- The World Economic Forum (WEF) released its Top 10 Emerging Technologies for 2024 on Tuesday
- The list of the technologies included Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Genomics for transplants
Two decades ago today, an automated system that uses artificial intelligence to write a story or electric vehicles cruising down the street – were only things on a sci-fi movie or predicted in a peer-reviewed paper.
Gone are those days, the future is here. In today’s world, both governments and automakers are seeking real-life and real time solutions to at least pressing challenges known to man. Further, these solutions offer near-perfect options that fit the needs of the consumers/people.
In a quest to solve toxic gas emissions from vehicles, the developed world is churning out – especially Europe electric vehicles (EVs). The latter has witnessed a surge in demand with hybrid electric vehicle sales rising by 33.1 per cent.
Despite of the latter, there is more to it that makes the present day an intriguing era to be alive. According to World Economic Forum’s recent report titled “Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2024” the following technologies provide a glimpse on the future.
Artificial Intelligence via Generative AI for better business
Likewise, Generative AI for language is predicted to advance rapidly in the next two years. Forrester outlined that the technology is currently delivering value in customer support and content creation, and has a hand in accelerating other technologies.
“An example of technology accelerated by Generative AI for language is TuringBots. These AI-powered software robots help developers build applications that deliver more than just code generation,” said the report in part.
In the same vein, the world has to be patient when it comes to emerging technologies with midterm Return on Investment (ROI). In most cases benefits will be experienced in the next two to five years and Forrester sees AI agents as one of them.
According to the report, the role of autonomous workplace assistants or AI agents has expanded from the back office and employee assistance to customer-facing automation. Forrester predicts that these AI agents will grow increasingly sophisticated to better understand and respond to nuance and context.
Autonomous mobility is also expected to have midterm benefits. The technology is described to accelerate commercial and urban transportation ecosystem collaborations to orchestrate personalised mobility experiences for both customers and businesses.
Read Also: Embracing Generative AI in Kenya to power faster innovation and growth in business
Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS) for better Communications
In a world that needs to use less energy, and with 6G on the horizon, how can we make this growing demand for, and delivery of, instant data access more sustainable?
For instance, emerging economies in the African continent for are banking on modern communication technologies. African telecommunication industry is changing rapidly with the market worth about $63.17 billion in 2024 and reaching more than $82.34 billion by 2029, growing at a rate of 5.44 percent each year. According to figures by Mordor Intelligence.
According to WEF report, Reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) optimise wireless communications links by changing shape dynamically, combining meta-materials, smart algorithms and advanced signal processing to control and manipulate electromagnetic waves.
Engineered for enhanced capacity and connectivity and with a strong focus on environmental sustainability, RIS can turn ordinary walls and surfaces into intelligent components in a wireless network.
How could the technology impact everyday processes? Telecoms is the major area of use. This could mean more reliable and efficient radio-wave communication in smart factories and vehicular networks, as well as improved coverage in agricultural settings, the report predicts.
To make matters even better, the WEF report pointed out another highly interesting technological breakthrough.
Harnessing the latest in solar, battery, lightweight composite material and avionic technology, high altitude platform station (HAPS) systems potentially offer new levels of communications and observation capabilities. Operating at around 20km above the Earth – typically in balloon, airship or fixed-wing aircraft form – they can beat the connectivity, coverage and performance of terrestrial towers and satellites, particularly in remote parts of the world.
HAPS’ innovative infrastructure is poised to bring internet access to over 2.6 billion people in 100 countries without connectivity, creating opportunities for education and economic growth.
In addition to improving digital inclusion, HAPS are quick to deploy so could be of vital use in emergency situations.
Read Also: Generative AI in banking: how evolving technology could impact you
Artificial intelligence for Scientific Discovery
According to WEF, AI for scientific discovery is transforming how new knowledge is discovered and used. AI systems such as Deep Mind’s AlphaFold can accurately predict the 3D models of protein structures.
“AI has also been applied in research that discovered a new family of antibiotics and created materials for more efficient batteries. According to a recent report from the United States President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, “AI has the potential to transform every scientific discipline and many aspects of the way we conduct science.” The report stated in part.
Further down the line, the report indicated that, the building and construction sector is responsible for almost 40 percent of carbon emissions, according to the United Nations. Immersive technology for the built world and AI-driven blended reality tools could have critical parts to play in its cleaner future, helping anticipate challenges and optimize projects for delivery in the real world. Digital twins, for example, can be used to simulate complex outcomes, increasing efficiency, while virtual prototyping and experimentation can help improve accuracy.
Genomics for transplants
Without a shred of doubt, organ transplantation is a significant advancement in medicine during the latter half of the 20th century and has continued to progress.
According to WEF report, this ongoing evolution was underscored by a remarkable milestone in March 2024: the first successful transplantation of a non-human (pig) kidney into a living human recipient.
This progress is driven by fundamental enablers such as our ability to understand and precisely edit the genome.
The latter brings medicine to a new level. African nations such as Tanzania are experimenting on genetic engineering technology on diabetes, reducing malaria transmission and lung transplant.
The successful implantation of genetically engineered organs into a human marks a significant advancement in healthcare, offering hope to millions awaiting transplants.
Further the report highlighted other technologies that advance the quality of life on human and technological side such as privacy-enhancing technologies, Integrated sensing and communications (ISAC), Elastocaloric for reducing energy required for heating and cooling and carbon-capturing microbes which converts carbon into valuable products.
