The Influence of Anime in Shaping Modern Technology Posted Dec 11, 2023

With various genres like science fiction, cyberpunk, space opera, mecha, and apocalyptic fiction, anime shows have portrayed a wide range of practical inventions that are desperately needed in the real world. Writers, illustrators, and producers of manga and anime have shown their endless creativity, which are products of the minds of these people that make them create ways to make the impossible possible. With these extra-ordinary universes, scenes, and inventions, one can only wonder about the possibilities produced by these creations. In this sense, anime can indeed help in shaping modern and future technology in the real world. Mecha and Robotics

Sub-genres of mecha anime, such as dieselpunk, cyberpunk, apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic ones, have tried to improve, embellish, and modify cars, guns, computers, robots, and other devices. In fact, the complex animation techniques, such as creating detailed mechanical designs, and animation of fast-paced action sequences are some of the matters that influence robotics, mechanical engineering, and digital technology.

The engaging, dynamic, and realistic depictions from these anime have been realized in the modern world. One of the most obvious influences of anime on technology is in the field of robotics. Anime series like Gundam, Macross, and Neon Genesis Evangelion have all featured robots and mecha that have inspired real-world roboticists. The most prominent of these is the ASIMO robot from Honda, which was inspired by the Gundam robot. Moreover, mecha-like vehicles such as the Kuratas, the METHOD-01, and the Land Walker are gaining progress in mass production.

Despite these improvements, there are also drawbacks on anime’s influence to robotics, especially those that are sparking ethical conversations. For example, new robots, guns, and missiles are taking inspiration from anime by making them precise on their target individuals and locations, as well as using laser tech with advanced cameras and ammunitions with supersonic speeds.

Gaming Improvements

Name any category of gaming out there, and anime has been an answer and factor in making anything easier, especially when technology is introduced to things that involve logic, skill, and luck such as gaming and gambling.

For example, the Boardtop World Disboard in the anime No Game, No Life is a fascinating use of using alternative digital worlds that is also helpful for gamers and explorers. In Knight’s and Magic, the use of gambling technology was also in full display, which in real life can be emulated to win in casino games, card games, and other strategy games. Getting advantages in arcade games are a staple in Hi-Score Girl while dominating in fighting games in Accel World give acceleration abilities in the real world.

However, this has also developed ethical conundrums, such as those used to get unfair advantages. For example, in Codename: Sailor V, protagonist Minako has a magic pen which gives her correct answers in any situation, and such technology will just be crooked in the real world. The anime Legendary Gambler Tetsuya also uses ways to “cheat the cheater,” and any technology developed related to this gives people an unfair gain especially in casinos and high-stakes gambling.

The popularity of anime has extended to free online slots, with themed games available on specialty websites that regulate these games to prevent cheating. For those who prefer not to gamble with real money, experiencing the game through thousands of free slots is a viable option.

Anime’s Impact on Prosthetics

While the idea of prosthetics, or replacing human body parts with artificial limbs, have long been practiced, the use of mechanized arms, legs, and other body parts in anime have further expanded and modified this technology. Genres such as biopunk and tech noir have challenged current technology and modern medicine to help injured, disabled, and paralyzed individuals.

For example, Edward Elric’s automail in Fullmetal Alchemist is in the works in the real world in order to help amputees regain lost limbs. One of the very cool things about Automail, the technology in this anime, is that it is connected to the nervous system in order to make the mechanized limb function like a natural body part. The Nerve Gear in Sword Art Online could also help people to fulfill their last wish, as it aids people who are immobile in real life to be able to move once again; however, there’s a recent tech development related to this that kills the user in real life. Moreover, there are also works in progress to replicate modified eyes such as Byakugan and Rinnegan in Naruto.

Life and Death and Transfer of Consciousness

One of the most common concepts in mainstream media, especially in anime and manga, is the transfer of consciousness, where a person’s soul is being transferred to another body. This often involves ground-breaking technology which is very complex but also death-defying and spurs into conversations on science, ethics, and philosophy.

In the anime Serial Experiments Lain, the antagonist Masami Eiri embeds his memories and consciousness into the "Wired." Also, in Denma, the anime tackled about artificial neurological cell procedure where it uses a nanofluid and give it constant current and biodata. In Ghost in the Shell, cybernetic enhancements and mind uploading are also the norm.