The technology trends of 2018 point to a brave new world in automation and productivity

The technology trends of 2018 point to a brave new world in automation and productivity

A brave new world

Imagine waking up to a new day. A smart alarm clock nudges you awake at the optimal time, as you check your smartwatch to see how the quality of your sleep was. As you ready yourself for work, the virtual assistant on your smart speaker reads you the news, and weather and traffic conditions as you brush your teeth.

Freshly brewed coffee from the automated coffee machine awaits you as you grab a cup before work. Just as you are about to head out of the door, a drone from the logistics company drops off a package just in time. You are scheduled to reach the office at 9am and you get some work done on the commute, thanks to your self-driving car.

All this sounds like science fiction, but the foundation for this scenario to happen is here today. Here are some tech trends from 2018 that are making the above a reality.

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SMART CITIES

As more people live in cities – UN estimates that 60 per cent of the global population will reside in cities by 2030 – there is a need to make cities smarter, efficient and sustainable. But the city of the future is closer than you think as the city of tomorrow adapts to its surroundings and inhabitants. Within these smart cities, municipal services like public transport, healthcare and safety can be delivered on time with minimal wastage.

Cities across the world, including the United States, Europe and China, are collecting data using thousands of sensors and nodes on public infrastructure, and utilising data analytics to develop integrated services that reduce waste, congestion and improve public safety. Shining examples of smart cities of the future include Amsterdam, Hangzhou and Kuala Lumpur in the near future.

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