In our fast-paced digital era, technology happens to be the driving force behind transformative change – reshaping industries, economies, and the way we live and work. From artificial intelligence to sustainable technology, the tech landscape is brimming with possibilities that can make our lives easier and better.
In this article, we look at the top 6 tech trends to look out for in 2024.
Generative AI
Generative AI burst into the scene earlier this year and is expected to grow bigger and better in 2024. Generative AI is a class of AI systems that can generate new, original content in various forms, including text, images, and audio. These systems leverage advanced algorithms based on deep learning techniques to understand patterns in data and create new content that is distinct from the training data. Generative models like Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) and Variational Autoencoders (VAEs) are the primary technology behind generative AI.
Generative AI has a wide range of applications, including content creation, data augmentation, anomaly detection, text-to-speech systems, medical image generation, content recommendation, and a lot more.
AI TRiSM
Artificial Intelligence Trust and Risk and Security Management (AI TRiSM) refers to a set of principles, practices, and strategies to address the challenges and considerations associated with the development and use of AI technologies.
The model includes three key components – trust, risk management, and security management.
The trust component refers to the confidence and reliability that users, stakeholders, and the public have in AI systems. The key factors include transparency, accountability, fairness, and ethical use.
The risk management component involves identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential risks associated with developing and deploying AI systems. The key factors include data privacy, model accuracy, regulatory compliance, and cyber security.
Security management involves implementing measures to protect AI systems, data, and infrastructure from unauthorized access, attacks, and misuse. The key factors include access controls, encryption, threat detection, system integrity, and incident response.
Suggested Read: Five AI Applications for Small Businesses
Phygital Convergence
Phygital convergence is the blending or convergence of physical and digital elements in various aspects of our lives. It focuses on integrating tangible, real-world experiences with digital technologies to create a unified, immersive, and enhanced experience for individuals and businesses.
The technology has an exceptionally wide array of applications, including:
- Retail and commerce (augmented reality try-on experiences, scan & go technology, DIY guidance, and more)
- Marketing and advertising (interactive billboards, QR codes, and more)
- Education and training (interactive whiteboards, online collaboration platforms, virtual reality simulations, and more)
- Healthcare (telemedicine, wearable devices to monitor healthcare metrics in real-time, and more)
- Entertainment (radio frequency identification (RFID) incorporated devices that can function as tickets, keys, and payment systems in theme parks, mixed-reality gaming experiences, and more)
- Manufacturing (AI algorithms to optimize production processes, IoT devices to collect real-time data, digital twins to monitor, analyze, and optimize physical products, and more)
Edge Computing
Edge computing is a distributed computing model that involves processing data near the source of data generation rather than relying on a centralized cloud-based system. In an edge computing system, computations are performed on or near the device or edge of the network where the data is produced, which greatly reduces the need to transmit data to a remote data center for processing.
The key characteristics of edge computing include decentralized processing, distributed architecture, and real-time processing. The advantages of edge computing include:
Low Latency – By processing data at or near the edge, edge computing minimizes the latency associated with transmitting data over networks. It can be beneficial for applications that require real-time or near-real-time processing.
Bandwidth Efficiency – Edge computing reduces the amount of data that needs to be transmitted to a central cloud, optimizing bandwidth usage.
Security and Privacy – Edge computing can improve security and privacy by processing data locally rather than transmitting it over long distances.
Scalability – Edge computing allows for scalability by distributing computing resources across a network of edge devices. It enables efficient scaling based on the demands of specific applications or services.
Must Read: Fast-Evolving Cyber Environment: Why You Need More Protection than Just Antivirus
Carbon Capture and Storage
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a set of technologies designed to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions generated from the use of fossil fuels and industrial processes. The primary goal of CCS is to reduce the release of CO2 into the atmosphere to the extent possible and curb greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate the impact of climate change.
The process involves capturing CO2 before or after the combustion of fossil fuels, transporting it to a storage site, and containing and storing it underground in depleted oil and gas fields, deep saline aquifers, and other geological formations.
3D Chip Stacking
3D chip stacking – also referred to as 3D integrated circuit stacking or 3D packaging – is an advanced semiconductor packaging technique that involves stacking semiconductor dies vertically on top of one another – rather than placing them side by side on a single plane. This kind of vertical stacking results in increased functionality, improved performance, and reduced form factor in electronic devices.
The technique involves stacking semiconductor dies that are connected through through-silicon vias (TSVs). The TSVs that pass through the silicon substrate of each die enable electrical connections between the stacked layers.
3D chip stacking can be monolithic (which involves building multiple layers of circuitry directly on top of each other on a single wafer) or heterogeneous (which involves combining different types of semiconductor materials or technologies in the same 3D structure).
While currently, there are considerable challenges involved in 3D chip stacking, experts believe that we will see major breakthroughs in 2024, which can make the technology go mainstream.
Closing Thoughts
The ever-accelerating pace of technological innovation is a transformative force reshaping our society’s very fabric. The latest technological trends show that the dynamics of our world are changing and evolving rapidly – driven by the power of data and harnessed by the power of AI. In short – the age of innovation is here – let’s navigate it wisely.
