Emerging technologies
Which is the cutting-edge technology that will shape the world of tomorrow? Although the question may be simple, to answer it, a lot of data needs to be analyzed to try to understand which technological innovations will have a radical impact.
But… What are emerging technologies? Emerging technologies are advances and innovations that are in their initial process, of nascent nature, and have the potential to significantly transform existing processes, often offering notable advantages.
A new report supported by MIT Technology Review reveals some of the revolutionary emerging technologies … What are they?
1.- Realistic 3D World Generators
A new trend in artificial intelligence: systems trained on video and spatial data capable of generating 3D virtual environments from simple prompts, respecting physical laws such as gravity.
Their potential is enormous, especially for video game design and robots’ understanding of the physical environment. Key figures such as Yann LeCun and Fei-Fei Li are already driving their development, and major companies like Google have presented their first versions.
2.- Multi-vision Smart Glasses
Another trend in cutting-edge technology will be eyeglass frames equipped with artificial intelligence, cameras, sensors, microphones, and integrated displays to offer advanced features without the need to look at a mobile phone or an external screen.
Brands like META with the Ray Ban GEN 2 have already made this a reality desired by many. Main capabilities include:
- Visual and object recognition
- Real-time translation
- Voice assistant and contextual answers
- Field-of-view information and AI photo and video capture
These are “smart” glasses that combine computer vision with AI to help you process and understand visual and auditory information in real time without looking at a phone.
3.- AI in the Image and Video Field Consolidates
AI image and video generators are advancing by leaps and bounds. Runway, Kling AI, Hailuo AI, Luma Dream Machine, or the latest technological launch from Google with VEO 3 or Nano Banana Pro, present a revolutionary year. Some examples created 100% with VEO 3:
In 2026, AI video production will reach technical maturity, transforming the industry thanks to an unprecedented level of realism.
Furthermore, the new algorithms created by tech giants have the ability to transform simple textual instructions into magnificent images that are works of art.
Just write a concise description of what you want, and in moments, a visual representation materializes before your eyes. We are witnessing a radical change in artistic creation.
4.- Robotaxis
After several years of testing, robotaxis (autonomous cabs) will rise this year as an efficient means of transportation in major cities around the world.
Companies such as Waymo (Alphabet Inc.) who are pioneers, Cruise (General Motors), Tesla or Zoox will have a significant expansion of robotaxi services in various cities around the world.
Although its expansion this year will be remarkable, it is still important to address challenges such as regulation, infrastructure and public acceptance to ensure a safe and successful implementation of this technology.
5.- Domestic Robotics on the Rise
Thanks to generative artificial intelligence, robotic technology is undergoing a significant shift in its generalized learning.
Today’s automatons are capable of multitasking, pushing past the boundaries of the industrial sector and fully entering the domestic world. This 2026, this trend has been clearly showcased at CES:
6.- Personhood Credentials
The advancement of AI is also making it increasingly difficult to distinguish the real from the artificial on the internet, due to the ease of creating hyper-realistic avatars and digital agents.
Interest is growing in personhood credentials, systems that verify the identity and human authenticity of users.
Major institutions are working on digital identity tokens that, after an initial in-person verification, would allow secure authentication in sensitive services such as banking, using cryptography to guarantee identity.
7.- Bioplastics to improve the circular economy
Less than 15% of the world’s plastic is recycled, and the rest is incinerated, abandoned, or sent to landfills. Biodegradable plastic offers a solution but lacked resistance compared to conventional materials.
The idea of using cellulose or lignin from plant waste is revolutionizing biodegradable plastic by increasing the material’s resistance without using crops intended for human consumption.
It will improve the concept of the circular economy and, therefore, the environment (Plastic packaging represents 17% of waste in Spain). Of interest also is seeing stronger and more sustainable concrete thanks to carrots.
8. – Social robots
Another important advance in technology is social robots, which can recognize voices, faces, and emotions, interpret speech patterns and gestures, and even establish eye contact, not to mention that with them, you have a clean house.
These new “friends” and assistants are becoming part of everyday life and are increasingly used to care for the elderly, educate children, and perform all kinds of intermediate tasks.
9.- Metalenses
The manufacturing of lenses for mobile phones, computers, and other electronic devices has surpassed the capabilities of traditional glass cutting and curving techniques.
Advances in physics have led to miniaturized and lighter alternatives than current lenses, called metalenses or flat lenses. They are tiny, thin, and flat, which could replace the bulky glass lenses existing in any microscope, cameras, screens, phones, etc.
Metalenses reduce weight, volume, and produce lenses thinner than a sheet of paper
10.- Stopping disordered proteins
Diseases like prostate cancer, Alzheimer’s, or Parkinson’s are associated with proteins with a common characteristic, consisting of having disordered regions, apparently without a rigid three-dimensional structure.
Now, scientists have found a way for a treatment to take effect and slow down diseases, offering new possibilities to patients.
11.- DNA-based data storage
Our data storage systems use a lot of energy and cannot keep up with the ever-increasing amounts of data we produce. In less than a century, they are expected to reach their capacity.
However, pioneering research is using DNA-based data storage as a low-energy alternative to computer hard drives, with enormous capacity.
An estimate suggests that all the world’s data for a year could be stored in a DNA cube of just one square meter. An example of emerging technology that seems futuristic:
The article referred to in the video about the discovery made by Microsoft can be seen from HERE.
12.- Smarter and more sustainable fertilizers
Recent improvements in fertilizers have focused on their ability to slowly release nutrients when needed. However, they still contain ammonia, urea, and potash that harm the environment.
The new fertilizers use more environmentally friendly nitrogen sources and microorganisms that improve plant absorption.
13.- Collaborative telepresence
Imagine a video conference where you not only feel like you are in the same room as the other attendees but can also feel the contact.
A mix of Augmented and Virtual Reality, Artificial Intelligence, 5G networks, and advanced sensors will allow entrepreneurs from different places to physically exchange handshakes or doctors to work remotely with patients as if they were in the same room.
Although it may seem crazy, according to the report… “collaborative telepresence is still emerging, but all the pieces are in place for it to become a reality in a short term, three to five years.”
As a note, you can look at the article on how artificial intelligence will change the way we see architecture.
14.- Tracking technology for food
Around 600 million people consume contaminated food each year, and it is essential to immediately locate the source of the outbreak.
What used to take days or even weeks to track can now be traced in minutes with new futuristic technologies, using blockchain technology to monitor every step of a food product’s progress through the supply chain.
The possibilities are multiple. For example, the OpenSC Project (the new company developed by WWF and BCG Digital) wants you to know not only what you eat but how it got to your plate to ensure sustainable and legal food.
Meanwhile, sensors in packaging can indicate when food is about to expire, reducing the need to waste entire batches once the expiration date is reached.
15.- Safer nuclear reactors
Although nuclear energy does not emit carbon dioxide, reactors have the risk of fuel rods overheating, and when mixed with water, they produce hydrogen, which can explode. (The most well-known nuclear fuel is uranium because it is the most used in fission nuclear reactors)
New fuels are emerging that are much less likely to overheat, and if they do, they will produce little or no hydrogen. These new configurations can replace existing fuel rods with few modifications.
16.- Large-scale renewable energy storage
The storage of electricity generated by renewable energies when there is no sun or wind has been a barrier that has hindered its acceptance.
Lithium-ion batteries will dominate storage technology in the next decade, and continuous advances should result in batteries that can store up to eight hours of energy, long enough for solar-generated energy to meet peak night demand.
17.- The end of endless passwords
Digital security is one of the fundamental pillars of a modern society, which practically has its entire life and part of its work in a digital ecosystem.
Significant advances are being made in the world of passwords by major tech companies. Facial authentication through biometric and even ocular features is already a reality and is being democratized for the general public.
18.- Autonomous agents
It is clear that artificial intelligence is rapidly entering society, but there is an evolution that will dramatically change the landscape. The so-called Autonomous AI Agents.
The Autonomous Agents (Autonomous agents) could be said to be the improved version of artificial intelligence. They will be independent programs based on artificial intelligence that, based on defined orders and objectives, autonomously and without human intervention, the software will seek ways to complete the objectives. For example…
This will mean a technological revolution that is already being implemented in the most cutting-edge companies in many countries.
19.- Military drones are democratized
A few years ago, military drones were relegated to the great military superpowers worldwide, both due to their costs and strict export controls.
Technological advances have helped drone manufacturers build complex machines at much lower prices. Their democratization will be the future of the Military Forces, although undoubtedly, it is not good for the planet.
What benefits do emerging technologies bring?
Emerging technology offers significant improvements in efficiency and effectiveness in various sectors such as health, education, and engineering. They are instrumental in reducing costs and expanding the availability of new services, making them accessible to a broader population.
- Innovation: They foster innovation and the development of new products and services.
- Efficiency: They increase efficiency and reduce costs and operation times.
- Personalization: They allow the adaptation of products and services to specific needs.
- Automation: They automate repetitive tasks, freeing up human time.
- Data analysis: They offer tools to process and analyze large volumes of data.
- Sustainability: They contribute to more ecological and sustainable practices.
- Access to information: They improve access to information for informed decision-making.
- Health and well-being: They advance technologies for health care and well-being.
- Connectivity: They increase global connectivity and smooth communication.
- Security: They integrate advanced measures to protect data and privacy.
- Education: They enhance tools and platforms for interactive and remote learning.
- Inclusion: They provide access to services and opportunities to a broader population.
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