Forty-five years isn’t that long in the big picture. Back in 1980, I spent three weeks running a computer program in COBOL. I used punched cards, where each card held a line of code. Making errors meant re-punching cards, which was quite the task. Finally, I would end up with a program that worked.
Fast forward to today—my smartphone has far more processing power than that old machine. Now, thanks to artificial intelligence (AI), my phone can translate languages in real-time while I talk. Incredible, right?
With all the buzz around tech, what might 2025 bring? Here are seven exciting trends to watch for.
1. Rise of AI Agents
AI is set to advance even further. One exciting area is AI agents. These smart programs are directed by humans to achieve specific goals. They can even write code, allowing those without programming skills to create apps or games.
Imagine car factories operated entirely by robots controlled by AI. Mortgage applications might be processed by these agents too. A single app could manage multiple tasks for users, simplifying everyday life.
Combining AI with robotics could change everything. We’re getting close to robots that can think and interact with us intelligently.
Take Tesla’s Optimus robot, for example. Elon Musk plans to use it for tasks within the company starting in 2025, with potential sales to other businesses by 2026.
AI agents excel in project management. Research from Gartner suggests that by 2030, 80% of project management tasks could be handled by AI.
2. Personalized Learning with AI
Education has often been a one-size-fits-all process. Picture a learning program tailored just for you, based on your skills and experiences. In the U.S., AI-driven personalized degree programs are already being tested.
This personalization goes beyond course content. AI could change your learning activities based on your mood or rest, using data from wearables.
AI isn’t just for education. Companies might create custom large language models, like those powering chatbots. Accenture suggests that private companies will leverage billions of data points to make these models work for their specific needs.
Furthermore, small language models (SLMs) are being designed for specific tasks. They require less data and computing power, making them effective on devices like smartphones and tablets.
3. The Future of Quantum Computing
Quantum computing is maturing, with researchers focusing less on the number of qubits and more on error correction. This is key to creating practical quantum computers that outperform traditional ones.
4. Merging Virtual and Real Worlds
Augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) are becoming more prevalent. VR immerses users in digital worlds, while AR adds digital elements to our real surroundings. MR combines elements of both.
Devices like Apple’s Vision Pro and Meta’s Quest headset are paving the way for this technology. In 2025, we can expect new and improved products from these companies.
5. Embracing Blockchain
Blockchain technology will continue to transform industries. It enhances transparency and security, allowing products to be traced from origin to consumer. This tech could revolutionize sectors like healthcare and finance.
In healthcare, blockchain could secure patient information and streamline data sharing. Financial systems will become faster, cheaper, and more accessible, benefiting those without traditional banking.
6. Welcome to 6G
Get ready for faster connections with the upcoming 6G networks. The standardization process is expected to begin in 2025, essential for 6G’s success.
7. Advances in Self-Driving Cars
The world of autonomous vehicles is advancing. Self-driving cars range from level 0 (fully manual) to level 5 (fully autonomous). Currently, self-driving taxis in cities like San Francisco operate at level 4, managing most tasks but still needing some human oversight.
By 2025, we may see more progress toward level 5, where vehicles run entirely on their own. Mercedes plans to enhance its self-driving systems, while Tesla is working on a “Robotaxi” expected before 2027.
It’s an exciting time for technology! Innovations are on the horizon that could change how we work and play, improving both our work processes and our daily lives.
Lewis Endlar, Programme Director MSc Project Management and Lecturer in Business, Keele Business School, Keele University
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Check out this related article: Experience the Future: How Tradition Meets Technology at China’s AI Temple Fair
Source link