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Technology is relentlessly evolving. Although not every technology billed as the next breakthrough may have significant impact, some will end up altering the business or social landscape, as we know it. The ones that you need to watch out for are the technologies that have the potential to disrupt the status quo, and alter the very fabric of how certain functions/ issues are addressed today. Truly great technologies solve problems that we haven’t anticipated yet. This is our list of the top technology trends we see gaining traction in the next five years.
Top technology trends for the next five years:
Advanced robotics is gaining immense traction, with robots or robotic tools taking care of tasks ranging from the mundane to the extremely delicate. Robots capable of ‘sensing’ their surroundings, remarkable dexterity and intelligence are allowing us to automate tasks for better efficiency, safety, and cost savings. Robotic surgical systems, for instance, have a great potential for making painful surgical procedures less invasive, and robotic prosthetics can restore fatally impaired functions for amputees and the elderly. IT support Vermont specializes in providing support for deployment of emerging technologies like Advanced Robotics.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
If there is one ability, we haven’t really been able to outsource – it’s the ability to make rational decisions without prejudice and solve complex problems. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are dual technologies that are designed to emulate this critical problem-solving skill without the need for human intervention. AI/ML technologies have the ability to make decisions based on data, pre-defined rules, and the outcomes achieved from earlier decisions. These technologies truly have the potential to ‘learn’ and solve higher order problems, which is resulting in them driving many of the allied technologies emerging in their wake.
With real-time data processing needs on the rise, edge computing is witnessing a surge in uptake. Edge computing essentially involves data being processed very close to the source of data generation, so no time is lost in data transit.
The first commercial quantum computer is likely to arrive within this decade. According to Google’s Quantum AI Laboratory, smaller application of quantum technologies is likely to be commercially available in the next five years. While the exact application and potential of adoption of quantum computing in niche industries is as yet unclear, the technology is predicted to help businesses increase revenue, reduce costs and significantly reduce infrastructural investments.
- Wearables and augmented humans
Fitness trackers look like primitive technology when pitted against the forecasts of wearable technology predicted to augment human capacities. Physical tracking itself is set to witness major improvements beyond fitness tracking, wherein it may be used to assess someone’s current physical condition and deliver emergency assistance wherever required.
- Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality
Goldman Sachs estimates that the virtual and augmented reality industry is likely to reach a market value of $80 billion by 2025. The applications range far beyond gaming and entertainment, and most technologists are betting on the emergence of an ecosystem of apps for consumers and enterprises. IT Consulting Vermont has great resources if you are looking to get started with Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality application development.
- Voice interfaces and chatbots
Love talking to Alexa or Siri? With the emergence of smart homes and many other voice-controlled technologies, speaking through voice interfaces and chatbots is likely to become even more prevalent. Businesses are already starting to increasingly rely on voice interfaces and chatbots for more personalized customer interactions.
- Autonomous vehicles/drones
Autonomous vehicles and/or drones are no longer the fodder of science fiction. They are real, and more importantly, likely to be commercially viable very soon. Although the applications have so far been limited to the military and research facilities, the societal impact of autonomous vehicles can be far-reaching. The ability to remotely maneuver vehicles in search and rescue missions, firefighting, law enforcement, and transportation can literally save lives and minimize risk. Many people are now interested in using the drone because of its unique specs. If you want to know what is good about these gadgets, you can click Dronesinsite for more information.
A recent report highlighted 64 different use cases of blockchain technology across a range of 200 companies. Clearly, this secure method of storing, authenticating, and protecting data has many applications beyond banking and cryptocurrencies. The ability to secure contracting and transacting is likely to drive widespread commercial adoption of blockchain technologies. IT support Vermont helps local financial companies secure their transactions through blockchain.
Some industry estimates show that by the end of this decade, there will be nearly 50 billion to nearly 1 trillion connected devices. The smart device’s ability to constantly gather, process, and transmit data is further driving the growth in Big Data and AI. For the first time, data processing of this kind will allow companies insights into their business and customers like never before. This will allow companies to make smarter, data-driven business, and marketing decisions that they were hitherto forced to make on instincts and good business judgment.
The fifth generation of cellular network technology is not just faster. It enables more secure and real-time data processing and connectivity at a scale that simply wasn’t possible before. Currently, mobile networking solutions are essentially being designed not just to deliver the speed, latency and security for seamless connectivity, but to enable decision-making on the move in a dynamic environment, such as an automated factory floor or an autonomous vehicle or a moving hospital on wheels. The possibilities of potential use cases for 5G are virtually limitless.
With threats accelerating at an unprecedented pace, defensive technologies are forced to evolve to mitigate risks. Building an efficient defensive posture is no longer a ‘once and done’ scenario, as it needs continuous threat monitoring, and evolving to develop and deploy defensive strategies as per the needs presented by the current threat. We will likely see the adoption of more and more AI-enabled defense systems in the next five years. For more information, please refer to this article on AI in IoT security.
About Steve Loyer:
Steve Loyer is the president and CEO of Tech Group, LLC. Managed IT Services Vermont company. With over 25 years of sales and service experience in network and network security solutions, Steve has earned technical and sales certificates from Microsoft, Cisco, Hewlett Packard, Citrix, Sonicwall, Symantec, McAfee, Barracuda and American Power Conversion. Steve graduated from Vermont Technical College with a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology. Check out his blog at https://tgvt.net/blog/.
