In 1995, theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking joined the BBC’s future-focused program Tomorrow’s World to imagine what the world would look like in 2025. Alongside other scientific figures, he projected developments in technology, space exploration, and daily life that, at the time, felt speculative. Three decades later, many of these predictions appear strikingly prescient, reflecting not only Hawking’s deep scientific intuition but also his critical foresight.
A Future Written in the Stars
During the program, Hawking forecast that space exploration would soon extend beyond governments to involve major private investors. At the time, the idea of commercial space travel was in its infancy. Now, companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin are reshaping the field. Their ambitions stretch from space tourism to asteroid mining, aligning closely with Hawking’s suggestion that extracting rare materials from celestial bodies would become a priority.
He also cautioned about the accumulation of space debris, long before it became a mainstream concern. Today, over 100 million pieces of debris orbit Earth, posing a serious threat to satellites and crewed missions. Efforts like automated nets and new satellite technologies are being developed to reduce orbital pollution, echoing Hawking’s early warning.
Digital Life and the Rise of AI
Hawking envisioned a world deeply transformed by digital technology, predicting that a “worldwide internet” would link humanity on an unprecedented scale. In 2025, that vision is not only realized but exceeded. Smartphones, smart homes, and globally connected systems now shape everyday life, and platforms like cloud services and social media define modern communication.
He also highlighted artificial intelligence as a pillar of the future. Today, AI is used in medicine, education, and entertainment, supporting diagnoses, customizing learning, and even generating digital art and media. Yet Hawking issued a clear warning about AI’s risks. He spoke of the danger in allowing AI to evolve “unregulated,” cautioning that such systems might eventually surpass human control—an issue that has gained urgency with the rapid rise of generative AI technologies.
Robotics at Home and in the Operating Room
In his glimpse of 2025, Hawking predicted that robots would integrate into everyday life. That prediction has come true in several ways. Robotic arms now perform delicate surgeries with precision, and domestic assistants like Alexa or robotic vacuum cleaners are commonplace. Hawking specifically mentioned “intelligences that assist in home automation,” a concept now reflected in smart home ecosystems.
Yet not all his forecasts have fully materialized. Hawking anticipated the use of intracutaneous chips—implanted beneath the skin—for tasks like banking. While similar technology is under development, widespread adoption remains limited. He also discussed the possibility of super-fast space travel, which continues to be the subject of theoretical exploration rather than practical engineering.
What Tomorrow’s World Got Right—And Wrong
Hawking’s participation in Tomorrow’s World also involved predictions from other experts. Some of their ideas have not held up. For instance, they believed that as the internet grew, it would be “dominated by banks and ‘business barons’” and become more restricted. Instead, the internet became increasingly open and accessible over the decades, allowing individuals to publish, share, and communicate on a global scale.
Despite these misses, the accuracy of Hawking’s predictions remains remarkable. From the shift toward private space enterprise to the rapid development of AI and robotics, his 1995 forecast captured the major transformations that now define 2025. His approach—blending bold speculation with scientific rigor—continues to resonate as humanity navigates the complex relationship between innovation and responsibility.
Hawking is overrated. His prediction was that people will use computers, because computers will be easier to use. Bold. People only listen to him because of his Speak and Spell voicebox.