In technology, the latest innovation reflects the pace at which new products gain traction and adoption. When technologies move beyond experimentation to piloting and scaling, they become game-changing tools for businesses and consumers. Gen AI and electrification top the list of emerging technologies, while cloud and edge computing support the growth of more mature trends.
Drones with cameras are changing the way farmers treat their crops. Agricultural drones with GPS modules, digital radios, and small MEMS sensors provide a view that exposes issues like irrigation treatment, soil variation, and distressed plants. This helps farmers address problems before they cause significant losses.
This year saw the rise of extended reality, a technology that uses virtual and physical elements to create immersive experiences. Powered by AR and VR, this trend is driving innovation in video games and entertainment, and can also be applied to architecture design, emergency response training, and phobia therapy.
Another exciting development was the rise of osmotic power systems that generate energy from moving water and salts. This technology can be used to desalinate seawater, creating fresh drinking water; or it can be used to power factories and buildings. In the future, it might be used to power cars and drones, providing a greener alternative to fossil fuels. Finally, solid-state batteries offer higher energy density and charge faster than traditional lithium-ion batteries, accelerating the green shift. The emergence of these technologies reflects the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, which is poised to reshape how we interact with technology.