Future Technology Trends to Watch Out for in 2024

As we move towards another year, technologies are only becoming more sophisticated and capable. Phones are getting sleeker yet redundant as newer innovations such as Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality headsets are making digital life more interactive. Still, the future is far from predictable majorly due to the nature of the tech world, where innovations come thick and fast.

Going forward, no one can predict if the technology will carve its way around the people or will the people need to step up the awareness ladder to be in terms with the sophisticated ones or both.

“The relationship between Earth Observation and Geospatial data will remain critically important as we enter into 2024,” says Donna Lyndsay, Strategic Market Lead, Sustainability, Ordnance Survey.

“We may also see greater citizen engagement as technology enables companies to understand individual values through digital fingerprinting and AI capabilities, in turn leading to a greater need to protect individuals’ data from being harvested,” she adds.

Below are the future trends that we will witness in 2024:

Generative AI

Continued advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly in the realms of natural language processing, AI ethics, and more sophisticated AI applications across industries.

Generative AI has already displayed its widespread use cases, likeability, and efficiency through the introduction of OpenAI’s ChatGPT – a text-based AI chatbot.

This pleads the question of the unbound potential that AI holds with the thought of controlling it and dispersing it in a way that benefits humanity. We have already witnessed image and language-based AI models in the free forum, however, the true perspective on AI is yet to be formed. Next year may become one of the crucial periods of our time that will shape the course of humanity for good or bad.

Extended Reality

Growth in Extended Reality encompassing Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR) for applications ranging from gaming to workplace training, healthcare, and more.

In 2023, US technology giant Apple showcased its Virtual Reality headset while also displaying the probable use cases it can have.

To say that it will replace our laptops completely might be a stretch, but its usefulness cannot be questioned. The headset will be launched in 2024 and will spur a virtual-reality/augmented-reality headset warfare wherein all the technology companies around the world will try to grab their share of the extended reality pie.

Space Tech

2023 was a monumental year for the space sector. With forays of private startups showcasing their capabilities such as SpaceX which executed nearly 100 launches of its Falcon 9 rocket in a calendar year, next year promises to go even further ahead.

SpaceX also tried to launch the most powerful rocket ever built but both exploded mid-journey. However, next year, the much-anticipated launch of Starship will likely commence successfully.

More private companies are also aiming to land on the moon and carry out lunar mining projects. Some of them including Astrobotic, Intuitive Machines, Firefly Aerospace, and ispace have announced their plans for 2024. This will bring up the tally of satellite launches – be it small or large – from 2023 considerably, while also making it into history books as only nations and no private company have ever landed on the moon.

Apart from launches, the majority of private companies are looking to enhance the capabilities of satellites and increase the number of things they can do. True Anomaly, a defense space startup is planning to demonstrate Rendevouz and Proximity Operations (RPO) by early next year.

A good chunk of the space sector startups and companies are also pursuing advanced imaging sensor technology. While the CMOS detectors are widely used for visible light, there is an extensive opportunity to develop and establish more complex imaging sensors that offer capabilities beyond that of simply acquiring red, green, and blue (RGB) intensity values.

In India, the central government has passed a Telecommunication Bill that will foresee the allocation of satellite airwaves to private players. This move has been marked by the growing importance of satellite communication around the world. Elon Musk’s Starlink is another satellite internet constellation that has forayed its presence and offering in about 70 countries.

A substitute to Starlink is also being in the works by a consortium of European Space Agency and private players from Europe such as Airbus Defence and Space, Eutelsat, SES, and Thales Alenia Space. The constellation called Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity, and Security by Satellite (IRIS²) will provide the European Union with internet connectivity from low-Earth orbit.

All in all, it will be an exciting year for the space sector as a whole.

In-orbit Processing

In-orbit processing (IOP) involves the execution of computational tasks or data analysis directly in space rather than transmitting all data back to Earth for processing. This approach can reduce latency, enhance data efficiency, and optimize satellite operations.

ICEYE, a Finnish microsatellite company that focuses on synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) satellite constellation for Earth observation and exploring in-orbit data processing for quick analysis of SAR imagery is planning to launch 15+ satellites in 2024.

A Japanese orbital debris removal company is also offering on-orbit services to operators and launchers and is also working on a robotic arm debris removal, targeted for 2026.

Edge Cloud

A primitive problem often faced by remote collection of data is the latency and time while sending the datasets through the main cloud datacentre. Edge computing, an advancement in cloud computing, distributes a computing paradigm that brings data processing closer to the location where it’s generated, rather than relying on centralized cloud servers.

This is especially beneficial for applications that require real-time processing. Edge computing also aids in decentralizing the cloud architecture by distributing computational tasks to smaller data centers, devices, or edge nodes instead of solely relying on one data center. These nodes could be routers, gateways, or servers located closer to users or IoT devices.

Edge computing finds applications in various sectors, including Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous vehicles, healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and more. For instance, in IoT, edge computing enables quick data analysis for connected devices without relying heavily on cloud infrastructure.

Moreover, we are seeing an outpour of space and geospatial companies transitioning to cloud computing and storage solutions. This is benefitting various aspects of the companies; be it interoperability, low latency in data management, or even satellite communications.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) Ground Station, a service that provides satellite communication ground stations to space companies is increasing the interconnectivity between satellites as previously, satellites only communicated with one ground station which hindered efficiency. AWS is working with companies to create the connectivity layer to enable IoT on Earth. AI has proven to be extremely valuable, and Generative AI built on top of it will lead to an exponential leap.

Edge computing is expected to evolve further, enabling more sophisticated applications such as real-time analytics, AI-driven edge processing, and expanding capabilities for edge devices to handle more complex tasks.

Digital Twin

Essentially a dynamic, digital replica of real-world objects and places that mirrors the physical entity’s behavior, characteristics, and performance, Digital Twin’s benefits span across various industries and domains.

It allows real-time monitoring, analysis, and simulation, and companies such as Siemens, Bentley Systems, and IBM have their iteration of Digital Twin which they have deployed for works ranging from predictive maintenance, manufacturing simulations, logistics, and AEC projects.

Furthermore, Singapore has found the utility of Digital Twin so rewarding that they have already built a Digital Twin of their entire country. This denotes the importance of the technology and its plethora of use cases.

Tuvalu, a 9 island nation in South Pacific is also looking to develop a national Digital Twin but due to very different reasons than Singapore. The island nation is sinking below the sea due to climate change and global warming threatening its existence and heritage. The local government is seeking to preserve history and develop a digital remembrance through Digital Twin.

In 2022, Tour de France – the world’s most prestigious cycling tournament – worked with NTT Global, a software company, to develop a digital twin for the tournament. With the additional help of edge computing, Tour de France was live telecasted both in real life and digitally.

Digital Twin is also very prominently used in the AEC sector where replicating the entire construction and designing process helps in time and money efficiency. Many smart cities and complex construction especially in the developed world are being simulated through digital twins.

To say that the technology is revolutionizing might not be a stretch and it is only going to evolve further in 2024.

5G Expansion

Widespread adoption and integration of 5G networks, enabling faster connectivity, low-latency applications, and further innovations in the Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous vehicles, and telemedicine.

The network has been deployed steadily amongst the masses for years. It has reached a point where technology is affecting nearly every course of life be it digital or physical.

With 5G’s capabilities, AR and VR experiences could become more accessible to the general public. From immersive gaming to enhanced educational experiences and virtual tourism, these technologies might see broader adoption.

Moreover, 5G’s low latency and reliable connectivity are crucial for the development and deployment of autonomous vehicles. By 2024, advancements in this field will bring common people closer to experiencing safer and more efficient self-driving cars, as well as, enhanced in-car connectivity.

Quantum Computing

Progress in the development of quantum computers, although practical applications for everyday use might still be in experimental or specialized domains. Quantum computing, when made tangible will be able to affect some of the most crucial aspects of human lives positively.

Not only will it solve complex programs exponentially faster than any other computer capable right now, but it will also help in advanced and unbreakable cryptography, drug discovery and healthcare, material science, enhancing Machine Learning, and AI.

Quantum computing holds the potential to bring about several profound outcomes that could impact everyday life for common people. However, the full-scale realization of these benefits might take some time to materialize.

Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)

The integration of sensors, machines, devices, and data analytics in industrial settings to improve efficiency, productivity, and operations refers to the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). It’s a subset of the broader Internet of Things (IoT) specifically tailored for industrial applications.

Currently, many big companies such as Siemens, Rockwell Automation, Honeywell, and Cisco Systems offer a range of IIoT solutions that help connect various industrial devices and equipment to networks, enabling data collection through sensors embedded in machinery, tools, and production lines. These sensors gather real-time information on equipment performance, environmental conditions, and more.

Shortly, the offerings and outputs of IIoTs are expected to gain exponential momentum given the digitalization of almost all facets of human lives around the world.

Open Source

Referring to software or projects where the source code is freely available for anyone to view, use, modify, and distribute, the Open source model encourages collaboration and allows developers worldwide to contribute, improving the software’s quality, security, and functionality.

Furthermore, it allows a more transparent workflow while keeping privacy, malware, and other issues in check.

However, as patents and secrecy are lucrative, most companies tend not to indulge in open-source software or projects. But as we move to a newer generation of developers and coders who understand the importance of open source in the long term, we are gradually seeing more and more software being open-sourced.

Moreover, with the advent of Artificial Intelligence, the open source discourse gets a new meaning, even though it is still in the nascent stage. Open Source AI’s democratizing nature has given new opportunities for developers around the world. 2024 is set to expand Open Source software and projects with the help of AI.

Immersive Mapping

A mesmerizing and stimulating visual for the brain, immersive projection mapping has taken over the world with its boundless potential to revolutionize the way we interact with screens.

Also known as spatial augmented reality, this technology turns a display surface into video projection through a virtual program that can map a 2D or 3D object. The software then interacts with a projector to fit any image onto that surface.

Immersive mapping made its way into the masses discourse when Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh’s 19th-century art was turned into an immersive experience. The show traveled to various countries, giving people a look into his art and life through virtual projections on massive screens.

American software company Google also announced its immersive map technology which will be augmented via the Google Map app.

“Say you’re planning a trip to London and want to figure out the best sights to see and places to eat. With a quick search, you can virtually soar over Westminster to see the neighborhood and stunning architecture of places, like Big Ben, up close,” said Google.

This different iteration of Google Maps into immersive mapping will bring about changes and efforts from different companies to alter the way we interact with most of our 2D and 3D surroundings in 2024.