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Since the days of Philip K. Dick, humanity has wondered if and when man will merge with machine. Coined by futurist Ray Kurzweil, the Singularity is the theoretical concept describing the point in which humans can no longer control the growth of technology, which will lead to irreversible and unknowable consequences. While the science fiction of the past couldn’t predict exactly how machines and man would become one, now it is much clearer. Below are five fields that are pushing technology forward and making the Singularity a reality.

Artificial Intelligence

One of the most integral fields of technology that is pushing toward the merging of man and machine is artificial intelligence (AI). AI is essentially the ability for machines to simulate intelligence. With mechanisms like machine learning, computers are able to teach themselves new information and use it to progress. There are four different types of artificial intelligence, including reactive machines, limited memory, theory of mind, and self-awareness. The field is ever-changing, with new methods and capabilities of machines arising every day, artificial intelligence is a central part of uncontrollable technology and the moment when machines become self-sufficient.

Data Collection

You might be surprised that data collection is such a central part of the technological process. Data is so valuable that even experts are saying that it is as valuable as oil. This is because data can be used to market to consumers and sold to companies who will use it to their advantage. Data is information about a person or entity that usually comes from social media platforms, search engine sites, and other internet resources. Usually you allow the platform to take your data when you sign the terms of agreement. While the ethics of data acquisition are dubious to some, there’s no doubt that data won’t be used by technology to grow and expand.

Automation

We hear about automation all the time, but what actually is it? Automation is the ability for a machine to operate on its own. This comes in a variety of facets. It is used in factories to enable machinery that used to require humans to operate smoothly. It is also used in the auto industry. Self-driving cars are already a reality and soon they will be able to drive fully automated. While there is concern that there won’t be enough jobs for humans to do as automation becomes more accessible, it will make us rethink the notion of jobs. The occupations that used to be done by humans could shift to more innovative and creative jobs.

Robotics

Robotics is another field that is pushing technology forward in significant ways. With many different kinds of robots available, there are many tasks that these machines can do instead of humans. There are machines like an inspection robot that allow humans to stay away from dangerous and hazardous materials. There are also types of robotic technology that humans can wear to enhance their abilities. While AI is the ability for machines to become intelligent and self-sufficient, robotics is how they will move around to get physical things done. Robotics is still in the early stages, but there’s no doubt that it isn’t an agent of the Singularity.

Neural Link

Finally, Elon Musk has started a company called Neuralink, whose goal is to marry the brain to computer interfaces. This is the ultimate blending of man and machine. Of course there are many challenges to this idea, it is unclear how many people will actually want to connect their brain to computers. In some ways, a neural link from technology to the human brain is the last stop for the merging of man and machine. It is a literal connection between them.

Some of this may sound dystopian, but there is truly no telling how technology will evolve in the future. All of this uncertainty makes for good reason to pay attention to the advancement in these technological fields. The future will come no matter what. While technological advancements are exciting, caution is necessary. We won’t know when machines become independent—some would argue they already are—but one thing is for sure. Life, as humans know it, will never be the same.

Ryan Beitler is a journalist, writer, and blogger who covers technology.

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