The future is now.
1) AI Technology
AI, or artificial intelligence, continues to grow and is still a trend to keep an eye on. It’s the process of teaching machines, like computers and robots, to “think” more like humans. AI can help businesses increase sales, automate work, detect fraud, and more depending on how they are programmed. It can have a large effect on how we live and work. Though AI might eliminate jobs, it’ll also create a demand for developers and programmers in the growing AI industry.
Amazon is using a machine learning system called Rekognition to identify people in photos and videos. They sell this service to marketing companies and more. This is only one of many examples of how AI can be utilized in the realm of business.
2) 5G Network
The 5G network is the fifth generation of mobile wireless communications. It is bringing in a range of new features like greater stability, faster speeds, and the ability to support more devices at once.
5G is already being used by millions of people in Korea and China. But, 2020 is likely to be the year where it really takes off in the U.S., especially at a more affordable cost with greater coverage. It could affect businesses in a positive way by making large file-sharing faster and more efficient and increasing productivity.
However, with all these great attributes come new cybersecurity risks. We’ll need to be prepared to evolve and grow to ensure strong security is maintained as 5G networks are utilized.
3) Automation
Automation minimizes the need for human work and can help businesses run more efficiently. It combines software, machine learning, and automation tools to deliver results. In 2020, utilizing automation tools in businesses is likely to become more common.
Amazon GO Stores are a prime example of automation in action. There is no need for cashiers in this store because everything is done through their app. These advancements will eliminate a variety of jobs, but it will also create new jobs. Automation requires development, programming, and more in order to be utilized and we’ll need people to do those jobs.
4) Blockchain
Blockchain is a digital ledger used to record transactions in a way that keeps it secure through encryption. It is a complex technology that can be used in a variety of industries. It became more known when it was used by Bitcoin, but most non-tech-savvy companies still don’t know about it. 2020 could be the year that changes.
Facebook plans on launching its own blockchain-based cryptocurrency in 2020, which will generate attention. Other companies like FedEx, IBM, and Walmart have invested in Blockchain over the course of 2019, which could lead other smaller businesses to adopt it as well.
5) Autonomous Things
Our trend list wouldn’t be complete without autonomous things. Autonomous things include any technology that doesn’t need human direction and can move about freely. Self-driving cards fall into this category.
Tesla has been working on its autopilot feature in its cars and it’s only getting better. They are continuing to add more features and safety enhancements to the self-driving hardware in their cars. There are so many other things that can become autonomous, so it opens the door to a variety of future opportunities. In 2020, autonomous things will continue to be developed in the hopes of being integrated seamlessly into society.
6) Human Augmentation
Human augmentation is the field of research about enhancing human abilities through technology or medicine. This can be physical or cognitive ability. There is a lot of research being done on this topic. It is an area of interest when it comes to the advancement of technology. Human augmentation can make humans more efficient, safe, and capable of actions beyond their normal capacity.
There are many different ideas and innovations that can come with human augmentation, like devices and implants that can enhance our senses. Cochlear implants are just one example of human augmentation that has helped many people in their daily lives. It is worthwhile to keep an eye on this industry as we enter this new decade.
7) Distributed Cloud
Cloud storage has already been integrated into many industries. The emerging trend for 2020 and beyond will be distributed cloud storage. A distributed cloud is when computation, storage, and networking exist in a micro-cloud located outside of the main cloud hub. This includes edge computing which we’ll go into more detail below. Utilizing this can provide decreased latency and higher security for cloud computing.
8) Edge Computing
Edge computing is the infrastructure that exists close to the sources of data, unlike regular cloud computing which relies on a central hub. Edge and cloud computing work hand in hand. Edge computing has the upper-hand when there is a need for low latency or when there are bandwidth restrictions, like being in an isolated area with no connectivity.
The edge computing market is predicted to grow in the coming years. With that will come the creation of more jobs, mainly software engineers.
