In this 21st century, as the world is developing at an unprecedented pace, so does the technologies. These technologies are addressing various word’s pressing challenges and are also impacting our daily lives in significant ways.
This blog explores the top 5 technologies that are set to dominate the near future.
Top 5 Emerging Technologies
1. Machine and Human Intelligence
The convergence of machine and human intelligence is among the most interesting advancements. The goal of human-machine learning is to create intelligent organisms that combine human and artificial intelligence to enhance human capabilities. These technologies include Artificial Intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, and advanced computing. Convergence in terms of human creativity, intuition, and emotional understanding will drive innovation in various sectors. This convergence will offer groundbreaking solutions to modern problems.
With this advancement, the role of AI will no longer be limited to performing automation or data analysis rather it will act as an intelligent collaborator that will influence human decision-making, creativity, and problem-solving. Other than this AI will be able to analyze massive databases, identify patterns, and provide insights which for humans can be very challenging. Applications of AI will include assistance to doctors for accurate diagnoses, and personalized treatment, and can even predict health conditions.
Similarly, the technology of Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) will allow humans to connect with machines with only a single thought. This will prove to be of great aid to human civilization, especially those having physical disabilities. It is expected that by 2025, this technology will have more advanced features that will enable direct communication between the human brain and external devices. For people suffering from paralysis, this technology will provide the individual the ability to control a wheelchair and use a robotic arm with simple thought.
2. Quantum Leap in Computing Power
A “quantum leap in computer power” refers to advancement in the ability of computers with the advent of quantum computing. Earlier the computer used to rely on binary bits (0s to 1s) to process information but now quantum computers use quantum bits (qubits). These qubits work on the principles of quantum mechanics like superposition and entanglement that allow the process of large information. The interface of Superposition allows to qubit to exist in multiple states simultaneously whereas entanglement allows qubits to understand across distances. With the help of these quantum properties, computers can now revolutionize areas like cryptography, medicine, artificial intelligence, and materials science.
According to experts, of the substantial application of quantum computing will be in the field of cryptography. Quantum computers have the potential to break widely used encryption methods like RSA. This also aims to provide new communication methods using quantum encryption and quantum key distribution (QKD). This technology is also expected to transform the healthcare sector by researching complex molecular interactions that will enable faster drug discovery for diseases like cancer Alzheimer’s, and rare genetic disorders. Industries like manufacturing, transportation, and logistics problems will also be solved as quantum computers will easily comprehend solutions by processing vast amounts of data.
Quantum computing also holds the potential to revolutionize aspects of materials science as it allows scientists to learn about new designs of atoms and molecules. This advancement could accelerate the development process of topics like superconductors, energy storage and the generation of nanotechnology and advanced manufacturing.
3. Climate Tech Challenge
Basically climate tech challenge means global drive and need to develop innovative technologies that help save climate by reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability. This includes technologies of diverse sectors like energy systems, transportation, agriculture, and manufacturing processes. But it holds the challenge of making such technologies and then it’s mass adoption to combat global emissions. With the rise in global warming levels, the powers of the world have made Climate change the focal point. The idea is to minimize global warming by making innovations toward a low-carbon economy, energy consumption, waste management, resource depletion, and ecosystem preservation.
Climate tech is expected to be a dominant factor as every country is trying to make efforts to achieve their climate targets. Among all of these, the conservation of renewable resources is the top-most priority. Renewable energy includes fossil fuels, solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. Solar panels with the advancement of perovskite solar cells can offer higher efficiency at a lower cost. Green hydrogen holds the potential to emerge as a promising alternative fuel source for industries like heavy manufacturing, transportation, and shipping.
The key to overcoming climate tech challenges is to mitigate Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS), especially in industries like cement, steel, and chemicals that are difficult to decarbonize. CCUS includes capturing the CO2 and then transforming it to make variables like synthetic fuels or carbon-based materials.
4. Blockchain technology
Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology that is designed to record transactions in various computers in a way that the registered transactions further cannot be amended without making amendment in the subsequent blocks. This technology is related to cryptocurrency like Bitcoin where its direct application is to intercept the movement of digital currencies. However, its application goes beyond cryptocurrencies and also includes recording information in a transparent and secure way. The idea is to establish trust and minimize fraud without the need for central authorities or intermediaries.
This blockchain technology works by grouping data into blocks and later chaining it together in a suitable chronological order. Each block contains a list of transactions that are further linked with the previous block thus allowing for proper interception. Supply Chain management is the biggest benefit that blockchain technology can offer as it can improve transparency by providing a secure and immutable record of the entire supply chain journey.
The healthcare industry will also be revolutionized as blockchain can fix major drawbacks of the healthcare industry like fragmented and soiled medical records. This technology will provide complete autonomy over health data, ensuring patient privacy, and personalized healthcare solutions. Additionally, blockchain technology can solve the problem of election tampering as with the help of it every vote can be verified which will significantly reduce the risk of fraud. Moreover, it can be of great aid in financial services, especially in Decentralized Finance which leverages services like lending, borrowing, and insurance.
5. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): New Dimensions
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are shaping the future in its unique way of adding digital elements and computer-generated environment in real time. Digital elements include images, sounds, and other sensory inputs that can be used to create interaction with physical objects digitally. For Example – Pokemon Go. Virtual reality (VR) on the other hand requires hardware like headset and motion controllers to allow users to interact with the digital space. VR and AR have found their application in gaming, education, and professional simulations like medical procedures or flight training.
One of the most exciting applications of AR and VR is in the healthcare industry. The VR offers an immersive nature treatment where individuals are treated in a controlled, safe, and secure environment. This therapy is based on the principle of exposure therapy, which believes that gradual and moderate exposure to things that excite or cause fear can help the patient strategize and think calmly to gain mastery over his mental issues. VR therapy is designed in various formats to help the patient overcome their problem In exposure therapy people are gradually exposed to scenarios that trigger their stress, trauma or phobias in a controlled and safe virtual environment. Other than treatment benefits, VR therapy will help a lot in understanding complex surgical skills and making future research & assessment. The therapist with the help of VR can even monitor the progress of patients to provide instant feedback.
Conclusion
As technology evolves, it brings new variables and innovative inventions will reshape every aspect of human life. In the fight for development, the key to having a better future is by addressing global challenges like climate change and healthcare. Innovations like AI, Quantum Computing, BlockChain, AR & VR, hold the potential to transform the future and explore new possibilities.
