12 New Technology Trends that will shape 2022

The pandemic stopped the world, but it did not slow down the fast-paced rhythm of technology and its constant changes, growth, and innovations. On the contrary, there are many new technology trends that have become an ally not only to the healthcare industry worldwide but also to all types of businesses. Technology helped companies reimagine new processes and ways to create better customer experiences and satisfy their ever-growing needs. Technology broke frontiers to help us solve the unimaginable scenarios brought on by the epidemic.

New technology trends for 2022

So, what are the new technology trends for 2022 that could continue to transform and shape the next decade? This article will analyze the tech trends of 2021 going into 2022, show how they work, and explain why they play a crucial role in determining the 'new' world in which we all currently live.

      1. Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

In a world where real-time decision-making has become crucial, companies have realized that even when they manage a lot of information, it doesn't stay relevant for long because everything is changing so fast. Instead, they are looking at streaming analytics, examining real-time data, and making predictions based on days and not years.  

In this scenario, Artificial Intelligence becomes one of the most transformative and promising tech evolutions used for automation and data analysis to search for trends and highlight current events so companies can react in real-time. AI is also helping companies address the economic reality of recession by streamlining business processes since it can read, speak, write, see, analyze, and hear (natural language processing).

Machine Learning algorithms are becoming increasingly sophisticated and used to uncover out-of-the-box solutions or make predictions on demand. They are also starting to interpret and understand an enormous amount of content to analyze interactions and determine underlying connections and insights efficiently.

Required skills for machine learning and Artificial Intelligence

The primary skills needed for working in this sector are:

• Programming languages
• Linear algebra
• Probability
• Big data
• Machine learning algorithms

      2. Robotics, Vehicle Automation, and Drones

Many companies face the vast economic loss caused by the pandemic. The economies are shrinking due to the recession, so robots, automated vehicles, and drones are helping streamline and improve operations. All of these new alternatives help reimagine the supply chain.

Examples include robotics, vehicle automation, and drones

• The Amazon automated warehouses.
• Drone deliveries.
• Robots that buy groceries or sanitize airports.
• The Ford robotic postmen.

Other examples are UPS and Daimler using self-driving trucks or Rolls Royce and Google implementing self-floating ships, and the Boston Dynamics dog Spot used in Singapore to distance people in parks.

These technological advancements helped during the pandemic since it took humans out of unnecessary parts of the process, the cost of human labor was reduced, and a new way of handling customer demands emerged. In addition, robots and cobots are programmed to become more aware of their surroundings; they’re becoming coworkers and trained to understand emotions. An increase in the incorporation of robots in sectors like care and assisted living and providing companionship to the elderly is expected.

Companies involved in robotics, vehicle automation, and drones

• Siemens
• Honeywell
• ABB
• Mitsubishi.

Required skills for working in the robotics, vehicle automation, and drone sector

The skills needed to work in the sector are:

• Programming and scripting
• Configuration management software
• Understanding testing tools

      3. As-a-Service & Cloud Computing revolution

During the pandemic, work processes changed, and Cloud infrastructure enabled it. For example, Zoom escalated its operation and delivered the increased demand thanks to the Cloud. Cloud infrastructures are expected to provide even more services and make technologies accessible to all businesses with little investment. Serverless computing allows users to work on core products without operating and managing servers, renting robots, or even AI, therefore providing space for Hybrid Cloud growth based on speed, ease of control, and security options.

Companies providing as-a-service options

• Microsoft
• Google
• Amazon
  

It is expected that the market value will be 81 billion after 2022. 

Required skills to work in As-a-service and cloud computing

• Programming languages specializing in services, storage, and database domains.
• Skills in different cloud computing platforms.

      4. Faster networks & 5G

As analyzed previously, work from home has catapulted IT, robots, and automation growth because powerful and fast connectivity, on-the-go streaming, and the ability to analyze data from anywhere became a necessity. 

Due to the increase in video conferencing, remote working, and digital collaboration, reliable connectivity, and better bandwidth were crucial, so 5G was deployed, preventing many companies from going out of business.

The 5G revolution

Now 5G  is expected to revolutionize our lives by enabling services that rely on advanced technologies like Augmented and Virtual Realities alongside cloud-based technologies. It is anticipated that factories will use 5G to improve safety and traffic management or provide smart grid and retail control.

Companies implementing 5G

Some of the companies implementing 5G in phones are:

• Samsung
• Apple
• Xiaomi
  

Qualcomm, a leader in 5G technology, makes it affordable to all users. Other telecommunication companies using this technology to create applications are Verizon, Tmobile, and Nokia.

The market will be worth 41.48 billion by 2021 and will expand 43.9% annually until 2027.

      5. Extended Reality (ER)

Extended reality includes both Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality and is being used to change behavior, business processes and reimagine customer experiences. The pandemic brought the challenge of avoiding dangerous situations that could cause viral transmission, so going to shops, for example, was forbidden. ER allowed trying before buying without interacting with human beings. It was enabled by 5G and without the need for goggles on a mobile environment. 

Now, ER will further integrate into our lives by changing virtual meetings from 2D to 3D, working in tandem with other Event Industry technologies, providing training simulations (the so-called digital twins), and working with human augmentation in healthcare. It will also be present in the education, gaming, and lifestyle sectors. It is expected to have a market revenue of 55 billion by 2021.

Companies working with ER

The companies currently working with ER are:

• Snap
• Microsoft
• AT&T
• Nexus

Skills required to work in the ER industry

The skills needed to be successful in Extended Reality are:

• Software development
• AR/VR maintenance support
• Design or graphics
• Hardware engineering.

      6. Aerospace Technologies

This sector has countless innovations that will continue to increase over the coming years. Defense and aerospace industries are looking forward to building zero fuel aircraft or implementing new technologies such as advanced space propulsion systems, advances in Material Sciences and Nanotechnology, Machine Creativity and Augmentation Design, Smart Automation, and Blockchain. 

Besides, with the use of 3D printing, many components are being developed faster and independently, without the need of other companies or additional funding.
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      7. Edge Computing

Almost all technology today is based on applications made on edge computing: collaborations between AI, 5G, and mobile cloud edge are making and will continue to make data processing available to users, leading to faster and more efficient computing. 

The Edge analytics market is expected to grow to 8 billion, increasing 32.6% annually.

      8. Blockchain

Blockchain is the technology behind bitcoin, but it is much more than cryptocurrencies. It combats deep fakes and fake news by fingerprinting videos at the source and leaving a trail that can easily be traced. It can also be used for transactions by removing the need for intermediaries and for improving security. Axiom, Factom, Axon Enterprises, and Darpa are working on applications right now. 

The global market will grow from 3 billion to 39.7 billion in 2025, increasing 67.35%.

Skills required for the blockchain sector

To work in this sector, you need to know about:

• Programming languages
• Fundamentals of OOPS
• Flat and relational databases
• Data structures
• Web app development
• Networking

      9. Quantum Computing

Quantum computing is a form of computing that takes advantage of quantum phenomena like superposition and quantum entanglement faster than regular and supercomputers. It was involved in preventing the spread of coronavirus and developing potential vaccines thanks to its ability to query easily, monitor, analyze, and act on data regardless of the source. 

In banking and finance, it would help manage credit risk for high-frequency trading and fraud detection.

Companies implementing Quantum Computing

• Splunk
• Honeywell
• Microsoft
• AWS
• Google

The revenues will surpass 2.5 billion in 2029.

Required experience for Quantum Computing 

To work in this industry, you'll need experience with: 

• Quantum mechanics
• Linear algebra
• Probability
• Information theory
• Machine Learning
  

      10. Internet of Things

The now known Internet of Things will evolve into Intelligence of Things as more devices become AI-enabled, more wearable technology becomes available, mass personalized objects a reality, and more intelligent spaces. IoT software and hardware applications are expected to see significant growth thanks to changing industry dynamics, economic stimulus, and remote access demand. It is expected to be adopted by intelligent manufacturing and healthcare and bring industry 4.0.

AI-enabled medical IoT devices can have applications like clinical decision making, thermal image recognition, surgical assistance, smart clinics, and telemedicine centers.

Companies implementing IoT Software

• SAP
• Siemens
• IBM
• Huawei
• Cisco. 
  

By 2025, IoT is expected to have grown to 75.44 billion devices worldwide.

Required knowledge for IoT

To work in this sector, you need to know about: 

• Information security
• AI and Machine Learning
• Networking
• Hardware interfacing
• Business intelligence tools
• UX/UI design

      11. Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is a major focus for many organizations; the total expenditure is 6 trillion for protecting the identities and devices of remote workers from cyber attacks, preventing access to patient records, and protecting the smart supply chain. So far, companies are using tools like facial recognition and computer vision, but Fortinet, Cisco, Microsoft, Splunk, and Palo Alto Networks are working on more personalized tools.

Skills required for cybersecurity positions

• IT and network fundamentals
• Coding skills 
• Cloud security
• Malware analysis
  

      12. DARQ

DARQ is a combination of Distributed Ledger Technology, Assisted Technology, Extended Reality, and Quantum computing being implemented in the health industry to analyze the cost of care, improve labor productivity, and enable better experiences for consumers and partners. 

Skills required to work with DARQ

• DLT
• AI
• XR
• Quantum computing
  

Technology is ever-evolving. Regardless of the current market conditions, new technologies constantly emerge with groundbreaking innovations to tackle world issues. Predictions about technology are uncertain, but there are always innovations making life more manageable now and in the coming years. 

In this case, due to the pandemic, technology has been fast-tracked and accelerated by companies to develop systems that could predict the risk of viral transmission, and drones that could deliver essentials door to door. These are industries that are transforming everyone's life and reshaping all sectors. The technology trends listed in this article are helping businesses of all sizes in all industries to cope not only with the pandemic but also with the post pandemic scenarios.