Technology in 2023 will continue to advance rapidly. In particular, there will be many new and emerging technologies available to the public, including augmented reality, artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles.
I am excited to see what 2023 brings. Most of these advances in technology will help us live a healthier and better life.
3D PRINTING
3D printing is a process of creating three-dimensional objects from digital models.
3D printing will become very significant in the construction world in 2023. Huge 3D printers will create homes in days, and greatly reduce the time needed to construct bridges. Of course, 3D printing continues to revolutionize modern medicine. I expect major announcements in 2023 for organ replacement. We may be seeing the last years of people having to be on an organ transplant list. Amazing.
AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES
A vehicle that can operate without human input is an autonomous vehicle.
This changes everything. Your vehicle can basically become a version of a personal assistant. It can go get your groceries, pick up a prescription and even take your kids to school.
Versions of this vision will start to emerge in 2023 with a variety of autonomous delivery vehicles. Your next pizza might be delivered in a self-driving vehicle. Since they will not hold passengers, the shapes of these vehicles will also be altered.
THE INTERNET OF THINGS
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the interconnectedness of physical objects and devices enabled by the use of various electronic communication technologies. These objects and devices can include anything from home appliances to automobiles, and other items such as clothing and medical implants. The overarching goal is for these objects to be able to communicate with one another seamlessly to enable a more efficient and automated way of living.
Currently, the most popular IoT devices are Amazon Alexa, Google Nest or Ring Doorbells. Everything you can think of is getting connected. Don’t be surprised when you can connect a new toilet to the internet, and it also has an app! I don't know about you, but I can't wait to have a conversation with my toilet. It is already bad enough I have someone constantly reminding me to put the seat down!
AUGMENTED REALITY
Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that enhances digital images and videos by adding interactivity to them. This can be done by overlaying information on the image or video, or by providing an alternate view (usually through transparent glasses).
Virtual reality is a technology that creates simulated environments, which can be used for gaming or training purposes. Virtual reality completely immerses the user in an alternate world, whereas AR only overlays information on top of what is already there.
A real-world application that will become common in 2023 is using AR with front-facing cameras in new cars.
The front-facing cameras will display live footage on a dashboard touchscreen. When combined with the onboard GPS system, interactive arrows will help guide the driver where and when to turn, and even help with safe lane changes.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a field of computer science and engineering focused on the creation of intelligent machines, defined as systems that can reason, learn and act autonomously.
Some people interchange “machine learning” with AI, but there is a distinct difference. Machine learning is a field of computer science and engineering focused on the creation of systems that can automatically improve their performance through experience. AI refers to machines capable of intelligent behavior, which may or may not include things like reasoning, learning and acting autonomously.
Need an AI sample? I went to DALL·E 2 online (found at www.openai.com/dall-e-2/). The website states, “DALL·E 2 is a new AI system that can create realistic images and art from a description in natural language.” WHAT?
I decided to give it a try. The first thing that popped in my head was “photograph of a spaceship crash landing in a North Dakota wheat field.” DALL·E 2 thought for a few seconds, then gave me this image.
I tried a few more times. Whatever you input, it will create oil paintings, line art and even photographs of what you describe in words. Simply stunning!
AI will start disrupting many industries in 2023. But don't think of this as a replacement of human workers. Rather, this will be a tool to help us excel in the positions we have.
Marlo Anderson, the “Guru of Geek,” is a serial entrepreneur and futurist. He hosts the popular national tech talk show, the Tech Ranch, and garners publicity almost daily as founder of the National Day Calendar, a project that trended over 400 times on social media in 2022. He also speaks about the future of technology and other topics to classrooms, start-ups and companies. Find him at www.thetechranch.com.
