Technology has long since been one of the most influential industries out there. It is ever-evolving, always moving forward with the latest and greatest, making it difficult to keep track of at times. Technology often manages to streamline processes, make unthinkable tasks and concepts possible, and speed up jobs.
With that in mind, celebrating National Technology Day on May 11 feels even more timely, as embracing technology is the way of the future. You can think of technology as a fast-moving train, there is no stopping it – one either needs to get out of the way or get on board.
Here we’ll highlight some of the biggest and most exciting technology being perfected and improved upon right now. Each of these technologies has the potential to transform people’s lives and jobs.
Artificial Intelligence
The first one to point out has to be artificial intelligence or AI. This technology has certainly been popping up in news cycles on the regular over the past year or so, and granted it’s not always in a positive way. Using AI to imitate musicians, actors, and so forth has people asking if guardrails need to be put in place. The fact is that there is so much potential with AI, that no one can fully understand just where it will go.
AI refers to machine learning, which means machines are capable of learning, making decisions, acting on decisions, going about tasks, analyzing data, and even predicting outcomes on their own. There are so many positive ways it can help people in their lives and with their jobs when the technology is implemented properly.
Augmented Reality
If you don’t consider yourself very high-tech, the concept of augmented reality can seem a bit overwhelming. It employs digital 3D overlays over real-life objects. While this isn’t new technology, it is becoming more mainstream thanks to a drop in hardware costs and more user-friendly features. It has advanced so much that even the everyday person can now find practical and fun uses for it.
Apple Vision Pro Goggles
The discussion of augmented reality leads seamlessly into this next technology, which is Apple Vision Pro Goggles. These created such a fuss when they were released that warnings had to be made about safe usage of the goggles, and where to wear them. While these remain out of reach for the majority right now, mainly thanks to the high price tag, just like all technology expect this to change over the coming years.
The goggles are described as a “mixed-reality headset” since they combine AR and VR tech. When you’re wearing them, you can either use the AR overlay on your existing environment or opt for VR and enter a virtual environment different from yours. Right now, the goggles can be used to run and access such things as your photos, books, notes, maps, FaceTime, and more. It may not be a lot right now, but as technology advances, the usage will change dramatically.
Extended Reality
So we’ve covered virtual reality and augmented reality, but what about extended reality? This is taking the technology another step forward, opening the door to even more possibilities. Extended reality is just an umbrella term since it encompasses a variety of tech. Under the umbrella are augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality. Thanks to the seemingly limitless possibilities of extended reality, it is not just catching the eye of video gamers but also medical specialists.
As for how it can change jobs, those working in the field of video game designers, software developers, creative directors, and extended reality architects will likely be relying on extended reality in no time.
3D Printing
You may be asking why 3D printing is on the list since it technically isn’t new. These printers were first invented in 1981 but the technology has been slow to catch on in the mainstream. There have been a lot of advancements made in the process, the speed, the materials used, the accuracy, and the cost of 3D printers making them much more accessible and pertinent.
Today 3D printing can be used for a wide array of applications and products. Some of the most popular include:
- Prosthetics
- Healthcare
- Automotive prototypes
- Specific car parts
- Dentistry
- Surgical instruments
- Manufacturing
- Consumer products
It’s like the floodgates have opened and this technology finally seems to be getting its well-deserved credit.
Gene Editing Technology
Those working in the field of genomics are thrilled with the advancements gene technology has made, as it is making such things as editing DNA sequences and genetic engineering possible. The technology has helped to get them past hurdles that once existed, allowing them to advance their research and the applications that the research assists.
5G Networks
As 5G networks expand, expect this to have a positive impact on your personal and work life. The big pros to 5G technology are faster peak data speeds, enhanced reliability, much lower latency, more availability, bigger network capacity, and better overall performance. Any device that uses wireless connectivity will benefit from 5G technology.
What’s even more shocking is the concept of 6G is already being talked about, so this is an area where technology never rests or slows down.
Robotics
Robotics is another obvious area in which technology will transform people’s lives and jobs. Robotics can speed up jobs, increase accuracy, prevent human errors from occurring, allow for more pinpointed tasks, and make life easier in general. Sure, we still don’t have robots doing all our chores for us at home, but the future is very bright thanks to AI improvements and the investments made in this technology.
Lab-Grown Meat
This particular technology doesn’t come without criticism, but at its core the innovation and technology used for lab-grown meat is impressive. Food scarcity in the world is very real, and it is a growing problem. Thanks to climate change, countries that may not have ever experienced food scarcity may be facing down the barrel in the future.
Not only can lab-grown meat help address food scarcity but it can significantly reduce the carbon footprint that large livestock farms produce. The idea is that it makes the meat more sustainable, cost-effective, more caring, and more environmentally friendly.
Space Tourism
Next up we have space tourism. Again, this technology is one you’ve likely heard a lot about in the past couple of years with several private companies launching people into space. Space tourism can include lunar, suborbital, and orbital and is meant to give paying tourists a chance to experience space.
It’s a huge step, and it’s far from mainstream, but many are predicting this will be the next frontier to be conquered in space. No longer will it be just for professionally trained astronauts to experience.
Smart City
Lastly, we have the concept of smart cities. These aren’t just a cool idea, they are happening now across the country and the world. To put it in simple terms, a smart city makes use of a variety of smart sensors. These can collect important data electronically, which then helps the city to run more efficiently and effectively.
Think of a city as a factory that needs improving, that’s pretty much what a smart city delves into. The operational side of things becomes smoother, which improves sustainability, city services, and even the quality of life for residents.