Emerging Trends in Computer Science
September 26, 2023 | By Ashley Watters
Every year, new technologies emerge that provide innovative approaches
to business challenges and life’s problems. Some of these stand the test
of time and others fall by the wayside, leaving room for new technological
developments and startups to join the race. It can be difficult to know
which emerging tech is worth the investment and which you should pass
over. This list will give you a better understanding of technology trends
that will last into the next generation and real-world use cases you can
expect to see in 2023 and beyond.
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial Intelligence continues to rank at the top of emerging tech.
Chatbots and Apple’s Siri are common examples of AI in action, but we
will see more complex versions being used in the near future.
Trend: Generative AI and increased focus on explainable AI and ethical
considerations
Generative AI is taking us one step closer to what we’ve always seen from
cinematic tech of the future. ChatGPT, a generative AI technology that
utilizes natural language processing and can generate text based on a
prompt, caused quite a stir upon its release in November 2022 as leaders
evaluated the impact of the technology on business applications, but also
tried to anticipate the ethical implications of a technology that can mimic
human output. Largely, how can we determine if copy came from people
or technology?
Explainable AI is a subset of artificial intelligence and is the next step in
our technology journey, where the technology provides logic and
reasoning for why it came to a conclusion. Previously, even the
developers of AI often couldn’t explain how achieved a particular outcome.
Explainable AI provides an outcome and how it got there.
Use Cases
Improve issue resolution times in customer service
Enhanced marketing automation through focused advertising and
social media reach
Develop routine software code
2. Internet of Things (IoT)
Internet of Things (IoT) uses connected devices, such as wearables and
sensors, to provide more optimal results for businesses.
Trend: Expansion of IoT devices in various industries and increased focus
on cybersecurity
IoT devices are becoming increasingly used across various industries. A
large part of this expansion derives from the increasing bandwidths we
are seeing with 5G. Running parallel to that expansion is the need for
increased cybersecurity, particularly with respect to IoT. The open
interconnectivity capabilities of IoT have made it a prime candidate for
cyberattacks in the past. Providers will refocus their efforts to help ensure
IoT is becoming more secure.
Use Cases
More options for autonomous transportation
Monitoring of buildings and the environment for optimized energy
usage and identification of harmful conditions
Improved fleet management
Better healthcare monitoring and improved patient outcomes
3. Machine Learning (ML)
Machine learning has helped technology advance significantly in recent
years, giving us the ability to draw insights from massive amounts of data.
Trend: Continued development of automated machine learning (AutoML)
While machine learning has offered us many applications in the near past,
the major breakthrough in machine learning will involve automated
machine learning. Machine learning, while valuable, is highly resource
intensive and consumes a ton of time to develop the learning models. With
AutoML, many of the iterative and mundane tasks, such as data cleansing
and parameter selection, are automated to reduce the burden on technical
resources. Using algorithms rather than humans to build learning models,
AutoML also allows non-technical people to make better use of the
technology.
Use Cases
Enhanced document and text classification, allowing for better
identification of information
Improved accuracy and speed of data management
Fast fraud detection
4. 5G Networks
5G networks have been key for increasing speeds, increasing capacity
and reducing latency. The next wave of networks will involve 5G networks
that stand alone.
Trend: Development of standalone 5G networks for broader
coverage and lower latency
When 5G networks originally rolled out, they were dependent on the 4G
core network to provide data transfer and coverage. This allowed for the
initial functionality without implementing a whole new infrastructure. Now,
with the development of 5G standalone (5G SA) networks, users will have
access to greater coverage and will experience lower latency. Utilizing a
cloud-based architecture, 5G SA will provide a better user experience and
pave the way for technologies such as autonomous vehicle automation
and precision robotics.
Use Cases
Reliable remote control of machinery, robotics and other devices
Secure, controlled and widespread internet access unlimited by
geography
More accurate inventory management across all industries
5. Edge Computing
According to Deloitte, U.S. households have an average of 22 connected
devices. Edge computing may well be the answer to managing big data.
Trend: Growth of edge computing in various industries, including
healthcare and manufacturing
The sheer number of devices being used on a regular basis is staggering
and the amount of data that is created is astronomical in size. If all that
data had to cross a network and be processed in a data center, users
would see very low latency and long wait times for data analysis and
insights. Edge computing allows this data to be processed closer to the
point of creation to minimize the latency and increase speeds. The
introduction of more devices in the healthcare and manufacturing fields is
causing the adoption of edge computing to help improve patient outcomes
and reduce delays in supply chain processes.
Use Cases
Reducing latency in IoT
Connecting medical devices and in-hospital monitoring
Optimization of content delivery networks (CDNs)
6. Blockchain
Blockchain is helping to keep data more secure and creating a reliable
history of transactions. The applications extend far beyond that of
cryptocurrency.
Trend: Increased adoption in supply chain management and financial
services
The rise in supply chain issues and the increased digitization of currency
is creating new use cases for blockchain. With its indelible transaction
history, blockchain is helping to give real-time insight into the tracking of
goods from creation to distribution, relieving some of the bottlenecks that
are created in the supply chain. In financial services, blockchain is now
being applied to streamline banking and lending in the face of digitization
and reducing operational risks with verified history.
Use Cases
Improved supply chain tracking and management
Better protection of intellectual property
Secure peer-to-peer transactions
7. Spatial Computing
Spatial computing is making huge strides and improving how we interact
with the digital world. Be prepared for the technology of the future.
Trend: The next step in merging physical and digital worlds after VR
and AR
Spatial computing is a complex technology that involves how people
interact with digital content. Using a variety of sensors, cameras and other
connected technology, spatial computing uses 3D interfaces to allow
users to create and manipulate content in their physical space. Think Tony
Stark and how he uses the space around him to interact with his
technology. Spatial computing will take us so much farther than VR and
AR, allowing us to apply technology to help shape our very existence.
Use Cases
Enhance virtual education, business meetings, remote assistance and
other collaborative activities
Deliver greater design visualization
Create immersive advertising and marketing campaigns
11. 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing
The value provided by 3D printers has already been proven, with
advances being made in many different industries. As we continue to see
expanded applications, 3D printing continues to provide more possibilities
for business.
Trend: Expansion of 3D printing materials and applications,
including metal and ceramic printing and use of 3D printing in mass
production
3D printing has the potential to help eliminate huge amounts of waste in
mass production. In addition, metal and ceramic printing are adding to the
myriad uses for additive manufacturing, expanding beyond the use cases
of plastic-only 3D printing. The expansion of materials is helping to
optimize manufacturing processes while reducing material and machinery
costs.
Use Cases
Development of resilient and bone-like medical implants
Cheaper and faster production of aerospace components
12. Smart Homes and Cities
Smart homes and cities have put the benefits of IoT to use to benefit
families and residents.
Trend: Increased adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) devices in homes
and cities, allowing for greater automation and connectivity
Smart homes and cities will allow for efficiency at scale, with more
connectivity options to bring together homes and even entire cities. Smart
homes and cities can maximize energy usage, while helping to increase
the safety of public spaces, reduce bottlenecks in transportation and
public services, create greater sustainability practices and make use of
forms of renewable energy.
Use Cases
Optimized occupancy in residential and business buildings
Efficient energy storage and usage across spaces
Enhance monitoring and safety of public spaces
13. Robotics and Automation
Expanded applications for robotics and automation will sooner offer new
and exciting ways to innovate.
Trend: Development of more sophisticated robots with advanced
sensing capabilities and increased focus on robot-human
collaboration
Robotics will soon allow for better interactions between humans and
robots. Technological advances in the field and recent prototypes
demonstrate heightened interactions between robots and their
surroundings, with improved capabilities of interacting with their
surrounding environment. These breakthroughs will enable greater safety,
increased automation and enhanced efficiency.
Use Cases
Automated manufacturing and quality assurance
Expanded space exploration
Eliminate employee dangers in the workplac
