Smart watches
It is evident that smart watches have revolutionized the contemporary and highly technological world tremendously. However, the current use of smartphones only offer a glimpse of what smart watches can do in the future when its application is fully embraced. Consequentially, the application of smart watches is postulated to stretch beyond its current range of use that merely involves the retrieval of data from other devices and the collection of information from both external and internal sensors. Given, smart watches are invaluable wearable gadgets when it comes to the collection of personal information including blood pressure and heart rates. Extrapolating this functionality into the near future will involve wide spread use of smart watches in the healthcare profession. Gone will be the days whereby multiple gadgets and equipment’s will have to be attached onto patient’s to measure their vitals. By simply wearing one of these smart watches, collecting all the requisite patient info will be achievable according to tech gurus and moguls. Additionally, smart watches are currently being designed to perform a myriad of intricate tasks as opposed to merely checking incoming messages and calls. Current prototypes are engineered and input with software that facilitate the turning on and off of lights and also arming and disarming security systems right from the wrist. Futuristic designs with regard to the smart watches include the current ‘e-skin’ which is dubbed the ‘smart watch of the future’. This Design allows for a light up sensor to be taped onto the skin and facilitates the collection of vital signs including body temperature, checking of all phone notifications among other functions by simply glancing at the hand. In as much as these functionalities may appear repetitive and mundane presently, they are huge technological steps that will propel the smart watches into the gadgets of the future. Additionally, the health concerns on the carcinogenicity of smart watches are hitherto postulates and merely serve to give smart watches a clean bill of health and thrust them into the safe zone.
Drones
The advent of drones herald a new frontier in as far as the benefits and limits of the use of technology are concerned. In as much as numerous benefits abound with the use of drones, the risks and ethical concerns are equally varied and multifaceted. The major ethical issue hitherto when it comes to the use of drones has to do with privacy. Privacy in this regard refers to the use of drones to spy or infringe on the privacy of others or the general public by drone operators. Numerous news sources have reported how beachgoers or private owners of property have had their privacy infringed upon by these drones. This ethical issue has been compounded by the apparent lack of guidelines to guard against the use of drones in most jurisdictions globally. Additionally, the continued use of drones equally raises other valid concerns for the global village. Amazon, for instance raised concerns when it announced its proposed use of drones in delivering its products to the clients. In as much as this was a proposal, other countries such as New Zealand have already adopted such measures in some sectors of their economy. The ripple effect of an increment of such measures is augmented under employment and unemployment as drones and robotic tech take over the economy. Consequentially, such an application of drones tends to degenerate into an uncaring society as human contact is minimized. Coupled with this ethical dilemma are varied inherent risks with using drones. As privacy are increasingly used even by drone journalists and other drone operators, administrative units are still at a loss as to how to constitute laws to govern their applications. Meanwhile, drones are taking over essential spheres of the economy including the commercial and military sectors. Therefore, in as much as mechanization, such as using drones, brings numerous benefits, the inherent risks and concerns must also be addressed.
Virtual reality
The use and application of virtual reality has been evolutionary. Despite the fact that some epic advancements and applications virtual reality have been witnessed hitherto, the future holds promise to even more applications of virtual reality. The healthcare sector stands to benefit the most out of future applications of this technological breakthrough. Virtual diagnosis, for instance, will become a reality whereby visual explanations of tests can be created. In the training of medics and emergency professionals such as fire fighters, VR is also expected to be fully adopted, whereby, real scenarios can be simulated virtually in order to train experts on how to respond to real world events. Through VR, exposure therapy will also be achieved whereby patients with certain phobias such as claustrophobia or fear of heights can exposed to appropriate stimuli in a controlled and appropriate environment. Such applications can also be expected to stretch into the management of severe conditions such as PTSD (Post traumatic stress disorder) especially to war veterans whereby war scenes can be recreated in a safe environment. Furthermore, the use of cadavers in the training of medics can be eliminated with the adoption of VR. However, with these advancements that come with VR, the real elephant in the room is the twin problem of motion sickness and the disorientation that comes with VR. Hitherto, these challenges have not been addressed and with advancements in the application of VR, these challenges can only be compounded. Recent VR gadgets developed by Samsung and Oculus for instance urge their users to take not less than ten minute breaks every 30 minutes of VR exposure. This measure helps to avoid nausea, neurological changes, headaches, and disorientations among other host issues that come with using VR. An even more real concern with VR however, has to do with the isolation that it presents. Social media offers enough a struggle when it comes to paying attention and focusing on family and friends. With advancements in the range of applications of VR, it is a chilling reality that VR may be the next level of physical isolation in the future. Unfortunately, nothing may be done to mitigate against this sobering tech related concern.
Neural Implants
Neural implants presents one way in which man is continually reliant upon technology, in the previous years, such technology has been seen as fictitious but an amazing array of hope can be placed upon the technology. With the technology's ability to be implanted upon brain cells, it is possible to harness a lot from it. It is well known that brain cells control all the human functions including, vision, movement, pain, taste and all the olfactory senses. Using this technology, it will be possible to manipulate one or more of the abilities to achieve a desired effect. Imagine the use of the retinal chip implanted in the part of the brain that control vision, using that chip, it may be possible for man to be able to see in the darkness. A cochlear implant may also be used to enhance listening, especially in noisy environments or under water, this will be very useful, especially for deep sea divers who need to hear clearly. One way in which this technology can be of great benefit is by enhancing memory by the use of memory chips. Currently, the use of neural implants can be seen as what laser surgery was a few years ago, it is only used in defined category of patients, they may not be risk free at all, however, they are a sign of great things to come. Because neural implants may not always work as devices implanted into the brain cells, they may be used to stimulate the brain, such activity will be useful in the medical field and can be used to restore functions that had been previously lost such as sight, movement and even memory loss. Such activities will be crucial in restoring lost functions especially due to age and also due to traumatic experiences, thereby improving the quality of life of the patient.
Technology for learning disabilities
Learning is challenging and even more challenging for persons with learning disabilities, there are many technologies that have been developed to assist learning. One interesting way is the integration of information communication technology (ICT) into learning. The advantage of this method is that it is ever expanding and it is very easy to improve a program to have one that is more efficient and specific to a group of persons with learning disabilities. Digital devices like tablets, cameras, entertainment systems like Xbox and play stations have been used previously to enhance learning in persons with learning disabilities. Although computers have been previously used, many parents and teachers prefer to use portable devices like iPad and tablets. Software have been developed that are compatible with the iPads and tablets. An example is the Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), these software is very useful for students with communication impairments, the tool is effective because it allows the students to express themselves, additionally it allows them to learn languages and communications. For persons with learning disabilities it is important to break down earning activities into simple and focused portions to prevent overburdening the student, the traditional forms of learning are not useful to them because they will need a lot of repetitions or them to grasp a topic. The use of computerized tools makes learning very interesting and a lot of people are communing up with software that can be used, additionally, the portable devices come in various forms. To increase the excitement of learning, the apps start at multisensory levels, games are used to improve learning, the portable devices are manipulated through hand, voice and even gestures. There are applications that are interactive and thereby increasing the participation of the student others have features for critical analysis. It is clear that the applications are varied depending on the status of the student with students who are at advanced stages having more complex applications that will stimulate learning at that stage
AI in medicine
Advancements of AI have witnessed its wide application in medicine. The most noteworthy cutting edge technology that has revolutionized AI application in medicine is its use in CT scans that allows for 4D organ imaging. Presently, the interpretation of medical images is utterly made by expert physicians. However, with the advent of AI, aided interpretation of medical images has become revolutionary in medical imaging and in diagnostic radiology. Application of AI are expected to stretch into the medical field, especially in neurosurgery in a bid to eliminate errors that come with dealing with the brain. Brains CT scans is a pertinent area due to the relatively higher number of scans conducted annually compared to other scans. In this regard and from a methodological view point, the main attraction in its application involves the amalgamation of the image reading from the radiologists and results from AI based applications. AI based applications will thus be effectual in the reduction and elimination of perception errors. In the pharmaceutical analysis, AI’s print is clear. In previous times, converting research work into practice to witness the introduction of a new compound or chemical into the pharma market took not less than 15 years. With the advent of AI, this time has been crunched to mere years. However, advancement in AI’s application in pharma promise further crunching of research time significantly, saving millions of dollars in the process. In this regard, generating clinical reporting tools using AI promises to be the next big thing in the pharmaceutical world. Using artificial intelligence, clinical reporting tools are expected to produce drafts including company and regulatory acquiescent CSR (clinical study reports) that are 90% complete. Ordinarily, this step of clinical designs takes years! Using AI however, the process is expected to take minutes. The benefits of effecting such a process will have innumerable benefits across the healthcare sector. However, chef among the expected benefits will be a huge cut of money used in Research and Development which is often in millions of dollars.
The Impact of Technology on Child Development
Unlike the previous generation of baby boomers, millennial children and the generation z rely heavily on technology for their daily existence. Consequently, both negative and positive impacts of this reliance on technology surface. The chief most concern with the use of technology on a child’s development is linked with the sedentary lifestyle that comes with using technology. With the increased use of technology, a child’s sensory development, creativity and movement are greatly diminished. Consequentially, the necessary challenges needed to achieve development milestones are limited greatly. With continued use of technology in the contemporary world and the design of more tech ready products which are readily accessible to kids, today’s young people are have difficulties concentrating in class and also in regulating themselves. Such tech related characteristics eventually degenerate to behavior management problems for parent s and teachers alike. Consequentially, the physical, behavioral and psychological characteristics of a child take a hit. For instance, in present day United States, the twin problem of obesity and diabetes are national epidemics with increased incidences among children and teenagers. Additionally, tech related diagnoses have, are, and still will be made as advancements in technology are witnessed. Such conditions range from attention deficit disorders, learning difficulties, autism, developmental delays, autism, coordination disorders, and difficulties in sensory processing, sleep disorders and anxiety are gradually affecting the young. According to behavioral psychologists and researchers, in order to achieve normal development, a child requires touch, movement, exposure to nature and touch. These four sensory inputs guarantee normal development of self-regulation, attainment of optimal arousal states, the development of normal bodily posture and development of bilateral coordination skills. All of these developmental milestones are vital for a child before entry into schools. Through non tech related activities, children can develop their tactile systems, proreceptive systems and requisite stimulation their vestibular. Unfortunately, development n these fronts is greatly affected and hence parents, teachers and guardians need t take an active role in ensuring adverse effects of technology do not affect the normal development of children.
AI in Transportation
The range of application of AI stretches to the transportation sector whereby cutting edge artificial intelligence technologies have, and continue to be developed and applied in a bid to improve transport systems making them more sustainable. With its application in the transport sector, the advent of the intelligent transport systems (ITS) has been witnessed. Considerations of the application of ITS in the development of future transport systems is also under consideration by various industry drivers. By using artificial intelligence, vehicles, infrastructures, drivers and the users of transport can interact in the delivery of the ultimate transport service. The proposed use of ambient intelligence (AmI) for instance, embraces a user friendly service system, an efficient service support, a more interactive transport system that offers the ultimate transport of the future. Through ambient intelligence and other intelligent transport systems, AI proposes to augment decision making, making transport linkages to occur in real time supported by network controllers and hence augmenting the performance of the entire transport system. With the use of AI, futuristic transport services such as the use of smart cars, automating highways and cooperative use of systems can be attained. However, with such expected advancements and application of AI in the transport sector, a system that is inexpensive, controllable and adaptable is needed for optimum functioning. A major concern with the futuristic application of AI in the transport sector is the personal nature of most of the various sectors of the transport industry. The use of smart cars for instance, involves unmanned cars which can respond to regular and preprogrammed commands. In the event that something out of the ordinary happens, such as a kid chasing a ball down the road, AI and smart managed cars will be ineffective. Consequentially, both natural intelligence and artificial intelligence need to be combined in coming up with the ultimate system of the future with regard to transport.
Malware
With the increased use of computers and smart gadgets, the threat of malwares continues to be the single and biggest concern for most computer users. Over the past decade, the sophistication of malwares has increased tremendously. Albeit advancements to combat this trend have been effected by various tech experts, malwares have evolved in tandem with the froth of security options. In the next few years, malwares are expected to outweigh the developments and milestones that have been witnessed if the current trends are anything to go by. Even though worms, and viruses have been the chief nemesis of computer programs in the past, it is expected that Trojan horses targeted at specific corporations will be the main concern in the future. Trojan horses are what corporations worry most about. Industrial espionages are possible using Trojan horses that are targeted. New techniques and coding also allow these malwares to stay undetected for longer periods. With increased advancements in technology, malwares can be designed to remain undetected in target sites and can vanish when detected based on their coded commands. Such functionality makes combating malwares a real challenge. Cyber criminals are expected to evolve with evolving security checks aimed at stopping malwares, resulting in a counterproductive measure. The ‘hack-back’ functionality of malwares for instance, allows a malware to detect if it is being assessed and it can then compromise the person’s machine. Consequently, advancements aimed at addressing malware concerns are futile due to the mutating nature of these malicious software. However, in as much as the future looks bleak with regard to malwares, instituting contemporary protection measures such as the use of malwares, antiviruses, firewalls, limiting the rights of users and using anti spywares are bound to offer some level of protection. Additionally, with advancements in technology, the evolving nature of malwares must continually be taught in tech institutions in order to mitigate against plausible attacks.
Artificial Intelligence and the Labor Market
Leading tech and information firms are currently making major strides in coming up with various artificial intelligence platforms. However, fears abound hitherto, regarding the potential effect that may be witnessed by fully embracing artificial intelligence in the labor market. This fear abounds notwithstanding the fact that artificial intelligence brings with it numerous benefits. The chief most concern in this regard is the potential loss of jobs in what is dubbed the ‘fourth industrial revolution’ and fears over the efficacy of smart machines to do what has been predominantly human work. When this will be achieved, artificial intelligence will have surpassed natural intelligence. However, only low skill and medium jobs such as routine assembly line jobs, or predictable outcome jobs are the only ones expected to be phased out as machines are embraced. High skill jobs that require natural intelligence such as interacting with people, making decisions, working in dynamic and stressful environments may remain unaffected for a longer time even as AI is embraced. As computers become more advanced, in future, programming computers to make decisions likened to real life situations such as the diagnosis of conditions, or coding computers to comprehend human dialect is expected to take the AI world by storm. The spearheading factor in this regard is expected to largely embrace robotics with robots made to respond to stimuli. As robots evolve to become more mobile, they can be expected to interact more with people and plausibly replace them in most spheres of the economy. In this regard, firms such as google and IBM are making major strides to make this idea a reality. However, the major hurdle such efforts face is the public perception against robots taking over perceived human roles in key sectors of the economy which require human to human interaction. Surmounting these challenges will prove a make or break for the future of AI in the labor market and only time will tell.
Artificial Intelligence and cosmetics
The beauty industry is worth a lot of billions of dollars, despite its analogue nature of application of lotions and other cosmetic creams. Artificial technology can be used to expand the market and unlock its exponential growth. Technology can be used to improve the use of cosmetic products, especially by women who may not know much about beauty. One way is by capturing the details of the consumer, including their complexion and skin type and using the data to recommend favorable cosmetic products. This technology has been used to capture the face shapes of the consumers using android and iOS applications, the data is then submitted online, where it is analyzed by multiple robots which offer suggestions on the hairstyle, make up designs and even spectacle frames to be used to enhance beauty. Additionally, this technology analyzes the consumer’s hair type, eye shape and color, skin tone and texture to create tailored instructions that are used by makeup artists and stylists. An example of such technology is Mink; this is a personalized three D cosmetic printer that analyzes data, such as skin tone and uses the data to select the cosmetic products like lipsticks, blushes, foundations and powders to be used on the consumer. Another example is Maybelline; this is an augmented reality nail app that is used to identify the preferable nail shade combinations that could be applied. Additionally, the Maybelline app is also used to try out new cosmetic products thereby offering them with assistive shopping. The use of such application to guide consumers allows them to purchase beauty products that will be useful to them, it is common knowledge that women buy a lot of cosmetic products that they end up not using, and therefore, artificial intelligence comes in and allows smart shopping.
