Applied Computing

Emerging Technologies

A digital system can consist of a single device, a collection of devices or a network. A digital system is used to transform data into information, providing output that meets the needs of the user. Digital systems are found in a wide range of applications, including smartphones, drones, microcontrollers and robotic devices. Desktop and laptop devices are common examples of a typical digital system.

Emerging technologies are technologies that are perceived to be capable of making significant change within society. There are many ways in which an organisation can use emerging technologies to make improvements in the way they operate and the products and services they offer. The increasing datafication of society, the increasing number of smart devices in everyday life, the constant growth in both processing power and miniaturisation of technology, the increasing use of automation and the rise of artificial intelligence can, and do, have a significant impact on both individuals and organisations.

‘Datafication’ is a term that is used to describe the process of turning aspects of everyday life into quantifiable, measurable data. This can include the number of hours of sleep a person has each night, the kilojoules they consume, the number of steps they take or the hours they spend sitting or standing each day.

List of some emerging technologies

Virtual assistants

A virtual assistant is a software agent that can perform tasks or services for an individual. Virtual assistants are also known as intelligent personal assistants.

The use of virtual assistants in business is helping organisations to become more effective and efficient in the way that they operate. Many workers within organisations use online calendars to schedule appointments, commitments and meetings, and these online calendars.

Drones

A drone, or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), is an aircraft without a human pilot aboard. Some drones can be controlled by a user on the ground, who communicates with the drone via a remote control. Other drones can fly with a degree of autonomy, using instructions pre-programmed in the drone’s onboard microcontroller.

Drones are used in a wide variety of ways to improve efficiency and effectiveness and allow organisations to gain a competitive advantage.

Agriculture is an industry in which there are many uses for drones. The large land mass or size of farms and stations, the difficulty of access to the land and the advantages associated with an aerial view make drone use desirable.

Microcontrollers

A microcontroller is an integrated circuit. An integrated circuit is a small chip that holds anywhere between hundreds and millions of transistors, resistors and capacitors. A microcontroller incorporates a processor, memory and input/output (I/O) controllers within the one chip. A microcontroller’s processor can vary from 4-bit to 64-bit.

Microcontrollers are used in embedded systems. An embedded system is designed to perform one or two specific processing tasks. A microcontroller is embedded within another device such as a refrigerator or a microwave oven, where it performs limited tasks.

3D printers

Three-dimensional (3D) printing involves creating a physical object from digital data. First, a 3D model needs to be created, generally using CAD software. Once completed, the model can be created by printing many thin layers of a material together.

The use of 3D printing technology can save organisations time and money. In the development of new products, it is common after the design stage to create a mould or prototype of theproduct before production begins. This is a time-consuming and costly step in a product’s life cycle. With the use of 3D printing technology, it is possible to skip this step and begin to manufacture the product without the need for a mould or prototype.

Wearable technology

Wearable technology is the name given to small smart devices that can be worn on, or implanted into, the body or woven into clothing. Examples of wearable technology include fitness trackers, smart jewellery and watches, and head-mounted displays. Advances in technology have resulted in the miniaturisation of components, creating a whole range of new possibilities for the ways in which digital system devices can be used.

Workplace health and safety issues can be monitored through the use of wearable technology. Workers can be constantly monitored and alerts can be sent if factors that predict a possible event are detected – for example, workers working extended hours or driving for too long, or weather conditions that are becoming extreme.

Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the billions of devices around the world that are connected to the internet, collecting, receiving or sending data. The term ‘IoT’ is mainly used for devices that traditionally would not be expected to have an internet connection, and that can communicate independently without the need for human interaction.

Businesses are able to harness Internet of Things (IoT) technology to collect valuable data, gain a competitive advantage and guide future innovation. IoT technology can help organisations reduce expenses and remain competitive. IoT devices can be used to monitor equipment and information systems. By reviewing past history and a range of variables, IoT technology can be used to predict potential issues and failures, and can create alerts that attempt to avoid issues occurring, therefore reducing downtime.

Functions and capabilities of digital systems

There are many existing technologies that are designed to make the lives of individuals and organisations easier. These include:

• assistive technologies

• financial services

• global positioning systems (GPS)

• robotics

• traffic management.

These emerging technologies are always hyped at some point, and the expectation for their usefulness changes year on year.

Explore the Gartner Hype Cycle over the last few years to see the trends that have coming, or have been hyped for a long time.

Page updated

Report abuse