Disruptive Technology is an innovative invention or a developed current technology which changes the way people behave, think, or interact. It can also change the way that businesses and industries work.
Plastic, for instance, revolutionized the way humans packaged and made everyday products. Plastic replaced materials such as wood, metals, and glass because it was lighter and easier to transport. Ironically, it is a new disruptive technology that will be needed to reduce or clean up the plastics made and used due to its overproduction.
Streaming platforms for music, movies, and television shows have changed the way people watch and listen to entertainment. The internet has helped to change the way that entertainers make a living. The entertainment industry has also evolved.
Top Disruptive Technology That Could Dominate The Future
It is a combination of digital transformations, emerging technologies and complete technological advancements. These are the top disruptive technologies shaping our future.
Blockchain
Blockchain is a distributed, large database that allows all transactions to be recorded in real time, securely and with full traceability, without the use of intermediaries.
Why is blockchain a disruptive technology? The four main characteristics of blockchain may explain its disruptive nature.
- Open record blockchain
- The Open Ledger provides data transparency as everyone knows what each other has on the network
- A chain of transactions is what it is.
- The chain allows for full traceability. Each transaction between two parties is recorded in a Block. Once verified, it is added to the block.
- It is decentralized
- No central transaction log exists. All participants are given an updated and identical copy of the database. In this way, even if a part of the system is not working, it will still work.
- It has a mechanism for consensus
- To verify each block of transactions, which is required for it to be added to chain, a complex mathematical algorithm must be solved. The information in each new block is derived from the previous blocks, and the process is repeated across all copies of the chain. This protects the system against any attempts at falsification.
Blockchain is very easy to manage and use because of these characteristics. Blockchain is used by industries such as healthcare, transportation, banking, supply chain management and government to increase security and streamline processes.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Machine learning (ML), and artificial intelligence (AI), go hand-in-hand. Machine learning is an element of artificial intelligence.
Artificial Intelligence is a computer’s ability to mimic cognitive human functions, such as problem-solving and learning. machine-learning occurs when we train computers to extract patterns and use them in new tasks.
AI is so disruptive, many people think it could evolve to robots and take over the world, as well as overtake humans. Not so fast. Collaboration between humans and machines can lead to a better world and future. There are various artificial intelligence online courses which can help you understand the technology better.
Some of the leading AI courses include-
- AI for Everyone (via Coursera), Andrew Ng
- Coursera: Introduction to TensorFlow (for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning)
- Artificial Intelligence A-Z: Build 5 AI (including ChatGPT).
- University of Texas, Great learning AI Program
Electronic Line Calling, for example, uses artificial intelligence in a simpler way to determine whether tennis balls landed within or outside the court lines of tennis matches. Electronic Line Calling uses data, algorithms, geometry and TV cameras in order to make more accurate predictions than line umpires, the people who help determine if a tennis ball has fallen out of court. Line-calling technology was used to replace line umpires in tennis matches during the pandemic. This helped reduce the spread and severity of the disease. This is an example of how AI disrupted sports and helped to maintain normality in a time when the games were not necessary.
The Cloud
Cloud computing is ubiquitous. Cloud computing has become a necessity for most companies, and even individuals. What is it and how did it become a disruptive tech?
Cloud computing is the storage of data in data centers around the globe. Cloud computing allows users to use files and apps from any device, as the data is stored on servers located in data centers instead of on their own devices.
It is best explained by thinking about the time when you had to save pictures on your phone. However, your phone eventually ran out of space to store all the photos taken. Thanks to the cloud you can now take photos with your phone, and then seamlessly access and save them on your laptop, without having to transfer anything.
Cloud computing offers three major benefits to today’s constantly changing environment.
- Downloading multiple copies of the same document is not necessary
- The files are stored in the cloud, and can be accessed via the internet from any device that has an internet connection.
- The cloud is always with you.
Cloud computing has certainly changed how businesses and industries use and share data.
Internet of Things
The Internet of Things connects physical devices to the internet. Unique identifiers embedded or placed on the objects allow easy communication and connection between them, or a central object or person controlling it.
The term “thing” can refer to a person wearing a heart monitor, or an automobile equipped with sensors that detect many anomalies. The Internet implies that the thing is linked. The term Internet of Things was born.
IoT is composed of:
- The following are examples of RFID tags:
- RFID is an identification tag system. These tags can be attached to an object or living thing, and they use antennas to recognize themselves.
- EPC
- EPC, or Electronic Product Code, can be considered a successor to bar codes. It allows for a more detailed, unique and accurate follow-up on any product. EPCs are based on RFID technology
- Edge Computing
- The data is processed closer to the original location of the data, reducing the need for cloud storage.
- Word
- In computer science, a “word” is a unit of data. It is a sequence of bits that acts as a set. A standard word can be extended by 16, 32 or 64 bits
IoT disrupted society by digitizing physical objects. It has changed business models, industries and contributed to a connected world.
Cybersecurity
Computer attacks are one of the greatest threats to businesses. Privacy vulnerability is also a growing concern. A cybercrime business is growing.
Cybersecurity is stepping up to the plate. Security can stay ahead of attackers by using broader solutions, such as AI, ML, IoT security, multi-factor authentication, and permission requirements. It’s why it is important to acknowledge that cybersecurity innovation will have to keep up with the rapid growth of disruptive technology.