The 2020s will build on the technological advances made during the 2010s. However, the application of those technologies will revolutionize the way we experience the world and even our experiences with other worlds. While some technologists are looking to see a human-inhabited moon, others are keeping it closer to Earth with predictions related to beyond-fast communication offered by 6G networks. Here’s a look at what to expect.
Quantum Computing
AI capabilities are expected to develop neural networks beyond the sophistication seen today. As a result, AI technologies will power quantum computing to new levels. These robust systems will revolutionize industries like chemical engineering and the material sciences. Advances in modeling and decision-making will speed the development of new fabricated materials which could potentially offer environment-safe alternatives to plastics and other toxic materials.
Robots, Robots, Robots
Even if regular folks won’t readily see the impact of quantum computing, they can expect to see more interactions with autonomous services. The robots with which we will interact may not look like humans, but they will help out with service-oriented tasks like concierge services and security. This could mean that airport screening will gain greater efficiency or that our doorbell cameras will offer a direct means of protecting our homes while we are away.
Decentralization At A Grand Scale
As 6G networks evolve over the next decade, users can expect to tap into a network that will replace the cloud. Technologists envision a high-speed network with practically no lag. These AI-powered networks provide users and devices with instant access to necessary resources using a decentralized model. In this way, no user takes on excess resources or bandwidth. The result is a lean and powerful network that automatically adjusts to user demands without the need for power-hungry data centers.
Ultimately, the intersection of business and government will determine whether or not these predictions are realized. AI technologies, from unmanned drones and land-vehicles to ultra-personalized consumer recommendations and data delivery, will depend on the decisions made by government regulators and policy-makers. This is especially true within the areas of personal data collection and responsible ownership of self-regulating devices. That said, it is worth investigating the stances taken by legislatures and politicians when technological issues become mainstream.
Photo by Dries Augustyns on Unsplash.
