In fifty years, I'll be long gone. The topic of what our industry would be like is intriguing at least to me.
Sooner or later paper will go away, and where does that leave the likes of Ricoh, Canon, and Konica Minolta? In addition how about third party software providers that provide third party solutions for the MFP manufacturers?
I have two thoughts about the future:
1. Companies like Ricoh, Canon and KonicaMinolta could be in the business of mass marketing and manufacturing of robots. I'm thinking there would be quite a bit of service revenue along with some type of consumables.
2. Three D printing, could there be enough technology advancements in the next twenty fives years with the speed of making a useful device along with a host of inexpensive materials.
I'm probably leaning more towards the 3D printing right now. I'm a consumer and would love to be able to replicate something at home rather that take that trip to go buy something.
Looking back 50 years to 1965 is quite interesting as well. Did we every think that we would have a hand held device that would replace a watch, a camera, alarm clock, paper, dictation, movie camera, slide projectors, phone, flash light, and much more.
Anyone care to take post your thoughts?