As we step into the new year, iXP Connect extends warm wishes for a Happy New Year to everyone. The dawn of 2024 holds the promise of even more groundbreaking innovations. Reflecting on the technological strides witnessed in various domains, let’s delve into some noteworthy advancements of 2023.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Gone are the days of simple keyword searching; here comes the rapid wave we call "AI" or artificial intelligence. True AI transcends mere glossaries, incorporating advanced systems with algorithms rooted in human logic and behavior to perform tasks, including problem-solving, learning, natural language comprehension, understanding perception, and decision-making.
Unlike simple systems based on "if and then" logic, AI comprehends the meaning and context of queries, returning answers based on learned knowledge. AI’s influence extends beyond chat boxes, showcasing capabilities in creating realistic and artistic outputs, detecting health issues like cancers. We are still at the beginning of AI development yet amazed by the possibilities of AI in our future. However, with these positive strides, concerns arise – AI-generated fake identifies infiltrating cyberspace, posting threats to privacy and trust. Governments around the globe are now considering AI restriction legislations to mitigate the known and unknown risks.
Some may be regretting the development and deployment of AI based on negative news reporting; however, the AI tech is already here and it will be a part of many other future technologies for certain.
Biotech Breakthroughs
Biotech innovations may not be the latest gadgets you see on infomercials or YouTube feeds, but have you heard of a technology called "gene editing"? Gene editing is an innovative technology to precisely modify or alter an organism's genetic code or DNA. By adding, omitting, or altering specific genetic sequences, the result can change the organism's traits.
You may be asking, "Why do we need to alter organisms' DNA?" Well, I am glad you are asking. In the healthcare and therapeutic fields, researchers are hopeful to find treatments or eliminate certain genetic disorders by editing specific defective genes responsible for debilitating diseases. Furthermore, some scientists are researching the possibility of producing bacteria with genetically modified genes that will produce insulin to treat diabetic patients.
In agriculture and food science fields, we are already seeing some crops with their genes altered (or enhanced) to resist pests and diseases, enhance nutritional contents, and increase production yields. You may prefer "organic" crops instead of genetically altered crops just from reading the headlines of "genetically altered." If you dig a little deeper into "organic" or "no insecticides used" labels, some of these items are already genetically altered to resist insect pests. Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) cotton and corn are good examples of DNA sequence modified crops to reduce the use of environmentally harmful chemical insecticides.
Quantum Computing
We may not be the world's brightest mathematicians or engineers, but believe me when I tell you that all of us are using products and services that heavily leverage quantum computing every day. Our digital communications and online services use encryption technology called quantum key distribution or QKD.
Ever wonder how millions of Amazon orders are manufactured, stocked at warehouses, and delivered? Quantum algorithms optimize the supply chain and logistics to efficiently deliver these goods to us. Similarly, quantum computing algorithms can be used to optimize our energy grids for more efficient use of electricity, transportation like air-traffic controls, and financial fields like investment strategies and planning.
We have already discussed artificial intelligence earlier, but quantum computing can accelerate machine learning algorithms used in AI technologies. The results can lead to help consumers with more personalized recommendations like travel destinations, restaurant, and merchandise recommendations, and alike.
Next Generation Renewable Energy
We are seeing more electric vehicles (EVs) on the road these days. While debates about electrification continue, it is evident that the whole world is seeking more ways to produce energy to meet increasing consumer demands. In addition to safer and smarter nuclear and fossil fuel energy creation, engineers have been busy developing innovative and advanced energy technologies to improve the efficiency, sustainability, and accessibility of energy sources.
For example, everyone is familiar with various goods with solar cells as a source of electricity generation. Rather than a simple sunlight solar cell, next-generation solar tech may incorporate multiple layers of solar cell materials designed to capture a broader spectrum of sunlight; thus, increasing overall electrification efficiency. This is called "tandem solar cells" technology.
Biology and energy? Absolutely! Scientists are cleverly using enzymatic or even algae and other microorganisms to produce fuels like ethanol, biodiesel, biohydrogen, and biogas. The entire world may not be powered solely by these biofuels, but the use of biofuel should contribute to reducing the burden of our reliance on traditional energy sources as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Space Exploration
I think it is safe to say that launching a rocket into space has become a rather mundane affair these days. Advanced computing and engineering helped companies like Space X (founded in 2002 by Elon Musk) achieve rapid design and innovation processes of their rockets, more efficient and powerful propulsion systems, and autonomous technologies to return the boosters back to platforms safely (so they can reuse the boosters in the future).
We may be at the beginning of the next wave of space innovations like space tourism and even space colonization. Yes, we may see space hotels on earth orbit, suborbital travels, and transportation systems to meet the growing demands on earth as well as in space.
Traveling faster than the light year speed like what you see in Star Wars® and Star Trek® is not here yet, but traveling to exotic places like the Moon and Mars may become a reality sooner than you think.
Cybersecurity Advances
At the beginning of this blog, I talked about artificial intelligence and its potential risks. With any technological advances to make people's lives better and easier, there will always be some bad actors with criminal intentions. It has become critical to tandemly develop next-generation tech innovations and more sophisticated digital securities.
Some companies have already reshaped their internal network with a security protocol called "zero-trust architecture" (ZTA). ZTA is strict access control of their network with the principle of "never trust, always verify," and it is used to strengthen the security of their internal network. We discussed the use of AI and machine learning (ML), and these measures are used to detect potential threats from both outside and inside the network.
In addition to AI and ML, biometric feedback security such as the use of fingerprints, facial recognition, voice patterns, and iris scans is widely used to reduce unauthorized access to the network. Further, physiological and behavioral biometrics feedback like physiological measurements and registered heart rate patterns are used by some organizations to mitigate security breaches.
These security innovations are the growing trend toward adopting more secure and perhaps user-friendly authentication methods while traditional usernames and passwords will continue to coexist.
As we say good-bye to 2023, we stand on the cusp of a new era defined by unprecedented innovation. Artificial intelligence, biotechnology, quantum computing, renewable energy, space exploration, and cybersecurity are not merely buzzwords; they are the pillars shaping our trajectory into the future.
The fusion of human ingenuity and technological advances offers solutions to many problems, yet with great power comes the responsibility to navigate ethical and security challenges. It's evident that embracing these advancements comes with both incredible opportunities and challenges. We can safely say that 2024 is sure to be marked by further discoveries, breakthroughs, and the ongoing quest to harness these innovations for the betterment of everyone.
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