We shall consider here some of the technologies that are currently trending. Most of them will have been under development for a while, and it is only as they become more affordable, easier to embrace, and more practical in their usage, that they have a chance of becoming widespread.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a progression derived from machine learning. A machine has to learn to be a human for the whole principle to work. There have been huge strides within this area, including the advancement of a face recognition dataset and other datasets, that AI has used for various technological advancements, e.g. phones, computers, and security systems.
Machine learning is a branch of computer science where an algorithm is used to predict future data based on the data previously generated. Artificial intelligence is the next step in machine learning where the algorithm develops to such an extent that it can assist in everyday tasks being carried out.
The use of machine learning and AI in the manufacturing industry is on the rise, from the design and development of new products to the tracking of production processes and inventory management. AI can also be used to automate repetitive tasks and to identify areas for improvement within the production process. As an example of AI-based systems, machine vision systems are commonly used by manufacturing companies to automate product production and assembly. Moreover, these systems have been proven to provide greater accuracy and reliability compared to manual inspection, leading to an improved quality of the final product.
There are many examples of artificial intelligence being used such as robots, self-driving cars, and smart assistants. Robots have been used in manufacturing for some time, whereas self-driving cars are still under development. The use of GPS positioning is a technology that is making them possible, so that cars will know, on their own, where to go. This technology, however, would require the precise talents of individuals qualified in the field of AI, which is why we can see a rise in the demand for such professionals by companies like Torc Robotics (https://torc.ai/careers/) and similar others. The concept of an autonomous vehicle is the equivalent of autopilot on an aircraft. A pilot only really has to take over when it comes to the more complicated procedures such as take-offs and landings.
Renewable Energy
The fact that the planet’s fossil fuels are rapidly depleting and pollution has become an issue because of global warming, has meant that inventions have been required that use renewable or sustainable energy sources. For instance, wind farms generate electricity in commercial settings to power equipment, and solar panels on roofs do the same for householders wanting to heat and power homes in an environmentally friendly and more cost-effective way in the long term. Uranium Mining could also be an option for the foreseeable future, and many also consider it to be a clean and sustainable form of energy due to its minimal waste and the fact that it has a pretty small land footprint.
If we are to keep going as a planet, we need to take advantage of what is naturally available, whilst at the same time not using something that will disappear forever in the process. Wind and solar energy are perfect examples of this. Wind and sunshine naturally exist just like coal, gas, or oil, but will not deplete. Instead, as we stand, always be there to use. It does not matter that the sun is only out in the daytime because solar cells will store the energy they collect from the sun during the daytime for use later. Surplus electricity can even be sold back to the grid so that this can be made use of. This will make energy companies as energy-efficient as many householders.
Electric Cars
Electric cars are set to become the future. They are already being driven by some motorists, albeit in relatively small numbers at the moment. This is partly due to their higher cost in terms of purchasing them and the lack of charging points at the moment. However, purchase prices are coming down as electric cars and beginning to be mass-produced. After all, manufacturing plants already have everything they need in place to do so – from mobile platforms from places like Platforms and Ladders (www.platformsandladders.com/mobile-platforms/) to the AI that will help produce and assemble the cars. Also, governments are planning to make sure that the infrastructures will be in place by the time they are insisting we only buy electric cars from new, as they should be capable of reasonable distances on a single charge.
Lengthy consultations by the UK government and others have meant that the date by which fossil-fuelled (petrol or diesel-powered) cars will be banned in the UK has been brought forward. They are now looking at 2030 as the date. The exceptions to this ban will be some plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and some full hybrids that will still be sold as new vehicles until 2035. However, from this date onwards, it is to be just electric cars sold as new, with governments deciding how to deal with second-hand cars still polluting the atmosphere.
One would presume that pollution taxes will become widespread in towns, cities, and states, or collected through road tax to encourage motorists to switch, with perhaps some compensation for those preserving vintage or classic vehicles. We can only hope for this as they are a part of our heritage and they will be in their minority when we consider the number of aircraft that will still be polluting our skies. Airplanes, for instance, contribute to 3 percent of total global emissions, with a single flight meaning that 3 tons of carbon dioxide will be produced per passenger. This, of course, increases considerably when a plane is practically empty. The good news is that when a plane is full it will beat a car in terms of its carbon footprint.
In conclusion, our newest technologies would seem to relate to AI, finding alternative sources of energy, and the plan of governments to convert us to driving fully electric cars by 2035. It is good to know that these new technologies are only to help us and our planet.