The year 2020, like the decades before it, will be a year of unprecedented technology. Each year, companies gain a better grasp on essential technologies that are transforming the way we do business, communicate with others, protect ourselves, and live our daily lives. This upcoming year, keep a close eye on the following 10 tech trends that will probably impact your life in one way or another.
1. Online Cannabis Sales
Although you wouldn’t have believed it 20 years ago, cannabis sales have gone online, especially as CBD products that contain less than 0.3 percent THC. You can now get the best CBD oil for sale online rather than going to a dispensary in states where cannabis is legal.
This is all thanks to new legislation and farming bills that have made it possible for tech to enter the cannabis sales scene. It’s such a profitable technological endeavor that experts believe it will reach $22 billion in sales by the end of 2022.
2. 5G for Businesses
Through 2020, as many as 2,500 satellites are expected to be launched for 5G use. This just means we’re looking at higher speed internet starting now and going through the next few years.
5G networks have been rolled out gradually over the last couple of years, and they’ve made obvious differences for those who are using them. In 2020, 5G networks will continue to become more available, and while consumers will be slow to see the impact of 5G (thanks to the slow release of 5G phones and residential networks), businesses will begin to see more applications.
3. Streamlined Agriculture
The evolution of agriculture is bringing with it more AI, big data, and computer planning. Farmers are better able to monitor their crop’s growth, plan for disasters, and grow plants more efficiently as a result.
There are also emerging technologies that help to harvest and process crops more efficiently. Things like self-driving equipment, soil DNA testing, smart sensors, and other automated and analytical tech will revolutionize agriculture as we know it.
4. Even More AI Products
We’re seeing AI everywhere, in apps, on billboards, and in our home automated assistants. The use of AI is expected to scale dramatically in 2020 and bring us streamlined manufacturing.
There are a few notable startups that are using AI technologies to manufacture their products. For example, Kindred, a U.S. company that helps other companies fulfill orders, is using AI to aid distribution of apparel for companies like Gap.
This is a brand-new application of AI that opens a world of promise for the manufacturing community.
5. Wearables to Promote Safety and Productivity
The study of human augmentation involves examining the physical and cognitive abilities of an individual and looking for ways to enhance it with technology. For example, wearable devices track our fitness regime to propel greater physical fitness in individuals.
The year 2020 will bring more smart devices including wearables for the mining, travel, and retail industries. These are all designed to promote safety, productivity, and problem-solving for the human worker.
6. More Advanced Automation
We’ve already seen a great deal of automation in both business and personal applications, but this impressive tech category is far from being fully explored. This year, we’re looking at a more advanced form of automation that includes both machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) to promote automation of processes.
This is a process of combining multiple forms of intelligence in order to bring the most innovative technology to the automation game.
7. Digitized Logistics
Logistics and supply industries have long been leaning towards greater digitization, but it’s becoming impossible to ignore the importance of digitalization in this industry. It’s expected that companies will now be plowing headfirst into all things digital to maximize their efficiencies, including the Internet of Things, data analytics, robotics, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and even autonomous drones. This is all in the name of faster deliveries, lower rates, and stronger acquisitions.
We’re also seeing a great influx of companies that are disrupting the IoT logistics network. They’re using all the benefits of digitized supply chains to innovate distribution and delivery to companies all over the world.
8. Empowered Edge Computing
Don’t be surprised to see increased demand for edge computing processing power. The increase in artificial intelligence, digitized logistics, and larger-bandwidth networks are calling for a host of new applications that can gather data to help analyze processes and make more decisions.
One promising application of this new and improved edge computing is high-performing AI chips. They’re designed to mimic some of the processing capabilities of the human brain in order to better read algorithms and data for more informed decision-making.
9. AI Security
There’s never an end to the security vulnerabilities that emerge every time we have a brand new technology in the world. As a result, we’re going to see improvements in today’s security features, and AI will play a key role.
Experts are predicting greater protection for any systems powered by AI. They’re also looking to leverage AI as a comprehensive defense system. The idea is to analyze attack patterns and automate recovery processes in order to minimize and mitigate security risks.
Finally, security companies are hoping to anticipate any negative uses of AI by attackers. That way, they can defend against them before a breach becomes fatal to a company.
10. Healthcare Improvements
Healthcare is also looking to use AI to improve preventative measures in health. They’re hoping to learn of diseases before they hit in order to provide a plan of defense across nations.
Additionally, the AI used in healthcare is aiming to improve treatment by simulating practice sessions for treatment. Data can also be collected from medical imaging and distributed among the healthcare community to maximize physician exposure to patient troubles and provide the best care possible.
