Artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, augmented and virtual reality, blockchain, 5G networks, quantum computing, biotechnology, robots, the cloud, and cybersecurity are just some of the most significant technological breakthroughs that will alter our world in the next few years.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence, or AI, and machine learning refer to the ability of machines to learn and act intelligently, meaning they can make decisions, carry out tasks, and even predict future outcomes based on what they learn from data.

AI and machine learning already play a bigger role in everyday life than you might imagine. Alexa, Siri, Amazon's product recommendations, Netflix’s and Spotify’s personalised recommendations, every Google search you make, security checks for fraudulent credit card purchases, dating apps, fitness trackers... All are driven by AI.

Gene Technology

Genomics is an interdisciplinary field of biology that focuses on the understanding and manipulation of DNA and the genomes of living organisms. Gene editing is a group of technologies that enable genetic engineering in order to change the DNA and genetic structure of living organisms.

Biotechnology is advancing to the point where it's viable to alter the DNA encoded within a cell, which will influence the characteristics or traits that its descendants will have. In plants, this could affect the number of leaves or their colouring, while in humans, it could affect their height, eye colour, or likelihood of developing diseases. This opens up a range of possibilities that are almost unlimited, as it means that any characteristic of a living organism that is inherited can theoretically be changed.

Human-Computer Interfaces

Human-computer interfaces create wearable devices and technology that help improve the physical and potentially mental performance of humans and help us lead healthier and better lives. Perhaps the most prevalent examples of wearables today are fitness tracker bands and smartwatches: small, easy-to-wear devices that typically monitor our activity and provide insights that help us lead healthier, better, and more productive lives.

Extended Reality (XR)

Extended reality, or XR for short, encompasses virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality and refers to the use of technology to create more immersive digital experiences.

In practise, XR is being used to boost brand engagement, let customers try before they buy, enhance customer service, make workplace learning more effective, and improve other organisational processes.

XR Technologies offers exciting and entirely new ways for people to experience the world around them. XR technology is already finding very real applications in our world and is likely to dramatically change the way we interact with technology. In fact, mobile-based AR experiences, such as the Pokemon Go app, generated over $3 billion in global revenue in 2018. XR is also the user interface into the metaverse, the idea of a virtual universe where we can be whoever or whatever we want while exploring the digital world of gaming, meeting up, going to events, or anything along the lines of the movie 'Ready Player One'.

3D Printing

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, means creating a 3D object from a digital file by building it layer by layer. 3D printing may seem distinctly more low-tech than artificial intelligence or gene editing, but it has the potential to completely transform manufacturing and other industries.

Using 3D printing, the factories of the future could quickly print spare parts for machinery on site. Entire assembly lines could be replaced with 3D printers. We could print human tissue for transplant, weapons, and even food.

3D printing technology brings many opportunities, but it also brings some downsides, challenges, and obstacles to overcome. While it has the potential to reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing by using fewer materials overall, we have to consider the environmental impact of the printers themselves.