Technologies that will shape innovations in 2021 and beyond

Anamika
6 min readJun 6, 2021

Technology today is evolving at such a rapid pace, enabling faster change and progress. A substantial digital transformation is taking place worldwide, enabling innovation , agility and development all over the world.

The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated digitalization and automation , allowing companies to remain resilient even in these tough times. Advancement in the technology is needed at every stage , so that we can overcome the emerging difficulties. The technology will always be updating itself and will continue to change our lives and the way we operate , creating opportunities for growing business worldwide.

Let us have a look at the various technological trends , so that everybody knows what to adapt, and take with them.

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Photo by Ramón Salinero on Unsplash
  1. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Artificial intelligence (AI) has already made a hype over the past decade, but it still remains one of the leading emerging technologies due to its considerable effects on our life and the way we operate.

AI is intelligence demonstrated by machines, unlike the natural intelligence displayed by human and animals, involving consciousness and emotionality. It is well-known for its considerable progress in image and speech recognition, ride-sharing apps, mobile personal assistants, navigation apps, and various other applications.

Machine Learning is a branch of AI and computer science which focuses on the use of data and algorithms to imitate the way humans learn, gradually improving its accuracy. It is an important component of the growing field of data science.

2. Robotic Process Automation

Robotic Process Automation , or RPA is another technology that helps in automating works. It is the use of software to automate business processes interpreting applications, processing transactions, dealing with data, and even replying to emails. It even does the repetitive tasks that people used to do. It creates and deploys a software robot with the ability to launch and operate other software.

The future of RPA will see the usage of futuristic technologies such as AI, Advanced Data Analytics, Blockchain, Business Process Automation, Optical Character Recognition (OCR), combined with RPA to offer effective automation.

3. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

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Augmented Reality (AR) is an interactive experience of a real-world environment where the objects that reside in the real world are enhanced by computer-generated perceptual information. It can be defined as a system that incorporates three basic features: a combination of real and virtual worlds, real-time interaction, and accurate 3D registration of virtual and real objects.

Virtual reality (VR) is a simulated experience that can be similar to or completely different from the real world. It is applied in the fields of entertainment (e.g. video games), education (e.g. medical or military training) and business (e.g. virtual meetings). Other distinct types of VR-style technology include augmented reality and mixed reality, sometimes referred to as extended reality or XR.

4. Edge Computing

Edge computing is a distributed computing pattern that brings computation and data storage closer to the location where it is needed to improve response times and save bandwidth. It helps in bridging the gap between data and computation thus eliminating long-distance communication between the server and the client, resulting in increased process speed. It is efficient in handling time-sensitive data stored in remote areas with minimal access to the central location.

It reduces the volumes of data that must be moved, the consequent traffic, and the distance that data must travel thus, provides lower latency and reduces transmission costs. Computation offloading for real-time applications, such as facial recognition algorithms, showed considerable improvements in response times, as demonstrated in early research.

5. Quantum Computing

Quantum Computing utilizes the collective properties of quantum states, such as superposition and entanglement, to perform computation. The devices that perform quantum computations are known as quantum computers. They are believed to be able to solve certain computational problems substantially faster than classical computers.

A notable application of quantum computation is for attacks on cryptographic systems that are currently in use. Identifying cryptographic systems that may be secure against quantum algorithms is an actively researched topic under the field of post quantum cryptography.

6. Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of things (IoT) describes the network of physical objects that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the Internet.

The extensive set of applications for IoT devices is often divided into consumer, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure spaces. As consumers, we’re already using and benefitting from IoT. We can switch off our air-conditioner if we forget to when we leave for work and preheat our ovens on our way home from work, all while tracking our fitness on our Fitbits.

Its major significant trend in recent years is the explosive growth of devices connected and controlled by the Internet. Thus creating opportunities for more direct integration of the physical world into computer-based systems, resulting in improvement in efficiency , economic benefits, and reduction of human exertion.

7. 5G

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In telecommunications, 5G is the fifth generation technology standard for broadband cellular networks, which cellular phone companies began deploying worldwide in 2019, and is the planned successor to the 4G networks which provide connectivity to most current cellphones. The introduction of 5G will make it possible for communications service providers to improve their business in various ways.

It is enabling a new wave of innovation. It has the potential for changing the world, further powering the hottest trends in tech today: IoT (Internet of Things), AI (Artificial Intelligence) and AR (Augmented Reality) among many more.

8. Internet of Behaviors (IOB)

The Internet of Behavior extends from internet of things , the interconnection of devices that results in a vast variety of new data sources. The concept of internet of behavior includes an analysis of consumer behavior on social networks and other platforms and information about their daily lifestyle and the further application of the data collected . Data is collected using the Internet of Things, which will be used by the average consumer: coffee makers, thermostats, home automation systems, and wearable devices, etc.

9. Hybrid Cloud

Hybrid cloud is a combination of public cloud and private cloud , allowing data and applications to be shared between them. Its main aim is to create a unified, automated and efficiently managed cloud environment. When computing and processing demand increases beyond the present capacity, businesses can use the cloud to instantly scale capacity up or down to handle excess capacity. It also allows them to avoid the time and cost of purchasing, installing, and maintaining new servers that may not be always needed.

These are most suited to be used by industries that work with highly sensitive data, such as banking, finance, government, and healthcare as hybrid may be their best cloud option.

10. Blockchain

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Blockchain is a specific kind of database , which differs in the way which it stores and handles data entities. It is a growing list of records, called blocks, that are linked together using cryptography. Each of them contains a cryptographic hash of the previous block, a timestamp, and transaction data for further efficient handling. Blockchain technology can be integrated into multiple areas. Its primary use is as a distributed ledger for cryptocurrencies, most notably bitcoin. Many businesses are also reluctant to place blockchain at the core of the business structure, many have begun testing the technology and are conducting low-level implementation.

Conclusion

Technology will keep emerging and evolving around us and updating the ways the world operates to make our lives more efficient and managed. Being a part of it , we should be updated with the modern trends and technologies , It will broaden our awareness and provide us with more excellent career and business prospects.

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