Emerging Technologies In Next 10 Years
We’re not talking about rockets, but biotechnology, robotics and 3D printing. We’re talking connected machines and people, and big data analytics. The Internet of Things is an example. Even trash cans are computerized, and connected humans can analyze that big data.
Biotechnology
Using horizon scanning, a committee looked at the horizon of biotechnology products for the next five to 10 years. The idea is to identify early signs of new developments. Horizon scanning is a common practice worldwide and has an established precedent in health technologies. This committee identified promising areas of biotechnology.
For example, companies are now developing new ways to deliver drugs to the body. One such innovation is exosomes, which are extracellular bubbles of cytoplasm and liquid that can reach virtually all body tissues. The technology is still in its early stages, but some experts predict a steady growth rate. Nanoparticles are another example of a promising new development in biotechnology. The ability to manipulate human cells and genomes could result in customized drugs.
Another area of development is big data. This technology can be used to improve clinical trial recruitment and study the emergence of new microbes. In addition, synthetic biology can be applied in a variety of sectors, including cell engineering for therapy and automated coronavirus testing. In addition, companies like Twist Bioscience produce synthetic DNA on silicon chips, which can be used for Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). Next-Generation Sequencing is an efficient tool for profiling the genetics of different populations. This technology is expected to simplify the process of drug discovery and development.
Robotics
One of the most important goals of robotics is to help humans do their jobs better. Robots are far better at crunching numbers, moving with precision, and lifting heavier objects than humans. However, they still lag behind humans when it comes to reasoning, abstracting, and generalizing. Humans have the advantage of previous experience, which helps them understand complex situations.
As these technologies improve, robotics will become more accessible and more ubiquitous. These technologies will improve our quality of life and enable robots to help us do our physical and cognitive tasks. Throughout the years, robots have helped humans accomplish tasks that were previously impossible. They have also enabled humans to explore environments that were previously unreachable. And as robots become more advanced, they will be able to learn, adapt, and even interact with humans.
Aside from human-like abilities, robots will also be more efficient. While these technologies are not yet mature, they are already helping many industries improve their products and turn-around times. Moreover, robots are more cost-effective and need less maintenance. Additionally, they can be operated by people who have a background in mechatronics.
Blockchain technology
While the application of blockchain is still emerging, the technology has already shown promising signs. It could cut transaction costs and reshape the economy. It will take time to realize its potential, but it is worth investing in technology to make it a reality. When linked with an innovative business model, blockchain will be at its most powerful. These new models will depart from existing approaches and allow companies to reap future benefits.
One of the most notable uses of blockchain technology is in the financial sector. It makes it possible to store information about financial transactions, product tracking, and other data. For example, a blockchain can record the location of a product from its shipment until it is finally delivered. By doing so, it could quickly pinpoint the source of a food contamination outbreak.
The technology can also be used to verify and authorize transactions. Blockchain works by storing transactional details in an encrypted ledger. In order to complete a transaction, the first party needs to attach their public key to the public key of the second party. The total transaction information is then assembled into a block. The block contains a digital signature, timestamp, and other important information. The block is then transmitted across the network’s nodes. Once the two parties confirm the block, the transaction is complete.
3D printing
Industrial 3D printing is becoming more sophisticated, with the goal of increasing the speed and repeatability of the process. However, the process can be challenging for engineers, as traditional CAD software is not designed to accommodate the unique design needs of additive manufacturing. For example, traditional CAD software can’t design complex components with graded materials, or model lattice structures or porosity.
Fortunately, 3D printing isn’t going away any time soon. It is still growing and is poised for a public debut in the next decade. In fact, Sandvik, a leading producer of metal powders, has acquired a stake in a 3D printing service provider, Beam-IT. Despite the potential for rapid innovation, manufacturers aren’t well-equipped to meet ever-changing demands.
3D printing will continue to be a key technology in the coming decade, and it is poised to grow quickly, especially in emerging markets. As it continues to evolve, it will continue to drive the adoption of other enabling technologies. In particular, 3D printing is poised to solve supply chain challenges and offer new possibilities to new players.
The cost of 3D printing has decreased to a level that makes it very affordable for the average consumer. It costs less than 6% of the price of a conventional consumer product. It is also a highly customizable technology, with applications ranging from syringe pumps to arthritis aids. This economic opportunity will attract more companies to develop and commercialize 3D printing for the benefit of their customers.
NLP technology
Many industries, including healthcare, are beginning to use NLP solutions and services. A recent study by the Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMI) collected a dataset of over six million tweets and 204,597 Instagram posts to analyze healthcare products. The study discovered that certain products and services were promoted using questionable language. NLP technology will help companies understand and analyze client feedback.
In healthcare, NLP solutions can be used in several ways, including interactive voice response (IVR) and predictive analytics. Another example is the integration of NLP with virtual assistants. With this technology, virtual assistants can handle a variety of functions, including scheduling appointments and registering patients. One example is Pennsylvania WellSpan Health, which is leveraging voice-based tools to dictate patient information to healthcare providers. NLP-based solutions will also allow healthcare organizations to expand their smartphone analytics market.
The technology behind NLP has become highly sophisticated, allowing machine learning algorithms to understand text. One of the most popular NLP tools today is the GPT-3, which uses artificial intelligence (AI) and statistics to predict the next word in a sentence. This technology is already revolutionizing traditional text analytics.
Wearable technology
Wearable technology can help people stay healthier and can monitor their activity. For example, a smartwatch may contain sensors that detect signs of diabetes, heart disease, and other ailments. These devices can also alert family members or friends if a loved one is at risk. Wearable technology can also help people with chronic sleep disorders such as insomnia.
Wearable technology is rapidly evolving in the entertainment industry. Several smart glasses, head-mounted displays, and controllers have been developed and are popular with game enthusiasts. Some popular head-mounted displays include the Sony PlayStation VR, Oculus Quest, and Meta Quest. They allow users to watch movies and play games, as well as go on virtual tours. Wearables are also becoming commonplace on clothing and accessories. Some companies have already begun to design smart jackets, smart watches, and jewelry for athletes and everyday wearers.
In addition to wearable clothing and accessories, wearable technology can also be embedded inside the body as smart implants. Some of these devices are already used in the military and help soldiers track their vitals. In some cases, wearable technology may even help soldiers simulate combat situations by collecting biorecognition receptors.
Gene editing
With the use of genome editing, scientists can alter the genes of plants and animals to produce better crops and livestock. This method of genetic modification has several advantages over previous methods of genetic engineering, including the ability to introduce a particular trait in a single generation. The technology is currently being used to create disease-resistant crops and livestock.
While there are mixed views on whether gene editing is ethically acceptable, more than half of U.S. adults are in favour of its use if it reduces the risk of serious conditions and diseases. However, nearly half of those polled said they would reject the technology if it meant their children would have genetic defects.
In a Pew Research survey, respondents were asked to explain their moral judgments on gene editing. Most of them cited concerns about changing God’s design or nature and felt that gene editing would cross the line of ethics. Others compared gene editing to treating humans as science experiments.
The technology is currently available to researchers and is proving to be highly effective. However, the technique is controversial because it can accidentally delete large sections of DNA or cause cancer. As a result, many scientists are arguing against its use in human experiments. However, He Jiankui, a scientist at the University of California, Berkeley, and the founder of the company CRISPR, presented the world’s first CRISPR-edited babies in 2018.