As technology advances at such a rapid rate, it allows for more change and progress to be made faster, causing an increase in the rate at which change occurs until it becomes exponential. Not only have technology trends and leading technologies changed this year, but the outbreak of COVID-19 has made the medical field cope and adapt in tomorrow’s contactless world establishing their own healthcare websites, like chiropractic websites.
But what does this imply for you personally and your practice? How do you keep up with the future’s technological advancement?
Well, we’re giving you a boost today. Here’s the emerging technology of 2021-2022 that will undoubtedly impact our lives in the future.
Digitization Everywhere
There was a rapid shift to remote working arrangements in 2020 and 2021 for many of us, resulting in the virtualization of our workplaces. This is true even in the medical field. This was merely a short-term spike in a much larger trend driven by the recent financial crisis. A “metaverse” – persistent virtual worlds that exist simultaneously with our physical world – will become familiar to us by 2022.
For example, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg recently proposed a metaverse where people can work, play, and socialize just like they do in the real world right now. We will have more interactive, convincing, and eventually, valuable digital experiences as the rate of digitization increases because these metaverses model and simulate the real world with greater accuracy.
While virtual reality headsets have allowed many of us to experience a limited degree of immersion, new devices on the market will soon offer sensory feedback and even the ability to smell virtual environments.
Because Ericsson is developing an “internet of senses” and providing VR headsets to employees working from home during the pandemic, the company believes virtual reality experiences will be indistinguishable from reality by 2030. That may be a little too far ahead. Nevertheless, this technology will undoubtedly bring us one step closer to the world of digitization.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Invasion
Smartphones, smart TVs, among other “smart” devices, were nothing more than internet-connected versions of the same old toys. Artificial intelligence (AI) – specifically, machine learning algorithms – is increasingly defining “smart” in today’s context.
Face recognition algorithms in smart cars monitor our attention and alert us if we are tired while driving. Smartphones use artificial intelligence algorithms for a wide range of tasks, from maintaining call quality to helping us in taking better photos. Computer vision can analyze stool samples from smart toilets to help diagnose gastrointestinal problems. They are everywhere and will continue to dominate our world in the years to come (well, not in Terminator levels, hopefully.
Artificial intelligence (AI), the internet of things (IoT), and new, super-fast networks like 5G are all part of this broad trend, and they’re all coming together to give us capabilities we didn’t have even a few years before. Thus, the most important trend will be convergence over a longer time frame than the one we’re considering here. A confluence of factors, including increasing data volumes, faster networks, and processors, and the “democratization” of data, will have far-reaching effects on society.
The Emergence of Renewable Resources
Renewable energy has been the only source of energy that saw an increase in use during the pandemic. Global non-renewable energy use decreased as industries closed and people stayed at home, resulting in an 8 percent reduction in emissions. As a result, many people believe that more money will be invested in the development of renewable energy sources in the coming years.
This growth is expected to continue through 2022, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). The IEA estimates that 40 percent more renewable energy will be produced and used in 2020 than 2019. Generally speaking, the cost of generating renewable energy has decreased by seven to sixteen percent, including wind and solar power from both onshore and offshore.
For countries and businesses aiming to become carbon neutral or even carbon negative, this will be a huge help. Biofuels, hydrogen fuel, and even nuclear fusion are great new emerging energy sources that are becoming more sustainable, even if their full impact will be felt after 2022 for some of them
Breakthroughs in any of these fields, on the other hand, are sure to grab attention. According to Helion Energy, a leader in fusion technology, a replica of the sun’s energy creation process will be operational by 2022. Green hydrogen energy is also expected to have practical applications in the future.
The Revival of Personal Means in Transportation
While the Dieselgate controversy and declining sales in the automotive sector were still front and center, the COVID-19 pandemic appears to be the game-changer.
Owning a car for personal transportation may once again become relevant in light of the “safety” factor. Car sharing, MOIA, city cars, and other forms of shared transportation are common mobility concepts.
Another option is to use public transportation. Some in society may be tempted to isolate themselves in their vehicles if the COVID-19 virus spreads unchecked, but that is the only option if the virus continues to be widespread.
AI Accountability and Proper Governance
We humans must be able to put our faith in technology for it to work.
Many current uses of technology are being resisted because they are deemed intrusive, risky, or reckless. A common misconception about artificial intelligence is that it is something that can only be seen from the outside. This is frequently due to the complexity of the subject matter rather than any malicious intent to limit our comprehension.
In other words, incidents, where AI is shown to be harmful, are incredibly alarming in this sense. This is especially true in a society where AI is increasingly used to make life-altering decisions like hiring and firing employees.
It’s become increasingly popular in recent years to advocate for transparent and understandable AI, as it’s become clear that some people are skeptical of it. The EU’s proposed Artificial Intelligence Act shows that governments also understand the need for a regulatory framework.
Ultimately, if we are to adapt to the emerging technologies in the near future, we must be proactive and responsible in using them. Otherwise, it will control us. Well, not literally, but on our interactions and how we perceive the world. Sometimes being mundane is one step closer to keeping our humanity.
