2019 has been an explosive year of innovation. IoT has advanced businesses by providing data that can lower costs, increase sales and improve how to reach customers. 5G has been introduced and looks to increase the speed of business. Virtual assistants, wireless headphones and smart watches sales have boomed and are continuously changing the way we interact with technology every day. We have integrated seamlessly with the advancements of 2019 and accepted them as commonplace without question.
However, that is not what this article is about. The year is nearly over and in the true fashion of innovators we must look forward instead of back! At People Source we like to stay tuned in to all things tech and we predict that the following trends/advancements will play a big part of 2020…
Even more AI
It is predicted that 25% of Fortune 500 companies will add AI building blocks to their processes in 2020. We’ll see more AI driven media and entertainment, AI-powered cyber security systems, digital customer service interactions and a massive raise in the capability of AI assistants – Siri and Alexa are definitely in for some competition.
The biggest impact it’ll have is on the work place through automation. IT service management company, Gartner, believe that AI will eliminate around 1.8 million jobs by the end of the year. However, it’s not all doom and gloom as Gartner also believe that 2.3 million jobs will be created in various sectors. That means we can put a pin in rebelling against the robots for the foreseeable future.
A Boom in Autonomous Driving
While you might not be cruising down the M1, with your feet on the dash board and watching the latest HBO TV show by the end of 2020 – we are on our way to it. One example that comes to mind is California-based start-up, Perceptin, who are planning to deploy their pilot programme self-driving cars in Indiana by the end of 2020.
These automated vehicles will operate from 12:30 to 14:30 daily to ferry locals around. The cars can hold up to 8 people and won’t exceed 20 mph. The cars will be monitored by closely teleoperators to make sure there are no unfortunate accidents. The safety wheels are not quite ready to come off but it is still amazing nonetheless.
Human Augmentation
As we have already mentioned, sales of wearables are booming but in 2020 are we going to see technology make its way from the wrist and into the body? In France, Professor Jean-Louis de Bougrenet de la Tocnaye leads an optical research team at IMT Atlantique, a technology university in Brest Nantes and Rennes. His team are working on contact lenses that have a range of impressive functions.
The contact lenses will have the ability to detect the precise direction of a user’s line of sight. This could lead to assistive technologies for driving, surgery, augmented reality systems or allow video recording and make the GoPro obsolete! In 2019 he revealed his first prototype with a standalone battery and we can’t wait to see where Jean-Louis takes this tech.
Gesture control for all devices
Gesture control already exists but in 2020 we are going to see it completely change the way we interact, explore, learn, create and engage with technology. You will hear the term “natural user interface” become more common when describing interface systems.
In certain BMW’s you can answer a phone call just by pointing at the navigation and skip songs on your Google Pixel 4 by swiping your hand. The gesture control revolution is starting and touching your devices could become old-fashioned. Who knows, maybe gesture control with link up with Jean Louis’ contact lenses for a fully immersive experience.
Everything-as-a-Service (EaaS)
Christian Reilly, Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, at Citrix, has recently stated that their company has seen an increase of Software as a Service (SaaS) to replace onsite applications. This mixed with other advancements (AI, IoT, new digital models and more) has allowed evolved business models that have changed companies and economies globally.
Old processes and architectures are finding themselves a thing of the past. The new procedures do require migrations, new development approaches and operational changes but they will allow big companies to evolve from SaaS and means they can offer even more through cloud computing. 2020 will see Everything-as-a-Service redefining all processes and services businesses have to offer.
3D printing food production
We predict we are going to see massive growth in the 3D food printing industry. It’s expected to grow by 50% and will boost the planets food production by nearly 70%, while using a fraction of the real estate and resources.
Redefine Meat, an Israeli start-up, wants to shake up the meat industry with their tech. They are developing printers that take in fat, water, and three different plant protein sources, using these ingredients to print a meat fibre matrix with trapped fat and water, mimicking the texture and flavour of real meat. A meatless future is not far away.
What next?
We’ve only scratched the service on the types of advancement that lies ahead in 2020 but want to know what you think. Tweet us @peoplesource_uk and let the team know what advancements will help shape the future.