Top 9 technology trends of 2021
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, technology has developed a substantial amount in a short time. According to a study by McKinsey, digital offerings increased dramatically and are ten years ahead of time.
As a society, we have built technology at a much faster rate than previously predicted to accommodate the global crisis. Facilitating remote work, e-learning, medical breakthroughs, operational efficiency and direct communication in a time of social distancing.
This year has seen remarkable tech milestones we didn't think we would see for another decade! Here are the top nine tech breakthroughs of this year (so far):
- Remote everything
- Smart manufacturing for factory workers
- Medical tech, vaccines and telehealth
- Digital contact tracing
- Telehealth and telemedicine
- Vehicle automation
- TikTok recommendation algorithms
- Green-tech and new-gen infrastructure
- As-a-Service revolution
1. Remote everything
With the introduction of COVID-19 restrictions worldwide, remote work, study, and socialising became the norm. From optimising video conferencing and building remote learning initiatives to improving business processes and telehealth options for mental health, digital communication solutions have grown.
Even the humble, widely-used SMS has gotten a makeover with new text message integrations and advanced communication automation. You can even text a celebrity if you are so inclined.
To ensure health and safety, and to stop the spread of coronavirus, social distancing and hygiene have become a significant focus for the tech industry. As such, tech giants and startups took it upon themselves to find solutions to ease people into remote everything.
Tech has improved collaboration during social distancing, increased jobs during mass unemployment rates across many sectors, and provided COVID-safe solutions for every aspect of life.
2. Smart manufacturing for factory workers
Breakthroughs in smart manufacturing have already begun, helped along by the introduction of 5G and mobile edge computing. Wireless robots that can be controlled through the cloud means that employees can program and monitor actions from a remote location. And, VR haptic gloves allow workers to manufacture items and handle them manually even if they are not physically present.
3. Medical tech, vaccines and telehealth
There is no doubt that medical breakthroughs have been front-and-centre during this global pandemic. With tech making up a large part of medical discoveries in today's age, we can't ignore the massive milestones in technology, such as robust contact tracing and messenger RNA vaccines.
4. Digital contact tracing
Starting as a simple, unsophisticated tracking service, contact tracing has considerably upgraded to an intuitive and agile system. Allowing governments to find COVID-positive cases and backtrack locations that they may have attended.
Alerting businesses and the community of COVID-hotspots via A2P SMS messaging means that people can get tested and isolate themselves appropriately within a short timeframe. This is necessary for reducing risk and minimising the likelihood of spread as much as possible.
5. Telehealth and telemedicine
With enhancements to smart devices, video conferencing, and nuanced medical solutions, telemedicine and telehealth have had the opportunity to rapidly advance. From PPE and remote work to direct two-way communication, medical professionals can treat patients and consult on significant ailments with safety at the forefront.
6. Vehicle automation
As electric cars and AI continue to gain momentum, so does autonomous driving innovation. We've seen significant progress in the last few years, especially since 2014, when Tesla first introduced Autopilot to its vehicles.
This year, car producers such as Honda, Ford and Mercedes-Benz are looking to begin mass production of autonomous driving cars. Rideshare and delivery services, including Lyft and Waymo, are also anticipating growth in self-driving technology.
7. TikTok recommendation algorithms
Since 2016, TikTok has become one of the fastest-growing social networks in the world. MIT Technology Review esteems the platform for its 'For You' feed algorithm, boasting:
"While other platforms are geared more toward highlighting content with mass appeal, TikTok's algorithms seem just as likely to pluck a new creator out of obscurity as they are to feature a known star. And they're particularly adept at feeding relevant content to niche communities of users who share a particular interest or identity."
8. Green-tech and new-gen infrastructure
Faster, sustainable, and ethical solutions are the way of the future. The introduction of new tech infrastructure considers higher speeds at lower costs, keeping in mind ethics and the environment.
Expect green tech and new-gen infrastructure to start taking over this year:
- 5G for faster and more reliable internet
- New-gen fibre-optic for speedier communication
- Lithium-metal batteries to power electric vehicles
- Green hydrogen with cost-effective solar, wind and water solutions
- Hyper-accurate positioning more accurate than GPS
9. As-a-Service revolution
Usually, new infrastructure and hardware come at a high cost. So, implementing new strategies and innovations with these technologies can be burdensome and expensive for businesses.
Enter the as-a-Service revolution.
Yes, as-a-Service has been around for a while. Still, the continuous advent of new technologies means there will be another wave of as-a-Service platforms to accommodate the gap.
For example, processing big data is pricey and needs High-Performance Computing (HPC) hardware to complete. With the help of AI and HCP-as-a-Service options, the cost could be drastically decreased. Giving businesses with limited resources the ability to take advantage of these advanced capabilities.
