Artificial intelligence, virtual reality and augmented reality, digital twins, drones, and robots are just a few of the technologies reshaping our future. Across industries, we notice startups building their products around these breakthroughs and companies trying to adapt to them.
Will they indeed make our lives easier and safer? We have made our research about 5 next-generation solutions: some of them are already used in 2023, while the others, were announced during the year and are on the verge of being launched in the near future.
Let’s dive into this new world of technology.
1. Self-driving trucks
Self-driving cars are already on the roads in some corners of the world and are a part of our reality. Moreover, in 2023, UAE became the first country to grant a nationwide license for self-driving cars, robotaxis included. But will self-driving trucks also become a part of our lives?
Yes, according to the self-driving technology company, Aurora. In 2024, Aurora plans to launch Horizon – the first solution for autonomous trucks powered by the Aurora Driver. The technology aims to double the distance typically covered by a truck and bring more efficiency to supply chains through with untiring, 24/7 drive.
2. The world’s first engineering grade AR solution
Augmented Reality is gaining popularity in engineering and architecture. When real world objects are combined with virtual simulations and digital elements, on-site collaborations become more efficient and productive.
XYZ Reality is revolutionizing the 2D drawing building models by the implementation of AR in construction. The company has created Atom, a custom-built engineering tool combined with a construction safety AR headset. The gadget allows construction teams to view and position holograms of 3D design models with a 5-millimeter accuracy. They can also validate the solutions in real-time and make decisions and improvements throughout all the phases of the projects.
3. Autonomous tractors
Using AI and AR in agriculture could have a positive impact in both the long and short term. Increased yields, reduced costs, and a reliable solution to the workforce shortage currently faced by farmers worldwide, are just some of the benefits.
In 2022, the company John Deere has announced the launch of autonomous tractors, a technology that is already working in the fields of North America (since the end of the same year). The tractors can be monitored using a smartphone or a tablet. They are equipped with 360-degree cameras that analyze the distances and obstacles in the fields. Their high-speed processor evaluates the images, AI sorts them and determines whether the area is safe to drive in, all within about 100 milliseconds. In case of any anomalies, the tractor sends an alert and stops.
4. Agribots
Agricultural robots, or agribots, are also enhancing productivity in farming and reducing the need for manual labor. The agribots have specialized features and arms that can perform a large variety of duties, from picking fruits to milking cows and handling other jobs that usually require human labor.
Apple-picking drones are used in many countries around the world. The technologies have sensors and 3D cameras that detect the ripe fruits, can measure their sugar content, and verify the crop’s health, checking for diseases.
BERRY, a strawberry harvesting robot, is one of the many innovations used for berries harvesting in greenhouses. The robot autonomously scans, picks, weighs, and packages the strawberries. It can also navigate the rows on its own and returns for human interaction when it needs battery or crate changing.
5. AR mirrors in the fashion retail industry
In the fashion retail industry, AR is taking shopping to the next level. The company Zero10 has partnered with major fashion brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Coach to install AR Mirrors and AR Storefronts in their stores.
These displays provide a selection of digital designs that demo photorealistic clothing try-ons. They allow shoppers to try out the collections without entering the changing rooms and enjoy unique AR animated effects.
Is your company also planning to adopt and implement technology trends? What are the main challenges you are encountering in your digital transformation journey? Let’s discuss your future projects together.