There’s a reason the 21st century has been dubbed the Information Age. Every year, new technology is invented to expand our research abilities and make life easier. So what does the future have in store?
In this article, we’ll list 12 of the most innovative technologies of the 21st century and what we can expect to see in the coming years.
1. Blockchain
Blockchain is already revolutionizing nearly every industry, from technology, to finances, to healthcare.
This database tracks and stores information chronologically through blocks of data that are chained together. This leads to a long history of transactions that are stored permanently in the database, making forgery and theft virtually impossible.
What makes blockchain unique from other databases is its decentralization. For example, Bitcoin’s blockchain is used in a decentralized way. Instead of a server with thousands of computers stored in a single location, Bitcoin’s computers are stored in different geographic locations and operated by separate groups of people.
A decentralized model means that every transaction made within the blockchain is irreversible. Each node in the block chain has the full transaction history recorded, so an error in one node’s data can be corrected by using data from all the other nodes.
This makes it extremely difficult for even a single user to tamper with the blockchain’s record of transactions. It also means that companies can use blockchain to transparently store a variety of information, like legal contracts, identifications, or inventory.
2. Cryptocurrency
Often mentioned in conjunction with blockchain, cryptocurrencies utilize the decentralized model to facilitate the exchange of goods and services online.
Cryptocurrency is digitally secured by cryptography, making it nearly impossible to counterfeit or double-spend. Cryptocurrency also simplifies the process of digitally transferring funds, since it secures the transaction through public and private keys instead of through a bank or credit card company.
However, cryptocurrencies have also received a lot of criticism for their use in illegal activities. Some cryptocurrencies are valued for their privacy and anonymity, making their transactions harder to track.
3. AI Cloud Services
AI cloud computing merges the machine learning capabilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with cloud-based computing environments.
For now, AI cloud services have mostly been utilized by major companies to provide greater functionality to end-users.
For example, the customer relationship management platform Salesforce recently added Einstein to their cloud environment. Einstein provides insights into customer interactions, helping businesses increase customer engagement and improve future relationships.
But while AI cloud services are mostly used for businesses and corporations, that’s all expected to change.
AI is already revolutionizing the Internet of Things (IoT) with new technologies every year. And experts predict that future AI cloud technologies will include even more smart appliances, in addition to automated chatbots and virtual assistants.
4. 5G
As new smart devices and connected objects come into play, they’ll require a stronger connection to transmit data quickly and reliably. That’s where 5G comes in.
5G is the fifth generation mobile network. It’s designed to achieve greater speeds, increased availability, and improved efficiency.
This technology will enhance a variety of industries through faster transmissions and better-quality connections. From virtual reality to the Internet of Things, 5G is not a technology to be ignored.
5. Autonomous Vehicles
The science fiction TV shows of the past are becoming today’s future. Motorized vehicles like cars and trucks have become central to modern society, but companies are beginning to develop cars that do away with drivers entirely.
These “self-driving” cars offer different levels of automation, allowing the driver to take a backseat on certain aspects of driving and let the algorithms kick in. We’re already seeing examples of automation through cruise control and lane-centering steering. But companies like Tesla are hoping to achieve full driving automation by 2025, if not earlier.
6. Quantum Computing
Scientists have been announcing the arrival of the quantum computer for over 50 years. But in October 2019, Google announced that it had achieved quantum supremacy by performing a calculation in 3 minutes which would take much longer on a conventional supercomputer.
Quantum computers replace bits with qubits that have superimposable states. This makes them much faster and more efficient than traditional computers, but it can also lead to loss of information.
Nevertheless, quantum computers could be revolutionary in fields like medicine and blockchain.
7. Genetic Engineering
At the time of its release, the movie Gattaca was a product of science fiction that almost seemed unimaginable.
But computing power is reaching the point of being able to analyze a person’s genome and predict their chances of developing conditions like heart disease and breast cancer. This could lead to more personalized medical treatment based on a patient’s genetic history.
In addition to genetic predictions, researchers are finding new ways to enhance the human body and its genome.
One example is genetic engineering, or the ability to alter DNA sequences and modify gene functions.
Another scientific leap is the development of natural, artificial, and technological alterations, allowing humans to enhance their physical and mental performance. Bionic limbs and other physical augmentations are making it easier for those with disabilities to function in society.
8. Graphene
Graphene is a byproduct of graphite that’s stronger than steel, thinner than paper, and conducts electricity extremely well.
Its strength and flexibility lend it to a variety of uses, like batteries, computer chips, wearable electronics, and space travel.
But it will likely be many years before graphene products are distributed widely enough to replace technologies like silicon.
9. Edge Computing
5G is certainly revolutionizing the way connected devices process data. But constantly transferring such massive amounts of information can take a lot of time.
Instead, edge computing focuses on allowing objects to process data on their own. This would be especially useful in industries like manufacturing, transportation, and healthcare, where fast decision-making is paramount.
While the Internet of Things is currently filled with stand-alone intelligent devices, the new age of edge computing will include a massive rise of collaborative intelligent objects.
10. Microchips
Microchips are assembled from an array of molecular sensors that can analyze biological chemicals.
They’re currently used mostly within a medical context. But microchips are beginning to emerge in smart workspace technology. And some even believe that microchips will be used by consumers to perform tasks like banking.
Even smaller than microchips are nanorobots. These tiny sensors are built with very limited processing power, and they’re currently being investigated in labs around the world.
Although nanorobots are still in the early stages of testing, experts hope they’ll someday lead to an age of nanomedicine. For example, doctors could use biological machines to identify and treat cancer or to deliver prescriptions.
Nanobots could also be used to detect and measure toxic chemicals in the environment.
11. Green Tech
And while we’re on the topic of environmental science, green tech is certainly a subject worth mentioning.
At its core, green tech is the science of making the world liveable. Innovations like carbon capture, artificial photosynthesis, and energy-harvesting materials seek to make better use of the materials we have available. But many wonder if the costs and scalability associated with these ideas is plausible when they’re put into action.
One green tech innovation that’s gaining large traction is lab-made meat. This protein source offers the same taste and nutrients as traditional meat, but without all the antibiotics, growth hormones, greenhouse gas emissions, and animal suffering.
By 2030, 10% of the meat eaten in the world will be lab-grown.
12. Hydrogen Fuel Cells
A final innovation that’s close to fruition is the use of hydrogen fuel cells. Hydrogen combines with oxygen to produce electricity, releasing water as a byproduct.
The technology was discovered back in 1839, but it hasn’t been profitable enough for large-scale use until recently.
Even now, the technology is only being used to store a small amount of energy, since it’s much harder to do at a larger scale.
So it might be a few more years before hydrogen fuel cells become the norm.
The Future of Technology
While it’s still unclear exactly what these new technologies will mean for the modern age, one thing is certain: technology isn’t going away anytime soon.
Here at CR-T, we take pride in providing enterprise-level IT services at prices that work for small businesses. Our team of experts can become your IT support department, responding to issues quickly, often before you even know about them. Covering everything from your servers and network infrastructure to your computers, workstations and mobile devices, we provide end-to-end solutions for all your technology needs.
Time and experience have helped us develop best practices and workflow procedures designed to keep your focus on your business, not your technology.
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