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 on the global economy, the environment, or the social order.
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 that could positively disrupt the existing order, be attractive to investors and researchers, and enable scalability in the next five years while respecting sustainability… What are they?
1.- AI in the field of images and video
AI image and video generators are revolutionizing the design and art landscape. And the latest technological release from OpenAI with SORA videos or the Luma Dream Machine presents a revolutionary year. Some examples created 100% with AI:
The creation of videos with AI will be a “boom” for 2024, stay tuned!
Additionally, algorithms created by tech giants like Google, OpenAI with Dalle-2, Luma, or Midjourney, among others, have the ability to transform simple textual instructions into magnificent images that are pieces 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.
2.- Apple Vision Pro and Meta QUEST 3
The new augmented reality glasses developed by Apple, the Apple Vision Pro and the Meta QUEST 3, are changing how we see the world with cutting-edge technologies.
And it’s already crazy if we opt for the Ray Ban Meta frame, where you can ask Meta AI questions anywhere and receive answers, information, recommendations, etc.
These cutting-edge technology lenses allow you to overlay digital information on the real world around us. For example, imagine you want to design your house; with Apple Vision Pro, you can see a virtual screen design of how the renovation would look, just like that!
3.- Organs on demand
Every year, around 130,000 organ transplants are performed worldwide, but many more people die waiting for an organ.
Scientists are genetically modifying pigs whose organs could be transplanted into humans and even 3D printing lungs from the patient’s own cells. Advances that undoubtedly can have a significant impact on society.
4.- The creation and design of chips is changing
Another example of emerging technology is in the chip industry. Chip design has been in the hands of a small group of large corporations that were licensed by manufacturers. However, the emergence of the RISC-V standard… changes everything!
The RISC-V is changing this control scenario. Now, any entity has the ability to design a chip, offering fertile ground for startups and new companies to explore opportunities and possibilities in this field.
5.- Electric vehicles
Electric vehicles have been talked about for years, but their democratization for the more conventional market was resisted. Since 2019, movement in the market has begun to be seen, but in 2023 and 2024, sales levels are impressive.
Now, with new technologies, batteries are becoming cheaper, and governments have approved stricter emission standards or have completely banned gasoline vehicles.
Very important advances are being made in the recycling of batteries for electric cars
The main car manufacturers have committed to betting on fully electric vehicles, and consumers around the world are already discovering that there are more good reasons to buy an electric car than not to.
6.- AI for writing and data analysis
Artificial intelligence is changing the world in a surprising and very fast way. From new digital skills that were unthinkable a few years ago to tools that are streamlining data analysis or daily work in a forceful way.
What is expected of AI in the future? Everything indicates that the trend will be to use more ecosystems with AI in the coming years.
It has become a catalyst for the development of many new technologies (Research, robotics, IoT, big data) and everything indicates that this role will continue unabated according to Fortune Business.
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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