Technology is constantly evolving and transforming the world we live in. From the way we communicate, work, learn, entertain, and solve problems, technology has a profound impact on every aspect of our lives. As we enter the year 2023, what are some of the tech trends that will shape the future? Here are some of the most promising and exciting developments to watch out for.
- AI Everywhere Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept, but a reality that is becoming more pervasive and powerful in every industry and domain. AI is the ability of machines to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as reasoning, learning, decision making, and creativity. AI can help us automate processes, optimize outcomes, enhance experiences, and generate insights.
One of the key drivers of AI adoption in 2023 is the rise of no-code AI platforms, which allow anyone to create and deploy AI applications without writing any code. These platforms provide easy-to-use drag-and-drop interfaces, pre-built templates, and cloud-based services that enable users to leverage the power of AI without requiring any technical skills or expertise. No-code AI platforms will democratize AI and enable more businesses and individuals to benefit from its capabilities.
Another trend that will boost AI in 2023 is the advancement of natural language processing (NLP), which is the branch of AI that deals with understanding and generating natural language. NLP will enable more natural and intuitive interactions between humans and machines, such as voice assistants, chatbots, and conversational agents. NLP will also enable more sophisticated text analysis and generation, such as summarization, sentiment analysis, translation, and content creation.
AI will also be integrated into more products and services in 2023, creating more intelligent and personalized experiences for users. For example, Stitch Fix uses AI-enabled algorithms to recommend clothes to its customers that match their sizes and tastes1. Contactless, autonomous shopping and delivery will also be a huge trend for 2023. AI will make it easier for consumers to pay for and receive goods and services1. AI will also augment nearly every job in every business process across industries1. More retailers will use AI to manage and automate the complex inventory management processes that happen behind the scenes1. More and more retail workers will need to get used to working alongside machines to do their jobs1.
- Parts of the Metaverse Will Become Real The metaverse is a term that refers to a more immersive and persistent internet where we can work, play, and socialize on a shared platform. The metaverse is envisioned as a virtual world that blends physical reality with digital elements, creating a seamless and interactive experience for users. The metaverse will enable new forms of entertainment, education, commerce, and social interaction.
One of the technologies that will enable the metaverse in 2023 is augmented reality (AR), which is the overlay of digital information or objects onto the real world. AR will enhance our perception of reality and provide us with more information and functionality. For example, AR glasses or contact lenses could project directions, notifications, or holograms onto our field of vision. AR could also create immersive gaming experiences or virtual tours.
Another technology that will enable the metaverse in 2023 is virtual reality (VR), which is the simulation of a fully immersive environment that can be experienced through a headset or a suit. VR will transport us to different places and times, allowing us to explore new worlds or relive historical events. VR could also create realistic simulations for training, education, or therapy.
The metaverse will also require advances in cloud computing, 5G connectivity, blockchain technology, and digital identity management to support its massive scale and complexity. Cloud computing will provide the storage and processing power needed to run the metaverse applications. 5G connectivity will provide the high-speed and low-latency network needed to stream the metaverse content. Blockchain technology will provide the security and transparency needed to manage the transactions and ownership of digital assets in the metaverse. Digital identity management will provide the verification and authentication needed to protect the privacy and reputation of users in the metaverse.
- Green Tech at a Tipping Point Green tech is a term that refers to technologies that aim to reduce or eliminate the negative environmental impact of human activities. Green tech includes renewable energy sources, energy efficiency solutions, carbon capture and storage systems, waste management systems, and sustainable agriculture practices. Green tech is essential for addressing the global challenge of climate change and creating a more sustainable future.
One of the green tech trends that will gain momentum in 2023 is green hydrogen production. Green hydrogen is a clean-burning source of energy that can be produced from water using renewable electricity sources such as solar or wind power. Green hydrogen can be used as a fuel for transportation or industry or as a storage medium for excess renewable energy. Green hydrogen can also be transported long distances from regions with abundant renewable energy resources to energy-hungry areas2
Another green tech trend that will make progress in 2023 is nuclear fusion research. Nuclear fusion is the process of fusing two light atoms into a heavier one, releasing a large amount of energy. Nuclear fusion is the same process that powers the sun and the stars, and it has the potential to provide near-limitless, safe, and clean energy for humanity. However, achieving nuclear fusion on Earth has been a long-standing scientific and engineering challenge, as it requires extremely high temperatures and pressures to initiate and sustain the reaction. In 2023, we can expect more breakthroughs in nuclear fusion research, following the recent proof of concept that it can generate more energy than is required to kickstart the fusion process2. Although still years away from achieving energy at scale, these latest results are likely to spur further research and development to advance the technology.
- Gene Editing Goes Mainstream Gene editing is a technology that allows us to modify the DNA of living organisms, such as plants, animals, or humans. Gene editing can be used for various purposes, such as enhancing traits, curing diseases, creating new products, or improving biodiversity. Gene editing has been around for decades, but it has become more accessible and precise in recent years thanks to the development of CRISPR-Cas9, a molecular tool that can cut and paste DNA with unprecedented accuracy and efficiency.
One of the gene editing trends that will emerge in 2023 is gene therapy for humans. Gene therapy is the use of gene editing to treat or prevent genetic diseases or disorders by introducing or correcting genes in the cells of patients. Gene therapy has been successfully used to treat rare diseases such as sickle cell anemia, hemophilia, or spinal muscular atrophy3. In 2023, we can expect more clinical trials and approvals for gene therapy for more common diseases such as cancer, diabetes, or Alzheimer’s3.
Another gene editing trend that will emerge in 2023 is gene editing for agriculture. Gene editing can be used to improve the yield, quality, resilience, or nutrition of crops and livestock by introducing or removing genes that affect these traits. Gene editing can also be used to create new varieties of plants and animals that have novel features or functions. For example, gene editing can create plants that produce pharmaceuticals or biofuels or animals that glow in the dark or have organs compatible with humans
- Quantum Computing Breaks New Ground Quantum computing is a technology that uses the principles of quantum physics to perform computations that are impossible or impractical for classical computers. Quantum computers use quantum bits or qubits, which can exist in superposition of two states (0 and 1) at the same time, allowing them to process multiple possibilities simultaneously. Quantum computers can solve complex problems faster and more efficiently than classical computers, such as optimization, encryption, simulation, or machine learning.
One of the quantum computing trends that will accelerate in 2023 is quantum supremacy. Quantum supremacy is the point at which a quantum computer can perform a task that no classical computer can do in a reasonable amount of time. In 2019, Google claimed to have achieved quantum supremacy by using a 53-qubit quantum processor to perform a calculation in 200 seconds that would take a supercomputer 10,000 years. In 2023, we can expect more quantum supremacy demonstrations by other players in the field, such as IBM, Microsoft, Amazon, Intel, Alibaba, or China.
Another quantum computing trend that will accelerate in 2023 is quantum networking. Quantum networking is the use of quantum entanglement to link multiple quantum devices over long distances. Quantum entanglement is a phenomenon where two or more particles share a quantum state and behave as one system regardless of their physical separation. Quantum networking can enable secure and fast communication between quantum computers or sensors by using quantum encryption or teleportation. Quantum networking can also enable distributed quantum computing by connecting multiple quantum processors into a larger quantum system.
- Connected Devices Proliferate Connected devices are devices that can communicate with each other or with other systems over the internet or other networks. Connected devices include smartphones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches, smart speakers, smart TVs, smart appliances, smart cars, smart homes, smart cities, and more. Connected devices can provide us with more convenienc
