In the 21st century, technology is leaping forward faster than at any point in human history. This technological acceleration is due to make enormous strides forward over the next year. From robots to drones to computers to wearables, this year looks to be one to remember for technology lovers. Here is a sneak peek at the most exciting technological developments that will be the talk of 2016.
One of the most groundbreaking technologies that is set to transform our world is cognitive computing. Most people have heard of Watson, IBM’s cognitive computer that is the most sophisticated computing device ever created. It was at first thought to be little more than a gimmick, making its debut by playing the gameshow “Jeopardy.” However, since its debut in 2011, Watson has shown that it has the capability to do much more than win gameshows. Its incredible processing power has transformed industries from healthcare to transportation to utilities.
Now, cognitive computing is set to transform the field of robotics. Watson has shown the ability to interact with humans in a much more lifelike manner, displaying true empathy. This empathetic capacity will change robotics by allowing new robots using the technology to interact with human beings in a much warmer manner. The technology is already being used in Japan with robots taking the place of human staff in the lobby of hotels as concierges and front desk staff. A real-life C-3PO is much closer to becoming a reality than most people realize.
Medicine is one of the areas where technology has made the most profound impact in the 21st century. That trend is set to continue in 2016. One of the most exciting technological developments set to transform medicine is virtual reality. Virtual reality headsets are finally set to become practical for the first time ever with the release of the Oculus Rift. This means that soon medical students will be able to learn about the anatomy virtually without having to deal with the formaldehyde smell and awkwardness of a cadaver. In addition, med students will be able to perfect their procedures virtually before they ever touch a real-life patient.
While Apple Watch was certainly exciting when it was released, it has not caught fire like the company had hoped. However, that may well change in 2016. No other company is better at tweaking their products to give consumers what they want. With the release of Apple Watch 2 set for later this year as well as new and improved Android watches, look for smartwatches to take off this year.
In addition, fitness trackers are set to explode even further. Already the most popular wearables on the market, fitness trackers are set to become even more popular. They will offer users coaching and integration with popular fitness apps to become more useful.
While many people associate social media with young people, more and more older folks are embracing it as well. In fact, 35 percent of people over the age of 65 were on social media in 2015. That number is triple what it was just five years ago. With old and young alike embracing social media, there is more room than ever before for new growth. In 2016, the social media trend looks to be the growth of messaging apps. Popular messaging apps like Snapchat, Vine and WhatsApp will help to transform social media use into something that is more individualized and specific than the older social media sites like Twitter and Facebook.
While drones have certainly already become popular with consumers over the last year, 2016 is set to be the year that they finally start to live up to their promise to reshape the world. In the next year, the first drone deliveries are set to begin in the United States. Once Amazon and other retailers are finally able to utilize drones to deliver their goods, the shipping industry will be forever transformed. In addition, the size of drones is set to get much bigger. In fact, the first drones that are big enough to carry people will soon be released, which could reshape transportation of people as well as goods.
