Our lives continue to be significantly transformed by the wide-reaching and exponentially growing technology innovations of today. As of now, the fastest-tracking digital transformation is the COVID pandemic, according to an article by Bernard Marr, an internationally bestselling author, futurist, keynote speaker, and strategic advisor to companies and governments.
As change continues to consist in our current world and the world of technology, let’s dive into the top three technology trends of the 4th industrial revolution.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) help us improve our ability to learn, acquire and apply knowledge and intelligently make decisions. Through AI and ML, we can now perform actions and predict future outcomes based on key learnings from data and continuously improve.
AI is on the surge to transforming our world. People already use AI daily, even if they don’t realize it. Examples of AI include Google searches, Amazon product recommendations, personalized suggestions from Netflix, and even security processes for fraudulent credit card use. AI gives machines the ability to carry out a wide range of human-like processes, such as seeing (facial recognition), writing (chatbots), and speaking (Alexa).
AI will continue to infiltrate into nearly all aspects of our lives as the machines get significantly smarter and gain more intelligence through experience. As the global tech market continues to boom, AI and ML will serve as the foundation for modern tech-driven innovations.
The 5G Network
Networking technology helps develop a smarter, more connected world. More is happening with increased bandwidth and coverage, from email to web browsing, location-based services, and streaming video and games.
Next-in-line to the 4G-LTE, the fifth generation of cellular network technology promises much faster, reliable, and stable wireless networking. 5G ensures a shift to constant connectivity amongst devices to enable more prosperous and diverse data streams.
5G further promises rapid transfers of larger data volumes, bringing significant changes to a wide range of industries. According to a landmark 5G economy study, 5G’s full economic effect will likely be realized across the globe by 2035—supporting a wide range of industries and potentially enabling up to $13.2 trillion worth of goods and services. In addition to higher multi-Gbps peak data speeds, the 5G network will also be able to connect devices within a geographical area.
Cloud & Edge Computing
Cloud computing stores and processes massive amounts of data in realtime through a virtual data center backed by a network. Cloud service providers such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft allow companies to host all vital IT infrastructures in their cloud rather than within an organization’s digital walls. This helps companies reduce overhead costs and maintain individual systems, software, and data.
Edge computing also processes data, but at the other end of the scale with smaller devices such as smartphones. Rather than using remote data centers, edge computing happens up-close-and-personal on the frontline of business operations. Instead of sending every piece of information collected by cameras, scanners, handheld terminals, sensors, etc., to the cloud, edge devices carry out some or all of the processing at the source where the data is collected.