Session 9

Emerging technologies

This session focuses on the technologies of the future and how it can change the way we live. In order to innovate and create new technology, having the right mindset is very important. Instead of asking why, by asking why not, your perspective is widened. One will consider the possibilities and this would help in innovation. An example of future technology is the rise of claytronics. Claytronics combines nanoscale robotics and computer science to create individual nanometer- scale computers that can interact with each other to form tangible 3D objects. In the video that Prof showed, one can see that claytronics can allow users to easily change and make amendments to the design.

The drivers for this future and emerging technologies are market driven and supply driven. Market driven research are that there is a gap in the present market for such a good and people would definitely purchase it if it exists. However, supply driven research is one where people do not realise that they would need such products. An example would be Walkman and 3D printing. In the past, people do not see the need for such a product. However when it is being mass produced, people find it useful and more and more people started using hence creating a demand for it. The is so for 3D printers. Perhaps people may not find it useful now but once they get to  use it, 3D printers can revolutionize the way people live. Toys could be customized for children and there could be a lot of personalized products.

Another emerging technology is the rise of flexible plastic electronic. Imagine using an ipad with a plastic screen, it would be very beneficial for consumers as it is now lighter and there is no fear if the device is dropped.

Prof also mentioned the analogy of a crumpled paper and a plain sheet of paper. Working ideas on a blank paper allows more room of imagination. Therefore, people need to be open to all possibilities and not limit themselves.      

Not only is the innovation of a new product is important, mass media and advertising is equally important. Marketing a new technology would create public interest to the product and people would want to try it out. 

Mass media and advertising have the ability to change people perception.

To ensure its successful, from previous sessions I mentioned that 4 essential factors is needed. The 4 factors are smart people, smart ideas, smart money and smart partnerships. Most people would want to invest in a product after its been successful however, the person who can predict which technology will be successful and invest it early is smart. Often, the cost of investing in a new product that just started is cheap. It is however extremely difficult to spot such products as only 1 in 10 ideas actually succeed. 

There are so many different areas of emerging technologies some namely are bio technologies, robotics, and nanotechnologies. Biotechnology is the use of living systems and organisms to develop or make useful products. A branch of biotechnology is pharmacogenomics. Pharmacogenomics is the study of how the genetic inheritance of an individual affects his/her body's response to drugs. By doing so, customized medicine can be produced for the individual. This would also help to remove the side effects and make sure the patient would not reject the medicine. This increases the life expectancy of humans as people now have a better healthcare system. However, this sector has raised ethical concerns. For example, cloning. 

Biotechnology can also help to increase the  security systems. As seen in many spy and action movies, the vault is lock and only the person authorized to open the vault who have to scan his iris before entering. The use of iris recognition increases security. The speed at which it matches the eye is also very quick and its extremely hard to match falsely.    

Robotics is also one area to look into the future. Prof showed as this video where robots can be made specially for a person and can even be a perfect boyfriend/girlfriend. Robotics are useful as they may take over the place of humans in dangerous environments or manufacturing process. However, will the robots' artificial intelligent supersede that of the human brains? If robots are as smart as us, what would become of humans? 

Personally, i think that the surveillance technology needs to be handled properly. The production of spy drones and many other weapons can seriously threaten one's privacy. Indeed, it is definitely useful to be able to develop and enhance this technology further as it can help combat terrorism. For example, there is the Automated Warning and Response Engine (AWARE) from Abeo Technical Services. The software will actually analyze the video itself and spot for potential terrorist or suspected terrorist activities. No individual would want others to tap on one's conversation. Hence, it is essential to how is it technology going to be applied such that it does not infringe on personal space. 

Another interesting technology to me is the knowledge management technology. In such a connected world of today and the proliferation of the internet, one can now have access to a wide array of information. Companies of today are faced with huge amount of data and information. Hence, there is a higher demand for people who are able to analyse these data and understand the customer's trends. By understanding these information, the company is then able to make informed decisions.  

I came across this article written by John Pavuls and he talked about the 10 breakthrough technologies in 2013. One of which i found particularly interesting is the introduction of smart watches. The watch named Pebble watch allows users to check their e-mail or the weather forecast without taking out their mobile phones. Pebble uses Bluetooth to connect wirelessly to an iPhone or Android phone and displays notifications, messages, and other simple data of the user’s choosing on its small black-and-white LCD screen. Retrieved from: http://www.technologyreview.com/featuredstory/513376/smart-watches/

As the world changes and consumer pattern changes, more products would be invented. However to ensure that new technologies are revolutionary we should always be open to possibilities and adopt the blank paper approach.

Personal Rating : 8.5/10