The Future Unveiled: Top Emerging Technologies of 2024 and Their Impact
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Raven Ruma
- . June 26, 2024
- . Update: June 26, 2024 8:44 pm
In a rapidly evolving world, staying ahead of technological advancements is crucial for decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and citizens. The World Economic Forum’s latest report, produced in collaboration with Frontiers, unveils the Top Emerging Technologies of 2024. This comprehensive report, now in its 12th edition, highlights transformative technologies poised to address global challenges and shape the future.
Connectivity Technology:
Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces
RIS technology streamlines wireless communications by dynamically altering surfaces transforming ordinary walls into intelligent network components.
This innovation promises more reliable and efficient communication especially in smart factories and agricultural settings while also prioritizing environmental sustainability.
High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS)
HAPS systems operating at 20 km above Earth combine solar, battery and lightweight composite materials to enhance connectivity. They are expected to provide internet access to over 2.6 billion people in remote areas enabling educational and economic growth and proving unmatchable in emergency situations.
Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC)
ISAC combines sensing and communication capabilities in a single system enabling real-time data collection and transmission. This technology supports environmental monitoring, smart agriculture, urban planning and smart grids making wireless networks more environment aware.
AI-Enabled Discoveries
AI for Scientific Discovery
AI is a revolution in scientific research by quickening discovery and prediction processes.
Technologies like DeepMind’s AlphaFold can predict protein structures, aiding in drug development and material science.
AI has already led to significant milestones including discovering new antibiotics and creating efficient battery materials.
Synthetic Data
Synthetic data is a privacy-enhancing technology that duplicates patterns in sensitive datasets without containing specific personal information. It enables global collaboration in research fields like biology and health ensuring privacy while advancing scientific knowledge.
Tech to Tackle Climate Change
Elastocaloric Materials
Elastocaloric materials used in advanced heat pumps offer sustainable cooling solutions. The materials used in this such as nickel and titanium are more energy efficient than traditional systems and do not require harmful refrigerant gasses.
They are particularly beneficial in areas with limited electricity infrastructure.
Microbial Carbon Capture
Microbial carbon capture uses microorganisms to convert greenhouse gasses into valuable products like biofuels. The technology provides a sustainable method to reduce global warming by utilizing organisms that either photosynthesise or use renewable energy sources to capture and convert CO2.
Alternative Livestock Feeds
The report underscores alternative livestock feeds sourced from single cells, proteins, algae and food waste as sustainable substitutes for traditional protein feeds. These alternatives can reduce deforestation, biodiversity loss and greenhouse gas emissions associated with animal agriculture.
Keep On Reading
Advances in Transplantation
Genomics for Transplants
Genetic manipulation technologies such as CRISPR-Cas9 are revolutionizing transplantation. The successful implantation of genetically engineered organs marks a significant healthcare advancement offering hope to millions awaiting transplants.
The Top Emerging Technologies of 2024 as identified by the World Economic Forum promise to address crucial global challenges and transform various industries. From improving connectivity and AI-driven discoveries to tackling climate change and advancing healthcare, these technologies are set to shape a better future for all.
