Emerging Technologies – The Essential Eight
Emerging technologies are rapidly reshaping our world. While the number of breakthroughs is high, the pace of adoption is even greater. As AI becomes more integrated into everyday companies, 3D printing is becoming a staple in manufacturing. And as the Essential Eight combine, the collective impact will be most significant. As with any new innovation, these technologies are only the beginning. While quantum computing and nanotechnology are also promising, their combined impact will have the greatest practical and profound impact.
Most of us use some type of technology daily, including cars, computers, washing machines, dryers, MP3 players, televisions, and car radios. In general, technology includes all kinds of devices that use electricity, whether they run on batteries or operate on electricity. By defining its functions, it makes it easier to understand how to use it to improve our lives and even develop a career interest in it. However, the definitions of various technologies are somewhat different.
While most human innovations have been based on human discoveries and inventions, many nonhuman species use technology in one form or another. The discovery of nuclear fission led to the creation of nuclear weapons and nuclear power, and the invention of computers and the Internet. Human exploration of space began in the late 1950s, with the first crewed missions to the moon. Other developments in science and technology include open-heart surgery, stem-cell therapy, new medications, and genomics.
Industrial technologies include machines and processes used to produce goods on a large scale. Examples of these technologies include manufacturing robots and electric motors. Mechanical robots are also employed in creating cars. Lastly, medical technologies comprise devices and tools used to diagnose and treat disease. They may also be incorporated into other technologies such as medical devices. With their vast range of uses, it is important to understand the types of technologies used by each one. And, while many technologies are related, some are not.
As these technologies develop, humankind will become even more dependent on them. While smart watches and implanted devices can monitor biometric data, GPS can also be used to record accurate time measurements. A global positioning system (GPS) can pinpoint a person’s location on earth by sending signals to satellites in its orbit. This technology can be used to get real-time directions, monitor the transit of different objects, and record precise time measurements. Many of these technologies have revolutionized industries.
The metaverse is already a hot topic, based on technology developments tracked over the last decade. This new era will be powered by a wave of innovation that promises to improve our ability to work smarter, seamlessly and collaboratively. Blockchain, AI, and IoT are some of the technologies driving this wave of innovation. When combined together, these technologies will enable businesses to verify authenticity, automate multiparty transactions, and automate trust in physical assets.
Critical technologies are identified in the US Code section 6683. There are many reasons why these technologies are critical. The Department of Defense considers certain technologies to be critical, and selects them based on their relationship with one or more of its five Future Joint Warfighting Capabilities. While these lists may differ, there are some similarities. One major reason is the desire to foster commerce, but the objective of each list is the same. A national critical technologies list is essential to the success of our future.
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