Without question, the world as we know it is going through a massive transformation. Over the past decade or so, we have made leaps and bounds from a technology standpoint. These days, just about everyone owns a smartphone, complete with mobile applications and cloud capability, and we’re now seeing affordable smart technology spreading into homes and businesses across the globe. Below are just a handful of cutting-edge technologies that will soon become commonplace around the world.
Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning
Scientists and developers are working to create technology that is capable of mimicking the thought process and cognitive ability of the human brain. Software robots can already perform everything from routine tasks to complex workflows, but with machine learning capability, those robots will be able to learn, interpret language and make decisions without the need for human intervention. Many big-name tech companies are already investing in AI, including Google and Facebook. As a result, this technology will become mainstreamed very soon.
Internet of Things (IoT)
Smart connectivity is already making its way into businesses and homes around the world. IoT is the blanket term for the network of advanced, connected devices all around us. It encompasses everything from our phones to wearable tech to appliances and more. Some great examples of IoT adoption include the ability to control the lights or temperature of your home with your smartphone or asking Alexa to put a movie on for you. Google, Amazon and Apple are among the well-known brands getting a jump on making IoT a normal part of our everyday lives.
Wearable Tech
Speaking of wearables, this market is growing at a feverish pace, with Google Glass, Fitbit and Apple Watch all racing to the finish line. We’re already relying on wearable devices to help us track our health and reach our fitness goals as well as navigate to our destinations via GPS. The not-so-distant future will allow us to manage many other aspects of our lives with tiny wearable tech, especially as these devices become more common and affordable.
3-D Printing
Your digital designs can now be brought to life in the form of an actual product thanks to the advances in 3-D printing capabilities. Simply input the dimensions and other relevant information and print out your design as a three-dimensional object. Materials can include everything from plastic to metal and even food! The possibilities are virtually endless, and since these printers are becoming more affordable, their use is also expected to rise.
Virtual Reality / Augmented Reality (VR / AR)
Last, but certainly not least, are the futuristic technologies of virtual and augmented reality. You may already have heard the buzz surrounding this immersive tech thanks to Mark Zuckerberg’s interest in its development. In fact, many have already experienced VR/AR in the form of gaming, particularly the massively popular Pokémon Go app. Given the amount of money and resources being poured into this niche, it’s highly likely that VR/AR will continue to impact other areas of our lives, including the way we learn and even how we shop. It will certainly be interesting to see.
Of course, these are just a few of the many emerging technologies that are set to revolutionize the way we live, work and play. We’d love to hear what you think about the tech of tomorrow, what you expect and how you feel about where the future is headed. Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.