At a general level, uncertainties with all of these technologies arise with respect to the speed of technological development, the impact of advances in individual technologies, and - perhaps most importantly - the convergence of ICT, sensors, robotics, nano- and biotechnology. Advances in one technology may amplify developments and outcomes of other technologies, leading to disruptive changes. This is already becoming visible in green technologies, which typically operate at the intersection of these emerging technologies, in the creation of ‘'programmable matter”, and in advances in the medical and pharmaceutical fields.