Not sure if it has been discussed, but the screen for the aluminum macbooks seem to be the inspiration for the iPad over design and look. So how many years do you think it will take for Apple to one day make an iPad the same thickness as a MBP screen?
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Will some future version of the iPad ever be as thin as a MBP screen?
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It's already half an inch right now. How much thinner do you want?
I think the issue is with the screen technology and the glass durability, they require more thickness than the usual. If Apple were to include multi-touch on MBP, they would end up probably very slightly thinner than the current iPad due to lack of SoC chips and flash but it wouldn't be that noticeable from iPad. So in context, it's practically already the same thickness.
Right now the latest AMOLED from Samsung are at 0.05 mm, that's thinner than paper itself, that's current state of the art technology. It's the multi-touch glass that's going to add the thicknesss more, so I have no current information on how thin it can be. I think we're about 5-10 years away from seeing at least 1mm multi-touch capable AMOLED (.040 inch) with the SoC/Flash.
Short answer, Yes. 100% absolutely!
The unknown factor is timing of it. I've seen prototype flexible screens that were paper thin, 1mm etc... How practical or how many years until the technology exists for it to become commercialized is anyones guess.
Larger screen size iPads seem like logical candidates to be thinner sooner rather than later. Things like the battery - already custom 'molded' or whatever - can be spread over a larger area. Or, they keep it 1/2" thick and increase the battery life 
It's all about the battery. As soon as battery technology improves expect Apple (and probably every other tablet maker) to thin down their designs. The iPad is 1/4" thick at the edges. Expect that to be the limit until they move to OLED (if that ever happens).
mcp screens are small cause all the stuff that runs the computer is in the body. the screen is the body of a ipad.
In that time there will be hologram screens in the air you can walk around.
You are correct
Is having a super thin touch screen a good idea? Would it still be sturdy enough for daily usage without breaking, chipping or shattering?
I don't think you are correct. I think the inspiration for the body of the iPad is the current macbook pro lineup itself, not just the screen. Both sides (i.e. the top and bottom of the clam shell) are shaped the same, just different thicknesses due to their different functions. As such, I don't think we will ever see the thinness of the iPad reach that of the mbp screens. Why? Because by the time the technology is thin enough to pack inside something that small the form factor will be outdated...
