Three Transformative Technologies Trending in Early 2024

We’re one-quarter of the way through 2024, and a few interesting trends are already emerging in tech. Too many people have written too many words about the acceleration of AI into the mainstream, so I’ll leave the more obvious topics to others. Yes, AI and its fascinating permutations continue to evolve here in early 2024 and grow increasingly integrated into our lives every day. This post, however, will focus instead on some of the more under-the-radar technologies that are gathering momentum, and pushing the boundaries of what we can and should expect from emerging technology in the months to come. Here are three powerful tech trends worth paying close attention to during the next 12 months:

Milestones in Brain-Computer Interfaces

The concept of brain-computer interfaces (BCI) dates to the 1970s, but we’ve seen major milestones in 2024 turning this futuristic vision into reality. At its core, BCIs behave precisely as the name suggests: an implanted device that provides a direct line of communication between the brain and external tech, thus making it possible for people to control computers and other digital technologies using only their thoughts. The potential applications, particularly in healthcare, are profound?—?for example, it’s not much of a leap to see how BCIs could help restore mobility and improve the ability to communicate for patients suffering from paralysis and speech loss, respectively.

However, the shift from concept to reality opens up a potential philosophical minefield?—?especially as private companies like Elon Musk’s Neuralink push forward with its first human trials of a coin-sized surgical brain implant in spite of myriad transparency and long-term health concerns. It’s a controversial space, but one that could unlock a whole new world of possibility in human-machine interaction. The question is: how far is too far?

Augmented Reality Enters Post-Hype Era

If the first part of 2024 is any indication, we could finally be seeing some massive leaps that’ll catapult this technology, often bogged down by clunky, gimmicky hardware, into our daily routines. Let’s face it: it’s hard to nail AR-infused headsets and glasses. However, a new wave of products hitting the market this year, including the new Apple Vision Pro, pack some interesting advancements that could make this technology more practical to more people.

The newest generation of AR experiences feature photorealistic visual overlays, spatial audio, and haptic feedback that allows for better blending of digital and physical realms. While still facing some technical hurdles, progress in AI perception capabilities along with connectivity improvements could enable the real and the virtual to collide in more useful, engaging ways. All that said, widespread adoption may hinge on the ability of manufacturers to develop more discreet wearables. After all, no one wants to walk around wearing ski goggles everywhere they go unless, of course, you are interested in actual AR goggles for skiing. If you were curious, however, about what it might be like to spend a couple of days with an AR overlay on your life, check out this video by YouTuber Ryan Trahan and thank my 12-year-old daughter for the discovery!

Sustainable Urban Eco-engineering

Did you watch the Netflix docu-series, “You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment?” I did, and it only took four short episodes to completely shift my view on food and the agriculture industry. One area that stood out to me during the series was the rise of sustainable farming in unexpected urban centers, like Detroit. And, though early, you can begin to see what the future might look like when technology can help major cities reverse decades of bad practices in environmental protection, food security, and the general health and wellness of their residents.

Presently, AI systems are being deployed by more and more cities to analyze energy usage patterns, model renewable energy potential, and manage distribution and demand across energy grids intelligently. Further, vertical farming in city centers is experiencing a boom period through advances in LED technology, hydroponics automation, and urban drone-based pollination services. Plant scientists are also leveraging CRISPR gene editing to develop compact, hardy plants optimized for challenging city environments. With these and other advancements converging in major metropolitan locations across the U.S. and around the world, you can allow yourself to dream a little about the potential impact?—?on the environment, on our health, and food security among those in need.

These are just a few burgeoning technologies making steady progress during these first few months of '24. Oh, and don’t forget: AI is going to be pretty big this year, too (surprise!). I’d love to hear what emerging areas in tech are piquing your interest ?—?leave a comment or drop me a line!