List of 14 Emerging Technologies That Will Change Our World

Business owners and managers must prepare for technological changes to compete in the market. New technologies help businesses meet market demands, maintain healthy competition, and satisfy customers.

Emerging technologies and innovations are making waves in several industries, such as health, entertainment, and construction. An example of an emerging technology positively impacting our world is Artificial Intelligence (AI).

This article covers the top 14 emerging technologies that can change the world in the future.

1. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an interdisciplinary science with multiple approaches, such as machine learning and deep learning.

AI inventions offer more comprehensive methods of imitating human cognitive reasoning than traditional computer operations.

AI characteristics include:

• Intelligent Reasoning
• Analysis of Complex Tasks
• Generalization of Operations
• Referencing Millions of Previous Experiences

This technology has reduced business workloads, improved individual productivity, and enhanced execution flexibility, especially in large organizations.

AI automatically analyzes repetitive human actions and develops a suitable routine approach for handling tasks to meet specific goals.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is evident in all spheres of life. You can find AI software in medicine, search engines, and voice recognition and interpretation.

Businesses use AI algorithms to interact with various online services such as social media, e-commerce websites, and online banking.

AI Future Use Cases

The end goal of AI is to translate and fully understand human languages. Scientists at the World Economic Forum (WEF) predicted that AI would change the human experience more than any technology in human history.

AI systems will play an increased role in every aspect of human life, including:

• Medical Diagnosis: AI can contain all the information on human health in human history. With future advancements in AI systems, they can compete with or outperform the best human doctors.
• Financial Services: Now, many banking services are automated. Future AI devices can completely replace many bankers, especially in investment banking. AI can analyze and predict the best stocks to pay for and where to invest money for maximum profit.
• Translation and Linguistics: AI aims to understand human language and intelligence. Currently, AI machines can only translate over 100 languages, while there are over 7,000+ languages worldwide. Future AI will translate more human languages accurately, helping to break the language barrier and improve communication.
• Running a Business: AI advancements will lead to AI robots being the world’s best CEOs. Business leaders will rely less on managers and more on competent AI tools for running their businesses.

2. Biometrics

Sensor technologies such as fingerprints, and face or voice locks are biological markers for identifying users in a biometric system.

Biometrics uses individual characteristics to secure the user device against hackers.

Passwords are easy to forget and subject to hacking. As new cybersecurity developments set in, passwords will become less popular. Biometrics technology promises quick access and better security for sensitive data.

Biometrics Future Use Cases

• Health Care: Further advancements in biometrics will result in reading DNA signatures, odor recognition, and heartbeat pattern recognition. Hospitals can use biometric scanners to locate patient medical records easily.
• Advanced Digital Security for the IT Industry: Cybercrimes are on the rise globally, and there is a need for better digital security techniques to protect company information. Biometric companies are designing more advanced body markers to prevent identity theft.
• Airport Security: Airports can use biometric technology like facial recognition to offer a better flight experience to passengers. With facial recognition technology and fingerprint sensors, passengers will no longer need to carry passports or flight tickets.

3. Blockchain Technology

Blockchain technology is used in several industries, such as health, logistics, and finance. Organizations need reliable technology to manage transactions, protect vital information, and generate revenue.

The beauty of blockchain technology lies in its decentralized nature. There is no one authority or group of authorities who can control decisions. Everyone in the blockchain has the same data and power.

No surprise that the use of blockchain technology will grow across numerous industries. Sectors like hospitals can use blockchain technology to store and distribute medical records.

Blockchain Technology Future Use Cases

• Finance: Blockchain technology can efficiently track financial assets. The transparent ledger system can make monitoring and managing the inflow and outflow of cash considerably simpler. Banks can use blockchain to quickly open accounts and resolve any issues that may arise during transactions.
• Logistics: Advanced blockchain technologies are to change the logistics landscape. Blockchain will probably improve inventory tracking, create a fair freight marketplace, and manage problems with global supply chains.
• Cyber Security: Blockchain will help further strengthen cyber security using ledger technology and decentralization principles.
• Cloud Storage: Using cryptography to encrypt the data may decrease unapproved data tampering and better secure your information from hackers.

Blockchain is still in its infancy and will diversify in future use cases. As a result, there are many job opportunities in the industry.

• Blockchain Solutions Architect
• Blockchain UX Designer
• Blockchain Project Manager
• Blockchain Quality Engineer
• Blockchain Developer
• Blockchain Legal Consultant

Now is the best time to integrate your business into blockchain technology before the competition heats up.

4. 5G and the Internet Of Things (IoT)

Imagine what 5G technology with the Internet of Things (IoT) can do for our world!

The intended impacts of 5G and IoT on our global scale include:

• There is no information break in the workplace because of intelligent power consumption, low latency, and increased bandwidth signals.
• Smart homes with IoT sensors help improve the home experience.
• Widespread use of Virtual Reality (VR) and Mixed Reality (MR) devices.

IoT is a driving force for futuristic 5G wireless technology. Smart cities, home robotics, wearable devices, mobile phones, and computers have become a channel of expression for this emerging technology.

Industrial IoT trends are becoming popular in manufacturing, healthcare, and other industrial sectors. IoT has the potential to open up new business opportunities, provide detailed insights, enable predictive maintenance, and improve system efficiency.

5G and the Internet Of Things (IoT) Future Use Cases

• Health Care Industry: 5G and IoT devices will improve the health industry. Patients will not have to visit the hospital to receive medical attention. With the help of 5G and IoT, doctors can remotely treat patients from rural locations and even perform remote surgeries.
• Safer Driving: Self-driven cars and motion sensors will reduce traffic jams and accidents globally, assist vehicle parking and prevent collisions.
• Smart Cities: Countries will use IoT and 5G to power smart cities. IoT has the potential to solve commute problems for workers, prevent traffic gridlocks, and support remote learning and working.

5. Natural Language Processing (NLP)

Natural Language Processing (NLP) is an AI subset that enables computers to analyze and understand human language.

Humans depend on computers to input data or instructions to devices. Interpreting specific human languages with machine learning algorithms can take time and effort, especially with words that have the same pronunciation but different meanings.

NLP is essential to the operation of online translators. If you think back a few years, only simple sentences could be accurately translated by computer software. Thanks to NLP, you can translate full websites into and from almost any language.

When you enter keywords on search engines like Google and Bing, NLP enables these engines to understand the intent behind each word and display the most relevant search results.

Natural Language Processing (NLP) Future Use Cases

• Search Engines: Improvements in NLP technology will make search engines provide more accurate results for your searches. The future of NLP will see machines understand human language, enabling us to interact with machines like humans.
• Education: NLP advancements can considerably improve the learning experience for students and tutors. Students can write better essays with comprehensive feedback from NLP solutions. Also, struggling readers can boost their reading comprehension with NLP algorithms.

6. Quantum Computing

Quantum computing uses the principles of quantum theory to solve complex problems. This new technological trend helps prevent the world's most deadly diseases from spreading and is useful in developing vaccines.

Quantum Computing Future Use Cases

• Automotive Industry: The automobile sector can gain from quantum computing in research and development, product design, supply chain, and traffic management. Quantum computing can help reduce manufacturing costs and shorten production cycles.
• Pharmaceutical Industry: Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies will use quantum computing for faster and more accurate molecular comparisons in medication research.
• Manufacturing Aid: Quantum computers can assist businesses in operations and manufacturing by resolving supply chain challenges without disrupting complex supply networks.

7. Automation Process (AP) and Robotics

The CompTIA emerging technology community listed Automation Process (AP) as one of the top emerging technologies.

Process automation and robotics are subfields of AI technology that involve programming computer applications to replace many human activities for more productivity.

These technologies may considerably decrease strenuous labor and improve work conditions. Let’s be optimistic about it.

Automation Process (AP)

Businesses use process automation, such as automated sales, to attract leads instead of manually keeping up with sales records.

Process automation enables organizations to market their brands, study customer behavior, and respond to negative reviews of unsatisfied customers.

Robotics

Many manufacturing firms invest in robotics to help reduce the workloads of factory workers and save time and energy for other human tasks.

A typical example of robotic technology is the Unimate robot with an arm manipulator designed to perform a repetitive task. The Unimate is the oldest industrial robot.

Top robotic firms like Universal Robots, Mitsubishi Robotics, and iRobots are developing robots for space travel, ocean exploration, and health care.

Automation Process (AP) and Robotics Future Use Cases

• Healthcare: Robotics advancements will help with surgeries and provide a safer environment for healthcare workers and patients. Hospitals can use robots to clean and disinfect surgical tools to prevent infections.
• Space Exploration: Using robots in space exploration will make the travel safer for humans. NASA and other private space exploration companies like Blue Origin are building robots capable of navigating their way into space.
• Manufacturing: Robotics improves manufacturing processes. Large manufacturing companies will use AI robots to transport materials between locations and assemble or inspect materials.

8. Virtual/Augmented Reality

Virtual Reality (VR) uses computer simulation to engage users in an artificial third-dimensional experience. Augmented Reality (AR) mixes digital elements and real-world content to provide an interactive experience for users.

VR and AR technologies are not only growing in the gaming industry. They extend to training, such as simulation software for training U.S military personnel.

In the coming decades, Virtual/Augmented Reality will play larger roles in our world and work with other AI technologies.

Examples of Virtual/Augmented Reality in use:

• Extended Reality technologies train medical practitioners, especially for surgeries.
• Museum guests enjoy a better viewing experience.
• Improved fun park themes for recreational activities.
• Extended Reality enhances the world’s marketing scheme, for example, the Pepsi Max bus shelter.

Organizations use Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) to improve operational efficiency and enhance execution flexibility.

Did you know that 14 million AR and VR device sales were recorded in 2019? The global VR and AR market will upscale to $209.2 billion by 2023.

Virtual/Augmented Reality Future Use Cases

• Education: Virtual and Augmented Realities can improve the learning experience for students. They can better examine and understand certain concepts through 3D images.
• Visual Tour: Augmented Reality will help improve your touring experience. Museums can use AR to provide tourists with a better tour of their exhibits and historical pieces.
• Training: Companies will use Virtual and Augmented Realities to offer better training to their employees. For example, medical schools can use VR and AR to teach their students practical lessons.
• Clothing and Fashion: VR and AR devices can help shoppers feel how different clothing items will look on them.

9. Smarter AI Devices

Smart Artificial Intelligence (AI) devices provide more flexible and effective living. These devices include wearables, mobile phones, computers, home-based appliances, working equipment, and human robots.

Smarter AI Devices Future Use Cases

• Self-Driving Vehicles: AI advancements will result in self-driving automobiles and trucks that can understand traffic and weather situations without human intervention.
• Industrial Supervision: A manufacturer might use AI devices more precisely to map workloads and track how quickly equipment wears out.
• Agriculture: Farmers will use locational technology with environmental sensors and field equipment to automate and maximize their yield.

10. Renewable Energy Solution

With recent technological improvements, our environment, homes, offices, and schools are beneficiaries of renewable energy solutions.

In the past decade, maintenance cost, life span, and operation costs were first-hand considerations for using renewable energy technologies.

Integrating renewable energies such as photovoltaic solar, wind, and hydroelectric energy into smart grids makes them more affordable and accessible for large-scale use.

Renewable Energy Future Use Cases

The ultimate dream of global environmentalists is to replace coal and petroleum with renewable energy sources like solar power. Increased use of renewable energy will make the environment healthier and reduce the threat of global warming.

Other future uses cases of renewable energy include:

• Commercial Transport: Eco machines will replace the current ones in the water, air, and land. There will be much more solar-powered cars, bikes, trains, trucks, ships, and planes.
• Sustainable Housing: Many houses will run solely on solar power. And communities that are cut off from electricity will use solar energy to create their electricity supply.

11. Datafication Technology

Today we have more data than ever. You need powerful technology to make meanings out of different data types.

Datafication is converting human activities into data and turning them into valuable information. Data storage has become an in-demand skill in our world.

This emerging technology leads to a higher need for data scientists, IT professionals, technicians, managers, and engineers.

Businesses can use Datafication technology to improve operations, increase productivity, and maintain revenue.

Datafication Technology Future Use Cases

• Banking: Banks will use customers’ financial data to better predict loan risk ratios. Also, financial institutions can conduct statistical analysis to help determine the best investment options.
• Advertising: Improvements in Datafication technology will help advertising platforms provide users with more relevant ads.

12. Serverless Computing

Serverless computing is a cloud computing model called Function as a Service (FaaS) that allows users to build and run applications on demand. The cloud service provider is responsible for distributing and maintaining server resources.

Function as a Service (FaaS) offers a consumption-based platform that helps software developers cost-effectively deploy applications.

Organizations can save money with Serverless computing. You only get charged for the service you use, as against traditional models where you pay for the full service.

Serverless Computing Future Use Cases

• Swift Computation: Serverless computing will improve computation, making it faster and easier for developers to create new software. In the future, serverless computing may become mainstream, replacing the current server infrastructures.
• Entrepreneurship: Innovative entrepreneurs will use serverless computing to create cost-efficient and scalable SaaS startups.
• Edge Integration: It will maximize the benefits of cloud and Edge computing to drive faster business processes and computation.

13. 3D Printing

3D printing is converting digital files into three-dimensional objects. This emerging technology supports the live printing of objects.

Different industries use 3D printing to design three-dimensional prototypes and build blueprints, body models, and 3D representations of players in virtual games.

Graphics designers use 3D printing to show “real-life” designs to improve service quality. The medical world uses 3D printing to create tissues, surgical tools, and custom-made prosthetics.

3D printing is creating new job opportunities like:

• Artificial Intelligence Engineer
• Organs and Prosthetics Designer
• Robotics Trainer
• Prototyping Engineer

3D Printing Future Use Cases

• Medical Sector: 3D printing may transform the medical sector. For example, 3D printed pills will probably make drugs much cheaper. Medical practitioners will use 3D printing for surgeries and prosthetics.
• Manufacturing: Manufacturers can reduce costs by producing goods through 3D printing. With manufacturers switching to 3D printing, the environment will benefit, as less waste is produced compared to traditional manufacturing processes.
• Housing and Construction: 3D printing goes beyond printing small items. New housing and construction projects will be possible with 3D printing advancements.

14. Genomics

Genomics studies genomes (an organism's DNA). The health industry can benefit from genomics by better managing and detecting gene changes and mutations.

Genomics opens up jobs like:

• Genetics Engineering
• Software Engineering
• Bioinformatics Analyst
• Genome Research Analyst

Genomics Future Use Cases

• Education: The knowledge of Genomics will improve the learning experience for different students. Behavioral scientists will use Genomics to help students with learning disabilities receive individualized instructions.
• Sports: Sports managers and talent specialists will use genomics to spot potential talents and improve athletes’ performance.
• Healthcare: Medical practitioners may diagnose diseases earlier and treat patients with genomics. Studying genes can help pharmaceutical companies develop more accurate vaccines and drugs for different patient types.

Was This Article Helpful?