21 New Technology Trends in the Year 2024 - Part 2

12. Next-Generation Nuclear Energy

Next-generation nuclear energy refers to advanced nuclear technologies. It enhances safety, reduces waste, improves fuel efficiency, and expands the role of nuclear energy in combating climate change. With continued innovation, investment, and supportive policies, next-generation nuclear energies could help drive the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon energy future.

13. Smart Materials

Smart materials can change their physical properties in response to external stimuli. They react to temperature, pressure, and magnetic fields and change their properties accordingly. These are widely used in various industries such as medicine and aerospace engineering due to their ability to perform specific functions in dynamic conditions. Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs), Magnetostrictive Materials, pH-sensitive Polymers, Self-Healing Materials, and Hydrogels are a few examples of smart materials.

14. Biodegradable Plastics

Plastics that are decomposed by microbes are called biodegradable plastics. Bioplastics, Petrochemical-Based Biodegradable Plastics, Starch-Based Plastics, Cellulose-Based Plastics, and Aliphatic Polyesters are examples of biodegradable plastic. It is used for packaging, agriculture, medicine, consumer goods, textiles, and fashion.

15. Digital Twins

Digital twins are copies of physical objects, systems, or processes in virtual form. Organizations can check performance, predict outcomes, and improve decision-making processes by creating digital twins. Digital twins work in the following steps: Data Collection, Model Creation, Real-Time Monitoring, Analysis and optimization, and Feedback Loop. Manufacturing, healthcare, aerospace, defense, automotive, and construction sectors use this technology.

16. Neuromorphic Computing

Neuro means nervous system and morphic means structure. Neuromorphic Computing replicates the brain's neural networks by developing hardware and software that operate similarly to how neurons and synapses work in biological brains. Neuromorphic systems have self-learning mechanisms to improve performance. These are closer to human intelligence.

17. Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs)

Brain-computer interfaces help to communicate directly between the brain and an external device, such as a computer, prosthetic limb, etc. Brain-computer interfaces work in the following steps: Signal Acquisition, Signal Processing, Command Generation, and Execution. This technology has wide applications in medicine, gaming, entertainment, defense, and mental-health industries.

18. 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing

3D Printing, also known as Additive Manufacturing. It allows the creation of 3-dimensional objects from a digital model. It works in the following steps: Digital Design, Material Selection, Printing Process and Post-Processing.

19. Advanced Robotics

Advanced robotics refers to the development of robots possessing better capabilities than traditional robots. It uses advanced technologies like AI, ML, and advanced sensors, etc. It can create systems to perform several tasks, often surpassing human abilities.

20. Space Technologies

Space Technologies encompass the tools and techniques to explore space beyond Earth’s atmosphere. It involves various tasks such as space observation, satellite communication, scientific research, etc. It includes space habitats, launch vehicle programs, and space tourism. As technology advances, space technologies will be crucial in enhancing life on Earth. It is paving the way for future space exploration and colonization.

21. Metaverse Development

Metaverse creates a virtual world. It is a place where people can interact with each other virtually, much like they do in the physical world. It uses advanced technologies such as Extended Reality, 3D Modelling, Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, etc. But it is still in its early stages and is expected to evolve soon with time.

The 21 technology trends highlighted in this article are actively transforming the world. As these technologies evolve, they promise to revolutionize businesses, enhance our daily lives, and address the world’s most pressing challenges.