Emerging Technologies
New technology is generally referred to as ‘Emerging Technology’. It is the advancement in the existing technology. Emerging technologies are under development technologies that will replace the current technologies in the near future. We will use them in every field of life including education, information technology, medical, transportation, communication and many more.
Do you know?
There are websites that may be used to see and study the working of almost all technologies of the world. i.e., www.howstuffworks.com
Examples of Emerging Technologies
You will see the emerging technologies in action in every field of life. Some of these technologies are discussed below:
Robotics
The branch of engineering that is used to manufacture intelligent machines to assist humans in different tasks is called Robotics. These intelligent machines are called Robots. They have a wide range of uses in almost all areas of life. These intelligent machines interact with their surroundings and can take a variety of actions. These machines can not only perform various tasks without human interface, but they can also help humans perform their tasks more efficiently.
Robots are used in manufacturing, mining, logistics, healthcare, the kitchen, landmine detection, and many other areas. We will soon see robots everywhere.
Do you know?
The Czech word “robota” is the source of the English term “robot”. It means “hard work”.
Teacher Note
Students may be asked to act like a robot. They will be guided by the teachers to perform the same action e.g., to receive a book from one student and to pass it to the next student again and again. When the students get tired, bored or unable to perform the action with the same perfection, they should be told that robots have no feelings and can perform the actions for days and months with perfection.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a branch of Computer Science that deals with building smart machines capable of performing tasks intelligently. These artificially intelligent machines are intelligent enough to learn from their own experiences, just like humans.
Applications of artificial intelligence include self-driving cars, expert systems, natural language processing, machine vision, chatbots, gaming, marketing, social media, navigation control, etc. Artificial intelligence will influence every field of lie in the near future and will also lead towards more inventions.
Self-Driving Cars
A self-driving car is also known as an autonomous vehicle (AV), driverless car, or robotic car. Self-driving cars use a variety of sensors such as thermo-graphic cars, radar, GPS, and inertial measurement units to observe their surroundings and identify appropriate navigation paths. These cars do not need a driver.
An example of self-driving automobile is Google’s Waymo experiment. It is almost totally autonomous.
3D Imaging
3D imaging is a technique for giving depth to an image. Simple images are created on a 2D plane, with height and width whereas, 3D imaging gives the third dimension of depth to the images also. It establishes an optical illusion of depth by capturing an item in three dimensions. Some of its applications include computed tomography (CT), 3D laser scanning, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 3D movies, etc.
Holographic Imaging
A 3D hologram is a 3D projection of a 3D recorded image that matches almost exactly with the original object. You do not need to use 3D glasses to see this image. 3D holographic imaging is commonly used in meetings, exhibitions, education, military mapping, medical, art, product presentations, museums, and many more.
Do you know?
You can create holograms by using simple mobile and a piece of glass or plastic cut and joined at the angle of 45 degree? You may practice it at home.
Virtual Reality
The use of computer technology to create a virtual environment that can be viewed through virtual reality headsets is known as Virtual Reality or VR. It is a computer-generated imitation of the real world where people can interact in an apparently real or physical way.
The users can interact and explore the virtual environment. Reality is experienced by the users through their senses. This virtual reality is produced by a VR headset. It is mostly used for training, entertainment, in the auto industry, education, healthcare, architecture, training, tourism, and more.
Do you know?
You can use your cell phone for Virtual Reality Visualization. Search for a VR application in your mobile or download it from Google Play store. Now you only need a VR Headset which is not costly. Just put your cell phone in a VR Headset and start experiencing the ultimate fun of Virtual Reality.
Augmented Reality
Unlike virtual reality, augmented reality manages to merge digital and three-dimensional (3D) components with an individual’s perception of the real world. It aims to change the perception by utilizing video, infographics, photos, sound, and other features.
Augmented reality is now used in various industries including gaming, medical field training, public safety, education, and other types of entertainment.
Do you know?
The number of AR application cases is rapidly expanding. The AR industry is anticipated to be valued more than $18 billion in 2023.
Distributed Applications
Distributed applications are those that operate simultaneously on several different computes. These systems operate on the network and communicate with each other to complete a specific task.
The internet is a very famous example of a distributed system. The sharing of information amongst numerous different computer systems located in various locations is made possible by the internet.
Blockchain
Blockchain is a method of storing data in blocks that makes it difficult or even impossible to change the data or hack it. Blocks create a chain because each one has information about the block before it, hence strengthening the links in the chain. The transaction or file recorded cannot be modified.
Blockchain technology is used to innovate games, secure healthcare data, provide transparency for the business, financial services, market trends, and data-driven research. Blockchain technology is also the backbone of all Cryptocurrencies.
Activity
Students are required to search for at least five Cryptocurrencies on the internet which are being used these days. They will also list their current exchange rate with USD.
Machine Learning
Machine learning is a branch of artificial intelligence that enables a system to learn and improve itself from its experience without any user interface. Machine learning deals with the development of computer programs that can access data (training data) and use it to learn for themselves.
A real-world example of machine learning can be image recognition. It can be used to indicate if an x-ray is cancerous or not, give a name to a face in a photo and recognize handwriting. Some other applications include data analysis, social media services, email filtering, online customer support, search engine, and online fraud detection.
5G
The abbreviation 5G is used to refer to the Fifth Generation of Cellular Technology. An estimate of its data transfer rate is 20 Gbps. In comparison to earlier generations, it is much faster, more flexible and has less data transfer delays. Although 5G is already available in specific areas of some countries, it will be used far more in the coming years.
The applications of 5G technology include autonomous vehicles, video games, smart farming, the medical field, operations, the defence industry, and many more industries.
Computer Assisted Translation
Using software programs to translate written and spoken texts from one language to another is known as Computer Assisted Translation. The translation that is conducted using a software program enables a human translator to work more quickly and precisely. It is called CAT for short.
It speeds up lengthy translations, reduces errors, is affordable and is widely used. Language Service Providers (LSPs), translation and localization companies, independent translators, multi lingual workers, etc. frequently use Computer Assisted Translation tools.
Google Translator is an example of Computer Assisted Translation.
Glossary
Assist an act of giving help
Interference the act of getting involved in
Capable ability to do something
Inertial related to inertia, a property of matter
Autonomous independent, able to control itself
Multilingual ability to speak different languages
Assisted to give support, to help
Simultaneously at the same time
Let’s Have a Look
- Emerging technologies are under development technologies that will replace the current technologies in the near future.
- A self-driving car is also known as an autonomous vehicle (AV), driverless car, or robotic car.
- Virtual Reality or VR is a computer-generated imitation of the real world where people can interact in an apparently real or physical way.
- Blockchain is a method of storing data in blocks that makes it difficult or even impossible to change the data or hack it.
- Machine learning is a branch of artificial intelligence that enables a system to learn and improve itself from its experience without any user interface.
- The abbreviation 5G is used to refer to the Fifth Generation of Cellular Technology.
- Using software programs to translate written and spoken texts from one language to another is known as Computer Assisted Translation (CAT).
Exercise
- Multiple Choice Questions: Tick the correct answer.
- Write ‘T’ for True and ‘F’ for False in the boxes
- Answer the following short questions:
- What is meant by the augmented reality?
- What are some of the applications of AI?
- What is holographic imaging?
- What are the primary difficulties in robotics?
- What are the other names used for self-driving cars?
- State the applications of 3D imaging.
- Which device is used to experience virtual reality?
- What is the main purpose of using Computer Assisted translation?
- How can you create a hologram at home?
- What makes 5G better than previous ones?
- Answer the following long questions:
- Write a note on blockchain.
- What are the differences between Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality?
Learning Activities
Activity 1: (Research and Present)
- Divide the students into two groups.
- Name both groups as Group A and B respectively.
- Ask each group to research about various emerging technologies of their choice and present features, applications, advantages, and disadvantages.
Activity 2: (Mapping)
- Divide the students into suitable pairs.
- Ask each pair to open Google Maps on their computer/smartphone.
- Ask them to type their home address in the search bar and click Search.
- Ask them to click Get Directions and type the school’s address in the starting directions bar and click Search.
Ask them to look at the map (or satellite view) and check if that’s the route of you getting to school.
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