Technology trends are constantly evolving and disrupting industries around the world. These trends are transforming business processes and enabling enterprises to achieve greater success.

Examining composite momentum scores and trends’ industry applicability and technical maturity can help you identify how fast they’re moving toward your organization. Learn about these top tech trends: Artificial Intelligence, Robotic Process Automation, Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality, Blockchain, 5G.

Big Data

Big data is the term used for large, difficult-to-manage volumes of structured and unstructured information that inundate organizations on a daily basis. It is this information that, when analyzed correctly, can help businesses make informed business decisions and gain a competitive edge in their industry.

The three dimensions of big data are volume, velocity, and variety. Volume refers to how much data there is – from gigabytes (GB) to zettabytes (ZB). Big data comes from many sources including applications, sensors, mobile devices, social media sites, networks, and more. Velocity refers to how fast the data is generated and analyzed. Big data needs to be processed and analyzed in real-time for it to be useful.

Lastly, variety refers to the different types of data being collected and analyzed. This is one of the biggest challenges faced by big data analysts. This includes things like human bias, social noise, and data provenance issues. These challenges can have a significant impact on the accuracy and veracity of the data being analyzed. In spite of these challenges, big data has been proven to be a game-changer in several industries. For example, it has helped identify potential risks for businesses and developed solutions to mitigate them. It has also been used to improve customer experience by analyzing consumer responses and creating personalized offers. It has also been used in the entertainment industry to recommend music and movies based on individual preferences.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence is trending technology that aims to replicate human reasoning and decision-making through algorithms. AI can be used to automate tasks, improve business processes and increase productivity. It can be implemented as a standalone system, or it can be embedded within another application or device. Examples of AI-powered technologies include natural language processing, image recognition, machine learning and robotic process automation.

The most popular AI techniques are machine learning and natural language processing. Machine learning uses patterns and data to build a model that can predict future outcomes. It can be applied to a number of different tasks, including image classification, tagging and text classification. Natural language processing involves the use of pattern recognition to understand spoken or written human language. This is applied to a variety of tasks, including speech recognition, translation, handwritten character recognition and question answering.

Other common AI technologies include computer vision, knowledge representation and agent-based computing. Computer vision is the ability to derive meaning from digital images and video. It is often used by E-commerce companies to recommend products based on previous consumption behavior. It can also be used to detect credit card fraud and fake reviews. Knowledge representation systems, like graph neural networks and semantic networks, are a type of AI that uses graphs or hierarchies to represent information and make it more intuitive for specific problems. Agent-based computing is a type of AI that involves software agents—persistent, autonomous programs that act on behalf of users or other programs. Examples of this technology include chatbots and automated assistants.

Augmented Reality

Augmented reality is a technology that superimposes digital information over a user’s natural field of view. It can be done by using a headset or smartphone with an augmented reality app that recognizes a physical space and overlays virtual elements onto it. This can be anything from cat ears and whiskers on a Snapchat selfie to checking whether that new piece of furniture will fit in your home.

The best example of this is Pokemon GO, which used AR to show the player where to find and catch virtual creatures in their environment. However, this is only one of many ways that AR is being utilized by businesses to enhance the way they work.

It can help increase productivity by allowing workers to access 3D models and step-by-step instructions without leaving the office. For example, it can help them find the right part in a warehouse or even perform repairs on equipment remotely.

In addition, AR can be used to train and onboard new employees. It can provide a hands-on experience that’s more efficient than traditional training methods and can make them feel more confident in the workplace. It can also be used to support and replace human trainers by delivering remote assistance, training materials and knowledge sharing.

Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality is a technology that recreates computer images and videos to create immersive experiences. Its applications are diverse, ranging from gaming to healthcare, engineering and education. VR also has the potential to transform business and industry practices.

In order to work, VR requires a headset that provides a three-dimensional image and controls the user’s movements. Unlike AR, which is a combination of the real world and digital content, VR allows users to see both the physical and virtual environments.

Aside from the headset, VR systems include other hardware products that provide input, control and tracking. This includes 3D mice, optical trackers, wired gloves and motion controllers. Some devices are tethered to the PC and others are free-moving, with or without sensors.

There are different levels of immersion for VR, with the most advanced including sight, sound and touch (although there have been some experiments with adding smell). Fully immersive VR combines high-resolution displays, powerful computers and projectors to simulate a simulated 3D environment.

It has a variety of practical applications in healthcare, education and retail. For example, it can help doctors train for difficult situations by simulating them in a safe environment. It can also be used for empathy training to improve doctor-patient interactions and reduce patients’ anxiety. In retail, it can allow consumers to “try out” products such as wedding rings and furniture before making a purchase.

Internet of Things

The Internet of Things makes everyday objects “smarter” by allowing them to send data over the Internet and communicate with other IoT devices. This allows them to respond quickly to changing conditions, merging the physical and digital worlds. From smart home speakers and wearable health trackers to sensors in cars and factories, IoT is everywhere.

IoT uses technology like sensors, chips, connectivity and software to collect, store and analyze data from connected devices. This data is then transmitted to a cloud system where it can be accessed by users via mobile apps or web browsers. IoT is also transforming industries by providing real-time data and increasing efficiency. For example, sensor data from connected devices in factories can help reduce maintenance costs by predicting when parts will need replacing.

However, IoT adoption is still in its early stages. It’s important to remember that IoT requires hard-core technologies such as rigorous cloud computing and rapid big data storage, which are expensive to deploy. It also requires low-power processors that can support a large number of sensors and communications protocols. Moreover, a huge amount of money is being spent on security measures for IoT devices. To overcome these challenges, companies must adopt a unified IoT platform that can scale to support billions of devices and deliver the value they promise. Moreover, they need to invest in chip production to reduce costs and accelerate time to market.

Blockchain

While many people associate blockchain with cryptocurrencies, this technology has evolved to become a management solution for various industries. Today, you can find it providing transparency in food supply chains, securing healthcare data and innovating gaming. It can also help you establish trust for virtual transactions of money, products and confidential information worldwide.

A key benefit of blockchain is that it creates a digital ledger that records all transactions. This means that a transaction cannot be modified once it’s recorded because the entire chain has a copy with all participants. In addition, blockchains are secure because they use cryptography techniques to transform plain text into unintelligible form. This ensures that only authorized users can access the data.

Blockchain is a powerful tool that can revolutionize the financial system. Decentralized finance, or deFi, uses blockchain technology to recreate and improve traditional financial systems without relying on intermediaries. This can be done by using smart contracts, which are self-executing agreements that are directly written into code.

Another exciting use of blockchain is in supply chains, where it can be used to track products and manage inventory. This technology can help companies identify inefficiencies in their supply chains and locate items quickly. In addition, it can help them monitor quality control and ensure that products are delivered to customers in good condition. This trend is expected to continue as enterprises recognize the value of blockchain.