Many of the technological developments we get to read and discuss in the book, Tech Trends in Practice, are now entering the realm of practical application for the future generations.
However, we believe the following five will have the most far-reaching effects on future human civilization as a whole.
1. Machine Learning/ AI
The terms “artificial intelligence” (AI) and “machine learning” are sometimes used interchangeably to describe the same phenomenon: the ability of machines to acquire knowledge, apply that knowledge to real-world problems and even predict the future.
The impact of AI and ML on daily life is greater than many people realise. Alexa, Siri, product suggestions on Amazon, personalised suggestions on Netflix and Spotify, every Google search you make, checks for fraudulent credit card purchases, security checks on dating apps and fitness trackers… AI is the engine that drives everything.
Artificial intelligence will change practically every area of contemporary life. If we succeed in developing artificial intelligence, it will be the most momentous occasion in human history, according to Stephen Hawking. Unfortunately, it might also be the last, unless we find how to avoid the risks,” Hawking added.
When certain nations are competing to create AI-enabled autonomous weapons, it’s clear that there could be serious consequences for society and human life as we know it. The pillars of many other technologies are AI and machine learning. The incredible progress made in fields such as IoT, VR, chatbots, face recognition, robotics, automation, and driverless automobiles would not have been possible without the help of artificial intelligence.
Human occupations are also seeing changes due to AI. There may be a large number of jobs lost as a result of AI-enabled automation. Contrary to the popular belief that AI will lead to a dystopian future in which all human jobs are replaced by machines, I think it will improve our working lives. Human productivity will increase thanks to AI, and new occupations will appear to replace those made obsolete.
Moreover, I believe that our distinctively human talents, such as creativity, empathy, and critical thinking, will become even more precious and useful in the workplaces of the future as machines grow more intelligent and capable of performing more human duties.
2. Gene Technology- one of the most spoke future technologies.
An multidisciplinary branch of biology, genomics studies and modifies the DNA and genomes of many organisms. Gene editing refers to a suite of techniques used in genetic engineering to alter the DNA and chromosome structure of organisms.
The development of biotechnology has made it possible to alter the DNA within a cell, which in turn affects the features or qualities of its offspring. This could change the height, eye colour, and susceptibility to disease of individuals as well as the amount of leaves on plants. It means that in theory, any heritable trait of a live thing can be altered, which opens up a vast realm of possibilities.
Currently, the majority of gene-editing efforts are focused on improving medical care. Fixing DNA abnormalities that can cause fatal diseases like cancer and heart disease is one of the most fascinating ongoing research projects. Nonetheless, genetic manipulation and editing raise a plethora of ethical and legal concerns and “what if” questions unlike any other technology. Due to the lack of knowledge about the long-term effects of genome editing, the practise is now prohibited in many countries, including most of Europe.
It’s tempting to get carried away when thinking about the revolutionary potential of genomics, with its promise of curing diseases like cancer and even extending human life to unlimited lengths. Such revolutionary progress is, however, probably far off, assuming it is even conceivable at all. In the short run, it is more likely to be successful to focus on fixing smaller problems that will have an immediate real-world impact.
3. Computer-Human Interaction
When the human and computer are able to communicate with one another, it can lead to the development of wearable gadgets and technology that enhance human performance (both physically and cognitively) and allow us to live longer, happier, and healthier lives. Small, convenient gadgets that may be worn constantly to track our activity and provide insights to help us live healthier, better, and more productive lives are the most common types of wearables today.
When we talk about wearable technology, we often think of devices that you can attach to your wrist or another part of your body. However, the term wearable also encompasses smart clothing, such as running shoes that can track your gait and performance, as well as advances like robotic prosthetics and robotic wearable technology used in industrial settings.
The variety of wearables will increase as technology continues to shrink and get more sophisticated, and as time goes on, newer, smaller, smarter goods will appear and eventually replace the ones we’re used to using now. For instance, smart glasses have already been developed, but they will soon be superseded by smart contact lenses. After that, smart eye implants are expected to take the role of smart contact lenses.
Many people think that in the not-too-distant future, humans and machines will combine to create fully augmented humans, transhumans, or humans 2.0, in which the human body is modified in the same way a high-performance automobile’s engine is modified to improve its performance. This would revolutionise the medical field and, maybe, force us to rethink what it means to be human.
It’s possible that the gap between the wealthy and everyone else in society, the Haves and the Have-nots, will grow even wider in the future. There is hope that technological advancements will allow us to live longer and healthier lives, and even provide us with the option of immortality, although this will likely be reserved for the wealthy. Imagine a world where the wealthy enjoy immortality and privilege while the rest of us struggle to make ends meet. Given the enormous strain that will be placed on our earth, the ethical question of whether humans should want to live extremely long lives becomes more significant.
4. Extended Reality (XR)
The term “extended reality,” or “XR” for short, is used to describe the use of many technologies to the development of increasingly immersive digital experiences, such as VR, AR, and MR.
In practise, XR is being utilised to increase consumer involvement with brands, facilitate product testing, improve customer service, facilitate more efficient learning in the workplace, and enhance other aspects of business operations.
Experiential technologies (XR) present people with novel and fascinating opportunities to learn about and interact with the world around them. XR technology is already being used in the real world, and it has the potential to radically alter the way we engage with electronic devices. It’s been estimated that mobile augmented reality apps like Pokemon Go brought in over $3 billion worldwide last year. In addition to being the user interface into the real world, XR is also the gateway into the metaverse, the concept of a virtual universe where we can be whoever or whatever we want while exploring the digital world of gaming, meeting, and attending events, etc., as depicted in the film Ready Player One.
However, there are obvious hurdles to overcome in terms of accessibility and availability, as XR headsets can be expensive, cumbersome, and awkward. However, the likelihood of broad adoption will increase as the technology becomes more accessible, inexpensive, and user-friendly. Concerns about privacy and the possible effects of highly immersive technologies on users’ mental and physical health are among the most pressing.
5. 3D Printing
Using a digital model as a blueprint, additive manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing can construct a physical thing. While 3D printing may appear less high-tech than AI or gene editing, it has the potential to profoundly alter many sectors of the economy.
In the future, manufacturers may be able to produce replacement parts for machines on-site using 3D printing technology. 3D printers have the potential to replace whole production lines. Human organs for transplant, weaponry, and even food are all possible to print.
There are numerous benefits to using 3D printing technology, but there are also some drawbacks, difficulties, and obstacles to overcome. Even while it has the ability to lessen manufacturing’s environmental impact by reducing the number of materials required, the printers themselves may have an adverse effect on the environment.
IP holders face challenges from 3D printing because it is easier and cheaper for counterfeiters to make knockoffs of licenced products. One other issue is that it is relatively simple to build guns using a 3D printer. The possibility of widespread product customization via 3D printing is something I find very appealing. The versatility of 3D printing means that it can be used to make everything from one-of-a-kind sneakers to food that is tailored to each person’s dietary requirements.
Be on the lookout for these innovations; I think they could have the greatest long-term impact on human existence and society. Subscribe to my newsletter and read my books “Tech Trends in Practice” and “Business Trends in Practice” to learn more about these and other trends.
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