Artificial intelligence (AI) has been getting a lot of attention this year, but it's not the only emerging technology that can help tackle global challenges.
Carbon-capturing microbes, privacy technologies and animal feed are just some of the 10 developments the World Economic Forum (WEF) has identified as having the most potential to have a positive impact on the world over the next three to five years.
The WEF findings were published Tuesday in its annual “Top 10 Emerging Technologies” report, released in collaboration with research publisher Frontiers, and based on insights from scientists, researchers and futurists from around the world.
“By understanding the factors that will shape the future, organizations can make better choices. This report identifies technologies that have the potential to have a profound impact on society and the economy,” said Jeremy Jurgens, Managing Director and Head of the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution at the World Economic Forum.
“We are also shining the spotlight on technologies that have great potential to revolutionize connectivity, address the urgent challenge of climate change and drive innovation across sectors.”
Here are the top 10 technologies to watch in 2024:
1. AI for Scientific Discovery
Breakthroughs in deep learning, generative AI, and fundamental models are driving a sea change in scientific discovery regarding the speed of discovery and prediction.
AI for Scientific Discovery – Canva
The use of AI in healthcare allows researchers to achieve better connections and advancements in understanding diseases and discovering new medicines.
2. Privacy-Enhancing Technologies
In sectors such as healthcare, AI creates and uses sensitive data, so keeping it safe is essential.
One technology that is likely to become popular this year is synthetic data, a privacy-enhancing technique that includes repeating patterns in data but without any information that can be linked to individuals or groups. It can be used to share data that is important to scientists without putting personal data at risk.
3. Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces
The technology makes it possible to turn surfaces such as walls and mirrors into components that enhance wireless communication, while also improving the energy efficiency of wireless networks.
The report predicts that this could enable more reliable and efficient wireless radio communications in smart factories and vehicle networks.
4. High Altitude Platform System
High altitude platform systems can be used to provide fixed broadband connectivity in rural areas, typically operating around 20km above the Earth in the form of balloons, airships or fixed-wing aircraft, and can surpass the connectivity of satellites and ground towers.
HAPS can also be used with airships and other aircraft – Canva
The WEF said HAPS's innovative infrastructure could provide internet access to more than 2.6 billion people in 100 countries who currently do not have access to the internet, creating opportunities for education and economic growth.
5. Integrated sensing and communication
While there is some functional overlap between sensing and communication devices, Integrated Sensing and Communications (ISAC) combines these functions into a single system.
The ability to simultaneously collect and transmit data makes it cost and energy efficient, and it can be used in real-world applications such as urban planning, environmental conservation, and air and water quality monitoring.
6. Immersive technology for the architectural world
Combining virtual and augmented reality with computing power and AI can improve tools that can contribute to a greener future.
Virtual Reality – Canva
One example is digital twins, which are virtual models of objects that can help drive complex outcomes.
7. Elastic Calorie
Described as “making the thermal system act like a muscle,” elastocalcium could be a more sustainable way to stay cool.
Traditional Heat Pump – Canva
Elastocaloric materials such as nickel used in heat pumps have proven to be more energy efficient than alternatives, and the report says these heat pumps can also be used for cooling in areas with limited or no power grid infrastructure.
8. Carbon-capturing microbes
Organisms such as microalgae can “eat” carbon through photosynthesis, which is one way microbes capture carbon.
Another approach involves using microbes to capture carbon using renewable energy sources such as hydrogen, which can then be converted into new products such as biofuels or animal feed.
9. Alternative Protein Feed
Because traditional animal feed can lead to environmental damage such as deforestation, there may be another way to achieve more environmentally friendly agriculture.
Algae could help make agriculture more sustainable – Canva
Proteins from single cells such as algae have the potential to become more sustainable and feasible, especially as demand for livestock feed increases, the report said.
10. Organ Transplant Genomics
Organ transplants can save lives, but many countries have an organ shortage. Genetically modified organs could help fill the gap.
CRISPR-Cas9, a genome-editing tool, is one technology that scientists hope will help meet the demand for organs because it is cheaper and faster than other DNA-editing techniques.
