century, author Fujiko F. Fujio has imagined future possibilities that could bring expansive landscapes into his home. By utilizing augmented reality technology, we can create immersive experiences that allow us to explore the wonders of the world, such as the African savanna or the innovative creations of Doraemon like a water garden within the home.
Similar to augmented reality technology, this gadget will only alter visual perceptions, not tactile or auditory experiences for the user.
3D printing technology
3D printing technology is no longer foreign to the people of the 21st century, but in the time of Fujiko F. Fujio, it was merely a futuristic idea. In the comic “3D Printing Machine,” Doraemon pulls out from his pocket a device that uses raw materials to create objects based on the designs provided earlier.
With the 3D printing machine, Doraemon could turn Nobita’s battle plan into a playable toy controlled from a distance. However, the reality is not always perfect…
Also in this comic, Doraemon also took out from his pocket a device with a very simple name: Design Machine. It can visualize Nobita’s ugly designs and produce a detailed battle plan.
Doraemon’s design machine is quite similar to Google’s Chimera Painter, which can turn simple sketches into vibrant artworks.
Tracking devices, including GPS
The history of GPS (Global Positioning System) tracking clearly started with the U.S. Department of Defense beginning in 1973, with the first satellite launched in 1978. From Doraemon volume 9, published on November 1, 1975, author Fujiko F. Fujio depicted a chip tracking system not unlike Apple’s AirTag.
By giving his friend a badge, Nobita could know the location of his friend through a tablet. However, even as early as 1975, Fujiko F. Fujio only allowed the author to see how people might be tracked without any harm in having someone always nearby.
Potential Gadgets for Future Release
In the process of seeking out gadgets that have become reality, I stumbled upon several other gadgets from Doraemon that could emerge in the near future, potentially within one or two versions of the future Doraemon series. Below is a list of gadgets that may appear.
Hyperloop Transportation System
To help Nobita reach his destination, Doraemon pulled out a futuristic device that could transport people within a vacuum tube to any national destination.
If the long vacuum tube extends into a kilometer-long railway, could it not be considered the Hyperloop transportation system currently in development?
However, the Hyperloop system in reality may not be as easily navigable as what takes place in Doraemon. In the comic, Doraemon could transport Nobita onto a Shinkansen train speeding along the tracks.
Robot Exoskeleton
Futuristic science has long imagined the potential of exoskeletons, and Doraemon is no exception. In various chapters, we see Fujiko F. Fujio illustrate a wide range of futuristic products, including robot exoskeletons.
Robot arms or leg braces can enhance the quality of life for millions of disabled individuals, but there is no specific model that scientific technology has yet implemented. In recent years, exoskeleton technology has become more refined and is now used in many rehabilitation centers to improve employees’ efficiency and productivity.
Furthermore, advanced products will soon emerge in the home environment, reminding us of simple yet practical gadgets like refrigerators, washing machines, or flower pots during Tet – all in a compact form.
Conclusion
This article has gone on for quite a while, but it certainly does not encompass all the gadgets that have turned into reality, and the boundless creativity of Fujiko F. Fujio cannot be overlooked. Doraemon is a futuristic scientific comic that reflects the dreams of humanity while also providing opportunities for technological advancement that can significantly improve human life.
And just maybe in the coming years, not a few “inventions” from Fujiko F. Fujio will turn into reality. It is hard to deny that in the near and distant future, humanity will witness whatever gadgets from Doraemon emerge into reality.
Who knows, humanity may even invent gadgets that can manipulate time, just like the gadgets that Fujiko F. Fujio once illustrated in the comic…
