In 2014, in an article that chronicled the emergence of ho-lodeck-like technologies, New York Times tech columnist Nick Bilton wrote: "Some scientists and researchers say we could have something like holodecks by 2024." ("Disruptions: The Holodeck Begins to Take Shape," Jan. 26, 2014, bits.blogs.nytimes.com.) Without the backing of a named source, that timeline appears to be more speculative than definitive. Yet, recent advancements in the artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) frontiers suggest the date is not too far-fetched. The holodeck as depicted in the TV series "Star Trek" is a hologram-powered simulation environment. Its use is primarily recreational. But the show also proposes pragmatic applications of the holodeck's technology. "The Star Trek: Voyager" series features a holographic medical doctor, the Emergency Medical Hologram Mark I. In some episodes, the holodeck is pressed into service as a platform for battle training and forensic analysis.
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