If a surgeon used a scalpel enhanced with Smart-Tool technology, the real-time sensor on the blade could sense what kind of tissue it is touching and rely the information back to the doctor.

BBC: Promise of touch technologies

Bringing many of the popular emWave features to iOS devices, Inner Balance is the only app and sensor available that offers both real-time monitoring and training to manage stress and rebalance the mind and emotions whenever you need it.

ENGADGET: HeartMath unveils Inner Balance iOS app and sensor for managing stress, clearing the mind

Better yet, you can don 3D goggles and get a real-time view of your pet, and even put on electric sensor footwear that allow you to walk a mile in your chicken's shoes.

ENGADGET: You got to know your chicken, and you can do it through the web

Some of the major challenges include fusing sensor data with mapping, imagery and other real-time display systems, according to the report.

CNN: DOD deploying hazard-detection network

These "environmental sensor stations" would use the phone network to offer real-time and hyper-local records of the city's rain levels, pollution and other environmental conditions.

BBC: New York's phone boxes get new lease of life