15 Gadgets From The ’60s We Thought Were The Future
The swinging ’60s were a remarkable decade of innovation and boundless imagination, when every new gadget seemed like a step closer to a sci-fi-inspired future. This was an era when optimism for technology soared, and designers dared to dream big, creating items that promised to transform everyday life.
Join us as we explore 15 inventive gadgets from the 1960s that showcased creativity, whimsy, and the occasional dose of over-the-top ambition. Some brought genuine progress, others a chuckle, but all left a mark as symbols of a time when the future was always just one invention away.
It’s a trip back to a wacky and wonderful world of innovation that will leave you marveling at how far we’ve come—and what we’ve left behind.
1. Hovering Breakfast Tray
Ever dreamt of breakfast in bed without the bed crumbs? The hovering breakfast tray was the answer to every breakfast lover’s prayers.
Designed to gently float above your lap, this gadget promised a crumb-free dining experience. Although it never quite took off (pun intended), the idea was certainly lofty.
Users imagined leisurely mornings, sipping coffee while reading the newspaper, all without lifting a finger. It was the epitome of relaxation and modern convenience, truly an uplifting concept from the ’60s.
2. Robotic Pet Walker
Walking the dog? Leave it to this robotic pet walker!
In a world where automation was the buzzword, a gadget that could walk your dog seemed logical. Shaped like a miniature robot, it promised to take your pooch for a stroll while you relaxed at home.
Alas, most pets found the contraption more amusing than practical, often leading to chaotic chases down the sidewalk. Despite the chaos, the idea was a step towards a more robotic future in pet care.
3. Bubble Car
Imagine driving inside a bubble, forever shielded from the elements.
The bubble car was a vision of sleek, transparent transportation that captured the imagination. With panoramic views and a design reminiscent of science fiction films, it was thought to be the future of commuting.
Despite its lack of practicality, the bubble car was a symbol of innovation and freedom. It showcased the ’60s penchant for dreaming big, rolling smoothly into the annals of futuristic fantasies.
4. Pocket-Sized Personal Computer
The idea of computing on-the-go seemed revolutionary in the ’60s, and the pocket-sized personal computer was born.
Envisioned as a compact powerhouse, it promised to perform calculations, store data, and even send messages.
Though technology hadn’t quite caught up to the concept, the dream of having computer power in your pocket was a sign of things to come. It was a tantalizing taste of today’s smartphone world, an idea that was truly ahead of its time.
5. Instant Outfit Changer
Tired of spending hours deciding what to wear? The instant outfit changer was here to solve all fashion dilemmas.
Step inside this phone-booth-like contraption and exit in a completely new ensemble, ready for any occasion.
Although purely conceptual, the gadget was embraced by fashionistas dreaming of spontaneous wardrobe changes. It hinted at a world where fashion was as fluid as time itself, blending convenience with style in a playful manner.
6. Thought-Powered Remote Control
Switch channels with a mere thought! The thought-powered remote control promised to make laziness an art form.
Simply attach the headband, think of your desired channel, and watch the magic happen.
While the technology was more wishful thinking than reality, it symbolized a desire to harness the power of the mind. This remote was a testament to the imaginative spirit of the ’60s, where dreams were only a thought away.
7. Space-Age Kitchen Assistant
Cooking was never going to be the same again with the space-age kitchen assistant.
Designed to chop, mix, and clean, this robot promised to transform culinary duties into a breeze.
Though more fantasy than fact, the concept sparked imaginations and set the stage for future kitchen gadgets. It was a taste of the automated future, where dinner practically cooked itself. A shimmering vision of domestic bliss from yesteryears.
8. Jetpack Commute
Why sit in traffic when you could fly?
The jetpack commute was an exhilarating concept that took personal transportation to the skies. With a jetpack strapped to your back, the daily grind was supposed to become an aerial adventure.
Although it never became a mainstream reality, the idea lifted spirits and imaginations. It was a sky-high leap towards a future filled with freedom and fun, a true blast from the past!
9. Self-Cleaning House
A house that cleans itself? Sign me up! The self-cleaning house was a dream come true for anyone tired of chores.
Equipped with robotic vacuum cleaners and dusters, it promised a pristine living space with zero effort.
While it remained a fantasy, the concept inspired future innovations in home technology. It was a tidy promise of convenience and leisure, a glimpse into a world where houses cared for themselves.
10. Wearable Communication Device
Talking to your wrist seemed like pure science fiction, but in the ’60s, the wearable communication device was imagined as a reality. This wristwatch-like gadget allowed you to make voice calls and send messages, all from your arm.
Though it was more a product of imagination than engineering, it laid the groundwork for modern wearable tech. It was a bold step towards a connected world, where communication was always at hand.
11. Portable Hologram Projector
Imagine having a conversation with a 3D hologram of someone miles away. The portable hologram projector was designed to make this futuristic form of communication a reality.
Though it never quite materialized, the concept tantalized imaginations with the promise of immersive connectivity.
It was a projection of what communication might look like in a world where distance was no barrier. A truly visionary gadget that still inspires today.
12. Voice-Activated Typewriter
Why type when you can speak? The voice-activated typewriter aimed to revolutionize writing by turning spoken words into text. Simply speak, and watch your words appear on paper.
Though it was more aspiration than reality, the device captured the spirit of innovation. It paved the way for modern speech-to-text technology, a vocal leap towards a more efficient future. A gadget that spoke volumes about the creativity of the ’60s.
13. Mood-Enhancing Headphones
Feeling blue?
These mood-enhancing headphones promised to turn frowns upside down with sound and light therapy. Put them on, and let the waves of positivity wash over you.
Though the science was shaky, the concept was an uplifting idea from a decade that loved experimentation. It was music to the ears of those seeking happiness through technology, a sound investment in well-being.
14. Time-Traveling Wristwatch
Tick-tock through time with the time-traveling wristwatch. This stylish gadget was rumored to let users explore both past and future with just a turn of the dial.
Though it was more fiction than function, the watch inspired dreams of temporal adventures.
It was a timely reminder of the ’60s fascination with time travel, a notion that continues to captivate imaginations today. A timeless treasure from an era of endless possibilities.
15. Invisibility Cloak
Disappear at will with the elusive invisibility cloak. Envisioned to make the wearer vanish from sight, it was a cloak-and-dagger fantasy that thrilled the masses.
Though it never saw the light of day, the idea was a cloak of intrigue.
It wrapped the ’60s in a shroud of mystery and wonder, a disappearing act that still enchants storytellers and dreamers alike. A hidden gem in the treasure trove of futuristic fantasies.