A new decade is starting, and if the last one led to the development and implementation of some innovative technologies, it is now time for an overview of the ones which are bound to emerge in the next few years.
With reference to this, Gartner has listed the ten most strategic technologies which, starting from the analyis of the human context, IT leaders (but not only!) should monitor and possibly adopt.
1. Hyper-automation
Nowadays, we can no longer talk about simple automation since the hyper-automation was born. It is a mix of different technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, robotics and managerial software, aimed at finding, analyzing, designing, automating, measuring, monitoring and reassessing whole processes. They jointly lead to the development of a digital twin of the organization ( DTO ), a connection between the physical and the digital worlds, providing live information concerning the organization itself and therefore identifying new business opportunities.
2. The multi-experience
The multi-experience can replace techno-experts with technologies which have been taught by such experts. Computers are no longer fixed and isolated but they are turned into hubs connecting and including different multi-sensorial interfaces and multi-touch points, wearable devices and advanced sensors.
Let’s take Domino’s Pizza as an example: the well-known pizza restaurants chain specializing in home deliveries has created an experience which, starting from their app, connects vehicles, the order tracking system and communications via smart speakers (Your next Domino’s Pizza might arrive in a self-driving car).
Nowadays, immersive multi-experiences are already available through virtual, augmented and mixed reality. In the future, it will also be an environmental experience.
3. Hi-tech democratization
Technologies are going to be increasingly accessible to people, even to those with no specific technical or commercial knowledge and expertise gained after time-consuming and expensive studies. The opportunity for citizens to access technologies affects 4 main areas – app development, data and data analysis, engineering and know-how.
4. Man 4.0
We have been hearing stories about augmented human beings for over 15 years, now (The cyborg man was born ). However, what was once only sci-fi, may now turn into a reality thanks to technologies used to implement physical abilities and mental skills such as implants or wearable devices. Such augmented skills refer to 4 different fields: sensorial perceptions enhancement, body enhancement (exoskeletons, prosthesis), cognitive skills enhancement and genetic enhancement (genetic and cell therapy).
When implants are finally equipped with AI and Machine Learning properties, we will be able to use data and information which our brain would never be able to process. A classic ethical dilemma ensues.
5. Transparency and traceability
Consumers have become more and more aware about personal data collection processes. Such awareness, however, has led to a deep mistrust into businesses and enterprises. Such trend addresses six main elements: ethics, integrity, open mindedness, responsibility, competence and coherence. The GDPR was a first step and offers some guidelines, but we need to go further to gain people’s trust back.
6. Edge computing
Edge computing is expected to lay the foundations for the creation of smart locations and connections with the Internet of Things, thus bringing apps and key services closer to their users.
7. Distributed Cloud services
Quote: “The distributed Cloud refers to the spreading of public cloud services outside providers’ physical data centers which are still under providers’ control. When it comes to the distributed cloud, providers are in charge of all the aspect of the architecture, the delivery, the operations, the governance and the updates of the cloud service”. The evolution from a public, centralized cloud to the public distributed cloud has led to the era of cloud computing. The advantage is having a public cloud without giving up the advantages of a local private cloud.
8. Autonomous (or semi-autonomous) objects
Drones, robots, ships and electrical appliances may exploit AI to carry out human tasks. If in the past they operated in controlled environments, they are soon expected to evolve into armies of adaptive robots operating in open public spaces. A first example will be provided by the next Olympic games held in Tokyo in 2020.
9. Blockchain scalability
The blockchain has been long debate but, due to several technical issues among which its poor scalability and interoperability, it is still not ready. Thanks to various experimental projects, according to Gartner, the distributed log technology should become scalable by 2023.
The blockchain will then be complete and will also be able to revolutionize industry and finance by integrating with the AI and IoT. Machines will also be part of the distributed log and we will see cars which, on the basis of data collected by their sensors, will negotiated the price of the related insurance directly with the insurance company.
10. AI supporting cyber security
Hyper-automation, IoT and autonomous objects open new horizon for business but also to data theft which may take place due to unexpected and unprecedented vulnerable spots. AI will then be used to increase cybersecurity by using Machine Learning to understand patterns, automate parts of the cybersecurity processes and anticipate hackers by identifying possible attacks in advance.
Which, among the aforementioned technologies you think may be more useful and desirable? Tweet @agostinellialdo.
To find out more about the digital world, you may read my latest book entitled: “People Are Media”
If you liked this post, you may also like the one entitled “The 7 trends of the Digital Transformation to be monitored in 2020”
