Whether you’re already well established within the tech world or looking to break into the industry, emerging technologies should be on your radar. As we all know by now tech doesn’t stay stagnant, but the fact that it’s constantly evolving brings new opportunities for those who are willing to evolve with the latest developments.
Let’s take a look at 6 of the top emerging technologies that made it onto a list compiled by the CompTIA Emerging Technologies Community.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial Intelligence is the name given to programmed algorithms that automatically analyse and apply knowledge. Not only is it dominating the tech sector, but AI has already become a part of daily life. From managing our electronic devices and homes to helping us navigate our way through the physical world and even advising us on what to watch, read, listen to and buy.
AI is perhaps the largest force in emerging technologies as its applications span across many areas including security, robotics, clouding computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), cognitive automation and finance – to name but a few.
5G
5G is the 5th generation mobile network that offers many improvements to its predecessor 4G. Such as low latency, high device density and intelligent power consumption. The power that 5G can offer is a game changer to the world of tech, making it possible for smart cities, connected cars and augmented reality.
One exciting application of 5G is it’s use in remote surgery, whereby a surgeon can perform an operation from thousands of miles away. One of the first examples of this was a 2019 case in China, when surgeons used 5G to facilitate a successful surgery that involved the insertion of a stimulation device into the brain of a Parkinson’s patient based nearly 1,900 miles away.
Evidently 5G has the potential to revolutionise many industries!
Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality
AR and VR are transforming the way in which humans engage with machines, data and each other. The latest trends in this arena include the use of mixed reality, AI and sensor technologies to enhance operational efficiency, execution flexibility and individual productivity.
With the global pandemic changing the way we work and more than likely how we will be working post-pandemic, virtual reality and augmented reality could offer an exciting solution to our current challenges. Facebook for example has long been advocating for the potential applications of this tech to transform the remote working experience. Back in May, Andrew Bosworth, Facebook’s head of AR and VR, announced that the social giant is already investing in “supercharging remote work and productivity” through the use of AR and VR technologies – we don’t know exactly whats in the plan but it’s an exciting one to keep an eye on!
Quantum Computing
Quantum computing will be able to exponentially improve our ability to process and analyse big data and many believe it to be the key to leveraging machine learning and the power of AI. First introduced in the early 1980s when physicist Paul Benioff proposed a quantum mechanical model of the Turing machine, it has come a long way as tech giants work on bringing this technology to the mainstream. Google has taken the lead in this realm as of September last year when the search giant became the first company to achieve Quantum Supremacy.
This is another one to watch out for, as quantum computing will open up new realms of possibilities and help us to process computational problems that the conventional computer is simply not capable of solving.
Biometrics
Biometrics allows for the identification of individuals based on their unique physical, biological and behavioural characteristics. This has huge potential in terms of its industry applications in areas such as security and consumer experience. Almost all industries have already adopted biometric technology in one form or another and this is only expected to become more prevalent as the technology grows. One of its earliest forms of biometrics was fingerprint recognition and this is still considered to be the most common and extensively adopted biometric identification method.
Blockchain
When people hear the term blockchain they mostly associate this with cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin. However, blockchain technology has the potential to greatly improve security in a wide array of areas. To put it simply, blockchain is a form of data which can only be added to, not taken away from or changed. This is where the term “chain” comes from because you are essentially making a chain of data. It is the fact that none of the previous ”links” of the chain can be modified that makes it so secure. Additionally, blockchains are consensus driven, meaning no one entity can take control of the data. Therefore, with blockchain technology you take away the need for a trusted third party to oversee or validate transactions which will streamline the entire process.
ICT Skillnet Emerging Technology Courses
If you are interested in upskilling in these new and exciting tech trends, then consider signing up for one of our upcoming emerging technology courses!
Certificate in Emerging Digital Technologies
This 100% online 1 semester part-time programme is industry-led having been designed in partnership with a number of employers across a range of industry segments. The programme aims to upskill existing management staff to facilitate broader adoption of a range of emerging digital technologies with the objective of improving market position, competitiveness, and commercial reach.
For more info click here!
Industry Feature – FinTech (Financial Technology)
When talking about emerging technologies it is hard not to discuss the impact they are having on the financial sector. These technologies are having such a transformative effect on this industry that a new term has even been coined ‘FinTech’ which covers a range of applications, such as the invaluable additions to security measures with the help of blockchain and biometrics and the greatly improved customer experience through the implementation of various emerging technologies. This industry is an example of what can be achieved through the adoption of emerging technologies.
If you want to keep up with this rapidly transforming industry it is essential to invest in upskilling. Make yourself an invaluable asset to your company by taking part in one of our upcoming FinTech courses!
MSc in Fintech Innovation
This innovative online MSc in Fintech Innovation will equip graduates with critical insights into FinTech across the key pillars of Finance Technology and Innovation. It is designed to enable graduates to meet the future needs of the Irish Financial Service’s sector in terms of Fintech and its emerging technologies.
For more info click here!
(If you are interested in some of the more ‘established tech’ check our wide range above from cybersecurity courses to software development courses)