Technology transforms the way we live, work, and play, and it changes every day. As technology advances, it seems like you can never keep up with the new apps, concepts, and devices available to choose from. However, knowing what cutting-edge technologies to pay attention to can help you improve your work and overall life. 

Looking at where we are today, technology has become so powerful that it shapes our everyday lives. Through the years, we’ve innovated and advanced technology so much that even the newest technology always seems outdated, as something new is just beyond the horizon. So which tools, devices, and concepts should you pay attention to in the following years? Here are a few cutting-edge technologies to know about:

Augmented Reality

Augmented reality (AR) is already used in various industries, including marketing and gaming. In gaming, AR combines the player’s physical environment and the integrations of virtual game elements. Another common example of augmented reality includes filters in apps like Snapchat that detect the user’s face with artificial intelligence (AI) and impose filters that look real on top of them. Additionally, interior design apps allow you to see how different colors and pieces of furniture look in your existing space, allowing you to try them before you buy without any heavy lifting. 

Virtual Reality

Virtual reality (VR) is another popular technology used throughout various industries. For example, VR headsets are now becoming just as commonplace as other gaming tools like keyboards. Virtual reality simulates various environments, allowing users to enter a completely different world, and has various applications. For example, it’s currently being used in the automotive industry to build vehicles before building expensive prototypes. Additionally, it’s used in healthcare to help train doctors and surgeons and as a mental health treatment called Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy. 

3D Metal Printing

3D printing isn’t new; many people have 3D printers in their homes for crafts and other activities. However, printing metal is expensive for the average hobbyist. Now, new 3D printers simplify the process of changing manufacturing in facilities by allowing them to print metal and create parts for machinery, cars, and devices. 

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence is another common technology used in a variety of systems, industries, and even homes. We can analyze data, solve problems, and even perform basic tasks with artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence has made great strides over the last few years and has begun successfully writing copy for websites and books and designing just as well as professional graphic designers. 

Digital Diagnostics

Telehealth has played a crucial role in increasing the accessibility of healthcare. Digital diagnostic tools like wearables lower healthcare costs and allow for improved communication between doctors and patients. Additionally, patients can monitor their own diagnostics to reduce the number of visitors required for follow-ups to determine if treatments are working. Digital diagnostics will work alongside other tools, such as conferencing software, to reduce our dependence on in-person visits. 

Robotic Process Automation 

Robotic process automation (RPA) uses technology governed by logic to automate various business processes. You can use RPA tools to configure software, collect data, or trigger responses by letting various tools communicate with one another. RPA can range from generating automatic responses to emails to using bots to automate tasks in a management system. 

RPA technologies reduce costs and prevent human error, and they’re fairly easy to implement once you understand which processes need more automation for better efficiency. 

Machine Learning 

Machine learning goes hand in hand with AI by using computer systems that can learn and adapt without human instruction. Using algorithms and models, machines analyze and learn through data patterns. While this might sound like something out of a science fiction movie, it’s already used today. For example, it can be used to identify objects for image recognition, label X-rays as cancerous, and assign a name to a face on social media. 

Machine learning is used in the medical industry to make diagnoses, with many physicians using it to formulate diagnoses and treatments, recognize cancer, and analyze fluids. 

Blockchain 

Most people only think of blockchain technology in terms of cryptocurrency, like Bitcoin. However, the blockchain has many other uses, by adding data to public ledgers that aren’t editable. While blockchain is ideal for trading since no one can edit it and it’s more secure, it can also be used by banks for financial exchanges and money transfers. 

Additionally, blockchain can be used for voting to ensure no one votes twice, ensure eligible voters can vote, and prevent votes from being tampered with. It can also increase accessibility to voting by making it easy to vote from a device like a smartphone. 

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity has become an increasingly important part of modern-day technology. With many in the workforce transitioning into a work-from-home situation, cybersecurity has been key to keeping valuable information, both business and personal, secure. Over the past few years, there have been many occurrences of large-scale cyber attacks that target both businesses and individuals. Cybersecurity technology should be a priority for anyone who wants to protect themselves online. 

Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things (IoT) describes the network of devices that connect and exchange data with one another over the Internet. An example of IoT would be your thermostat connecting to an app on your phone, allowing you to turn off your heat while you’re away. IoT has become one of the most important technologies of our time now that we can connect everyday objects, such as cars, appliances, baby and pet cameras, and thermostats, to our devices via the internet. 

Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology is a branch of science and engineering that focuses on manipulating molecules at a nanoscale. Nanotechnology allows us to control things on a molecular level, and we’re already using it in our daily lives. For example, sunscreen uses nanoparticles to make them more effective. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are used to block UV rays and feel lighter on the skin. 

Additionally, we use nanotechnology in clothing, furniture, and adhesives. For example, nanoparticles are used in clothing and fabrics to create fabrics that repel water and stains. Meanwhile, they optimize adhesives to make them stronger and more durable. 

Staying Ahead

Technology continues to evolve, and it’s almost impossible to keep up with every new trend. However, the technologies listed here are a good place to start if you want to learn about popular and emerging technologies used to make our everyday lives easier.