5 Technology Trends for 2019
Even as new technologies are developed, innovation around the application of existing
technology is rapidly changing how organisations operate and how we interact with the world.
Leaps in computing capacity, data capture and connectivity are accelerating this change. Here
are five areas to watch in 2019 and beyond…
1)Artificial Intelligence
A.I.(Artificial Intelligence) is about machines with human attributes - speaking, reading, seeing and even recognising
emotion - completing tasks while also "learning" from repeated interactions. Using algorithms that
adapt to location, speech or user-history machines can perform tasks that are dangerous or
tedious, more accurately or much faster than humans.
Within a few years, analysts predict that all software will use A.I. at some level, according to US
research and advisory firm Gartner. Importantly A.I. offers the opportunity to continuously tailor
products and services providing a competitive advantage over rivals that is not easily copied. The
question to ask is 'how can A.I. help my organisation?
2)Augmented Reality
Systems that combine real-time 3D vision, sound, haptics (the sense of touch), location data and
even other senses such as smell enable people to immerse themselves somewhere else, react to
what's around them and alter their virtual environment in real time. Organisations are increasingly
applying this technology across a wide spectrum of human activity from art and entertainment to
commerce, education and the military. It's used to train doctors, nurses, teachers and police
officers and will soon be available on your smart device. Could you use A.R.(Augmented
Realitiy) to lift efficiency for your internal stakeholders or help you communicate with your
customer base?
3)Blockchain
The fortunes of digital currency Bitcoin have drawn public attention to Blockchain technology, but
this secure system for recording and verifying transactions and storing trusted records has the
potential to disrupt enterprises of many kinds. Companies are using Blockchain technology to
transform time-consuming, centralised, less reliable and less secure systems. Digital democracy
platform MyVote, for example, uses Blockchain to store users' personal data and voting history to
give citizens a more direct voice in the political process. Could you use Blockchain to keep your
data secure?
4)Automation
Robots in manufacturing go back to the 1960s. Now it's the scale and breadth of the
transformation that automated systems make possible, as a result of other advances in machine
learning and connectivity, for example, that puts automation firmly at the forefront of technology
trends. From convenient devices at home to industrial applications on a massive scale,
automation will be a key focus of technological change, with potentially far-reaching economic
and social consequences.
Currently, professional services such as the legal and finance industry are being disrupted by
automation with feedback from these sectors being that core technical skills together with
management and people skills being more important than ever. How will automation disrupt your
industry?
5)Internet of Things
Gartner calls the combination of technologies and the connection of people, devices, content and
services the "intelligent digital mesh." This is the foundation for new business models, platforms
and possibilities that will transform how we live and work with implications that go far beyond the
technology itself and involve disciplines such as law, economics, business and politics.
It is early days for the application of IoT strategy but it is clear that opportunities will exist for those
with the technical knowledge to connect platforms as well as those with the data analytics skills to
utilise the rich stream of information generated by IoT applications. What could you learn from
connecting and analysing the data from your products or elements of your core operations?