Technology portrayed in The Jetsons had a significant influence on modern 21st century society. When new technologies or inventions are made available to the public, comparisons are often drawn to their television counterparts. Though we may not be flying around in cars which fit into our briefcases like George Jetson, many other technologies depicted in the show are being used today. The writers of the show and Hanna-Barbera used good foresight in predicting what technologies would be prevalent in the 21st century. One scholar, Jeffrey Tucker, has remarked at the similarity between reality and the television portrayal of futuristic technology:

“The technology used in the Jetsons is nearly on target with current trends. Workers sit behind screens and punch buttons and complain about long days. The Jetsons foresaw the future of micro technology, and so little things are always flying around, but the show did not foresee the microchip, so it was unclear to the makers of the show exactly what would cause things to zip here and there. [In the show] We often see little machines with tailpipes and tiny clean gas fumes coming out. The cars fly, which of course hasn’t happened, but flight has become routine for the middle class. Travel is fast. Food is fast. Construction is fast. Robots do most tasks people once did, and so everyone is struggling to find exercise outlets” (Tucker).

While the creators and producers of The Jetsons might not have identified the processes of certain technologies (i.e. the microchip), they were visionaries in determining what technologies were likely to exist in the future. They were incorrect in one major facet, however. It was assumed at the time the show was created that aviation and space technology would dominate the future. This has not become the case, however their vision that computer use would be common- has.

“We’re still a long way from wisecracking robots, automatic dining-room table setup and cleanup, total voice command and control, and the many other ‘smart’ aspects of that [The Jetsons’] home. Yet the dovetailing of low-cost sensors, abundant computing power, ubiquitous networking and communications, and other cutting-edge technologies is putting us on the path…Smart appliances, a staple in the Jetsons’ house, are now popping up in our everyday lives for real, with infrared-controlled water faucets, motorized paper-towel dispensers with infrared hand sensors, motion-activated light controls and even Internet enabled microwave ovens, dishwashers, and refrigerators” (Bursky).

Scott Petersen, of PC Week magazine, remarked that The Jetsons was able to better predict the future than other science fiction television shows and films, such as Star Trek and Star Wars:
“The team of Hanna-Barbera came closest because of the way they tied technology so closely to average people and their daily lives…The Jetsons depicted the idealized postwar suburban family, not unlike the Cleavers and the Nelsons, who strive for nothing more than the latest conveniences” (Petersen).

Others, including iRobot CEO Colin Angle, believe the show’s predicted future, and our ultimate reality, will not jive:
“I’m asking everyone today to say goodbye to The Jetsons, goodbye to Hollywood robots…That’s as likely as us going to live in bubble homes above the ground…and welcome perhaps a little boring looking, but fantastically capable robots” (Lombardi).

While future technology might not ultimately resemble the technology shown in The Jetsons, several common place inventions have appeared on the show. Others, have not…

Here are some of the technologies which appeared in The Jetsons that have inspired common-place technology in our society today:

Electronic Diary- Judy used her electronic diary (DiDi) to tell all of her secrets. Similar devices are common place today, with PDAs, Blackberry Devices and handheld PCs. The technology envisioned for Judy’s diary is also similar to the technology required to create the Ipod today.

Visaphone- The visaphone allowed the Jetsons’ to communicate via video. Today, this technology is known as videoconferencing. Video communication technology has evolved as well, to the point that large or small groups and individuals can use it on a regular basis. Programs such as Skype and inexpensive computer video cameras are making this technology affordable for everyone.

Rosie the Robot- Today, robots such as Honda’s Asimo are being researched aggressively by technology experts. NASA has invested millions of dollars into potential technology which would have human-like robots doing work in space. While the technology might be practical for moonwalks, it is too expensive for an average person to purchase.

Flying Cars- Some researchers, including Steven Crow from the University of Arizona, are actively pursuing technology which would make ‘roadable planes’, known as ‘star cars’, available to the public. While they might not appear at your local car dealer any time soon, private planes are also becoming more commonplace and affordable for members of high-class society.  

Some Jetsons’ age technologies have not quite come to pass:

• A solar-powered stamp licker.
• A voice-operated washing machine that washed, dried, and folded clothes in thirty seconds.
• A nuclear powered knitting machine.
• A dog-walking treadmill that came complete with its own fire hydrant.
• George’s pop-up bed, which folded in half and spit him out like a piece of toast when it was time to wake up.

As technologies continue to evolve and change, it is possible other Jetsons’ inventions will be created, and some of their far-fetched ideas will be put into practice.