Horizons in Technology

Last week, I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in the Women Impact Tech conference right here in our vibrant city of Chicago. It was a truly enriching experience to engage with both new and seasoned leaders in the technology sector. The energy in the room was fantastic, and our panel discussion on "The Tech You Didn't See Coming" where I had the honor to speak alongside Hatice Unal and Jason Wallin , expertly facilitated by Naomi Kaduwela , sparked a lot of curiosity and excitement.

I've received messages from many of you asking for deeper insights into the topics we touched on. So, I thought I’d put my notes to a more formalized structure and share them with you today so that we can continue to explore these fascinating subjects together. Let’s take a closer look at some of the transformative advancements that are redefining our industries in 2024 and beyond.

1. Interesting trends or favorite technological innovations for 2024

This year, we're witnessing transformative advancements that redefine our interaction with technology. Digital twins, for instance, are not just theoretical constructs anymore but are being utilized to optimize everything from urban development to manufacturing processes, providing a "crystal ball" into potential A/B outcomes. Consider how New York City deployed digital twins to simulate its water supply system, enhancing efficiencies and predicting future maintenance needs without disrupting the actual infrastructure. This tool not only saves money but also ensures a reliable water supply for millions of residents.

In the realm of security, quantum computing is making strides in cryptography, heralding a new era of data protection. In the financial sector, quantum computing is starting to play a pivotal role. Banks like JPMorgan Chase are experimenting with quantum algorithms to perform complex financial modeling; what previously took days, now takes mere minutes. This leap in processing power could radically enhance how we identify and manage financial risks.

Meanwhile, brain-computer interfaces are reducing the boundaries between human cognition and physical processes, promising new methods of interaction. Companies like Neuralink are making strides in connecting the human brain directly to computers, aiming to restore mobility in individuals with spinal cord injuries. This technology isn't just theoretical; it's being leveraged right now, promising a new era of medical rehabilitation and enabling people that couldn’t walk, talk, feed themselves, or hear, to interact with the world in a way they never thought they’d be able to.

2. Addressing Challenges in Artificial Intelligence

As AI technology rapidly advances, it brings with it significant challenges, particularly in data privacy and security. The integration of AI into daily life necessitates rigorous data protection measures. It’s not all doom and gloom though. Companies like Apple are leading the way in implementing end-to-end encryption for user data. This not only secures personal information from breaches but also sets a benchmark for privacy standards in the tech industry.? The use of differential privacy, for example, allows companies to collect and analyze user data without compromising individual privacy. This approach adds random noise to the dataset, making it difficult to identify specific users without affecting the overall data quality.

Another pressing issue is the ethical implications of AI, including the risks of algorithmic bias which could perpetuate social inequalities. ?IBM’s AI Fairness 360 toolkit is an example of how technology is being developed to detect and mitigate bias in AI applications though. This toolkit helps developers understand and correct bias, ensuring AI systems are fair and equitable.? Google has also developed tools that incorporate fairness indicators into machine learning models. These tools measure fairness in sensitive attributes such as race or gender, ensuring that algorithms do not perpetuate historical biases or inequalities.

Additionally, the environmental impact of AI technologies cannot be overlooked. Addressing these challenges requires a robust framework of ethical guidelines and a push towards sustainable, green computing technologies.? Microsoft is pioneering new AI infrastructure that significantly reduces the power consumption of AI training and operations, integrating AI with green tech to create more sustainable data centers.

3. Debunking Common Industry Misconceptions

A prevalent myth is that AI will eliminate human jobs across the board. It’s crucial to communicate that these technologies are intended to augment human capabilities, not replace all of them. Now, I don’t live in a fantasy world (as much as I might wish I could at times), we will see some job functions disappear over time.? AI and various automations can automate repetitive or hazardous tasks, freeing up human workers for more creative and strategic pursuits. In the automotive industry for example, robots that assemble cars are taking on physically demanding tasks, allowing human workers to focus on precision engineering and quality control aspects. This shift is enhancing productivity and worker safety.

Additionally, with technology becoming more and more approachable with the emergence of GenAI, the myth that companies/organizations are somehow divided between Technology and Business teams is something that needs to be a thing of the past.? We will start seeing more and more organizations evolve where there is no “Business” vs “Technology” but rather one organization where business users are technologists and technology teams are an embedded thread of the business tapestry.

In my opinion, effective communication and public education are essential to demystify AI and robotics, fostering a well-informed public discourse and alleviating unfounded fears. Hosting open days and virtual tours within factories and tech centers could help demystify the roles of robotics and AI, showing firsthand how these technologies assist human workers rather than replacing them.? Let’s keep the conversation going and help to break down barriers!

4. Critical Changes for the Future

The future calls for stringent data ethics and privacy policies to safeguard individual rights in our increasingly digital world. With increasing data breaches, rigorous global data privacy laws akin to the GDPR are becoming crucial. These regulations will not only protect individual privacy but also build trust in tech companies as responsible stewards of data.

Beyond regulations, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations is also a critical need.? Working cross-industries can drive innovative solutions to complex global challenges, transcending traditional boundaries. For example, we could one day see combined expertise from various fields leading to the development of innovative products.? Consider virtual reality-enhanced zero-gravity chairs, Dyson multi-directional fans, and advanced mixed-realty motion reactive gaming all coming together and enabling experiences as novel as playing Quidditch in our living rooms.? Now wouldn’t that be fun!

5. So what might be next?

Over the next 5 to 10 years, I anticipate we’ll continue to see significant advancements in autonomous transportation and smarter cities through even deeper integrated IoT devices. ?Cities like Dubai are planning to deploy fully autonomous taxis. This isn't just a concept; trials are underway, aiming to reduce traffic congestion and pollution while enhancing urban mobility.? The proliferation of self-driving cars will likely coincide with the development of smart roads that communicate with these vehicles to optimize traffic flow and improve road safety.? Singapore’s Smart Nation initiative integrates IoT devices into urban infrastructure to manage everything from traffic to waste management. This includes sensors and cameras that optimize traffic flow based on real-time data, significantly reducing congestion and pollution.

Ideally, the integration of technology would bridge socioeconomic divides and promote sustainable practices globally. Environmentally, leveraging AI and robotics could optimize resource use, significantly reducing waste and energy consumption, thereby preserving our planet for future generations.? For example, in agriculture, AI-driven drones are already being used to monitor crop health and optimize water usage. This technology not only boosts yield but also conserves resources, demonstrating how tech can contribute to more sustainable agricultural practices. In the renewable energy sector, AI is optimizing the layout of wind farms, predicting wind patterns, and thereby increasing energy production while reducing wear and tear on turbines. This not only maximizes power generation but also extends the lifespan of the equipment, demonstrating a significant advancement in sustainable energy practices.

Envisioning technology as a tool to reduce global inequalities – it could provide equitable access to essential services like education and healthcare. ?Utilizing AI to create adaptive learning platforms that can tailor educational content to the needs of students from diverse backgrounds, potentially leveling the educational playing field across socioeconomic statuses.? Duolingo, a language learning platform for example, uses AI to customize learning paths for each user. By analyzing mistakes and progress, the app adapts its lessons to suit individual learning speeds, making education more personal and effective.? These same algorithms enhanced with other user behavior insights could be leveraged to support translations in various dynamic instances to support situational understanding and learning.

Through these insights and explorations, it's clear that the path forward in technology and innovation is both exciting and challenging. It requires a balanced approach, blending technological advancement with ethical considerations and sustainable practices to truly benefit society as a whole. Conferences like Women Impact Tech's Chicago event allows us to come together and explore these and many more. Can't wait until next time!