One of the signs of human evolution is technological advancement. Ever since man invented the wheel, we have been making boundless advances in technology and improved the quality of our lives. These inventions provide benefits in various sectors of industry. Examples of these are medicine, engineering, Information Technology (IT), transportation and environmental studies. Technology is our effort to apply practical sciences in our environment for personal or common good. Every year, inventors create new innovations that wow the crowds and provide solutions to modern problems. Here are 10 technological advances that will change the world.
The Internet of Things (IoT)
Today, more things than people are connected to the Internet. Moreover, the establishment of IPv6 IP addressing has created billions more addresses for things all around us. This creates the opportunity for infinite connectivity. By 2020, Cisco IBSG estimates that the number of things connected to the IoT will reach 50 billion. This is essentially six technological items for each individual on Earth. In the developed world, each person already has at least 3 devices that are connected to the Internet on a full-time basis. Examples of these are Smart TVs, tablets, smartphones and even cars. The next step in the IoT is sensor networks to amass, organize and transmit data on a huge scale. The IoT is bound to transform how we interact with our technology forever.
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Blood Biopsy
One of the top killer medical conditions today is cancer. Many people die of this condition because it was not detected early enough. Normally, cancer is detected by taking a biopsy of the problematic tissue and testing it. This can prove too late in some cancer cases. To change this, laboratories owned by the Johns Hopkins University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong have developed a way to test for cancer by taking a blood test. Using specialized technologies, they have found a way to detect cancer DNA in blood at the earliest stage of development. This can save many lives and change the medical world.
Big Data creation and management
In the year 2008, 5 exabytes of unique information were created. This is equivalent to 1 billion DVD discs. The amount of data that we are creating is only increasing every year. Today, we are creating 1.2 zettabytes of data annually. This is equal to 1,024 exabytes. This is a staggering amount of information. By interacting with social media, business applications and regular email, we are churning information right into the Internet in loads. As a result, we need to have an infrastructure to contain and manage it. This one is known as the Big Data infrastructure. This data is highly valuable to individuals and firms that mine it for information to apply in forecasting. As such, Big Data is a concept that is here to stay and will affect how information is managed in future.
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Project Loon
The Internet is now a human need. However, there are millions of people living in Third-World countries who have very little or no access to it. To correct this, Google has created a technological system known as Project Loon. In this one, specially designed balloons are released into the stratosphere and act as an airborne network of Internet transmitters. They can be monitored and piloted wirelessly. Regular telecommunications carriers can lease bandwidth and receive Internet access over a wireless spectrum anywhere in the world. This creates Internet access globally.
Cloud Technology
Gone are the days when we had to install a collection of software into our computers. Today, all that we need to do is connect to the Internet and log into our Cloud service. All the software and data that we need to function is stored there. According to networking giant Cisco, 30% of all data in the world will be contained in Cloud infrastructure by the year 2020. With the emergence of smart phones, tablets and wearable technology, the Cloud will be more accessible than ever before. By using this infrastructure, we can enjoy Information Technology services such as real-time translation, distributed computing and mobile medical diagnostics. Cloud technology is already changing the way we access information around the world.
Car to Car communication
Driverless cars are already with us. They can transport you from one spot to the other with no need for physical manipulation. However, many people are afraid of them citing safety issues. Therefore, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the University of Michigan have created a system of Car to Car communication. In this way, cars can be fitted with micro-computers to transmit real time data. They can transmit information about their position, brake system and speed to other cars around them. In this way, the cars can cooperate to avoid accidents. When applied to driverless cars, this increases safety and can change the future of transportation forever.
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Home Networking
Today, you can create a home network for your devices. It can allow you to access the Internet, communicate online, play games and even manipulate your appliances. Personalized home Internet networks are some of the marketing strategies that real estate developers are using. By using these networks, you can work, learn and play entirely online. Internet providers are exploring technologies such as 40G and 100G to make this access even faster. Network speed has increased by 170,000 times since 1990 and shows no signs of slowing down. Eventually, we can have entire neighborhoods connected together for a richer experience of life.
Nano-architecture
Traditional concepts of physics indicate that materials which are heavy are strong while the light ones are more flexible. Nano-architecture changes this to the opposite. By using minute materials, engineers are able to create microscopic networks of trusses. As such, they can make a light material that is super-strong. Engineering universities such as MIT and Caltech are exploring this new technology.
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Magic Leap
3D imaging technology has been a subject of intrigue and development for many years. Today, it is used for entertainment purposes. Unfortunately, the 3D technology used today causes some viewers to feel ill or dizzy. This reduces the overall user experience. To solve this, a new method of delivering 3D content has been created. It is known as Magic Leap. It uses a very small projector to reflect light into your retina using a clear lens. In this way, you can see 3D images that are completely clear and they appear in the world you observe. Magic Leap is bound to transform modern entertainment, engineering, scientific research and medicine.
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Water desalination on a global scale
The survival of human civilizations depends on some strategic factors such as the availability of drinkable water. A total of 700 million people today live in areas where there is no access to clean, drinking water. However, 75% of the earth's surface is covered by salty, ocean water. To convert it into fresh water, oceanside nations use desalination plants. This is a process where salty water in the oceans is taken and transformed into fresh water by using reverse-osmosis. One of such plants is Sorek in Israel. It is currently operating at maximum capacity. Such technologies are being replicated around the world for a positive change.
The Important Take Away
Technology has the power to change our experience of life for the better. The innovations indicated above have proven it. Many more are being developed every day so as to increase the quality of life. We should continue to encourage innovation so as to create a better, healthier, happier world.
