Over the past few years, we’ve been so distracted by artificial intelligence and discussing its potential and dangers that we’ve neglected some key innovations that have been changing the world around us on the down low.
Since the dawn of the digital revolution, technological advancements have arrived in an almost endless stream, becoming smaller, faster, and making our lives ever more convenient.
But the technologies we’ll examine here aren’t the breakthroughs that grab the most headlines or clicks; instead, people have adopted them so quickly that they have become interwoven into the world’s institutions and systems. So, without further ado, let’s dive into some of the biggest technological innovations in recent years that have flown under the radar.
Quiet Constructing
For an industry that usually moves sluggishly, the construction sector now hosts a variety of cutting-edge technologies.
Technology companies have continued to innovate, releasing new smart machinery and equipment that can reduce the risks of injuries on-site. For example, Caterpillar have unveiled a new fleet of autonomous, self-driving vehicles that will be available for purchase or from plant hire companies.
A recent development that has now quickly become the norm is the concept of ‘digital twins’ which are detailed digital models of a building that progress along with the project while the building is being built, including its surrounding areas and infrastructure. It can also simulate potential mistakes that might occur and generate preventative fixes long before anyone makes an error on site.
Infrastructure Innovations
Cloud orchestration systems and edge computing have become essential to modern life, even if they aren’t something that an average person on the street could really explain.
Essential services, like hospitals, police stations, and transport networks, can react much more quickly than they used to because systems now process the data right at its point of origin. On top of that, it can react much more quickly to real-time events, like traffic lights.
Energy Evolution
There are seemingly countless renewable energy projects at the moment that grab tons of headlines due to the millions of homes that they’ll power and the thousands of jobs that each of them creates. But we all know how windmills and solar panels work – what else is happening?
Well, have you ever heard of smart buildings? They’re not just cooler in a figurative sense, but also physically, because their systems let them control and optimise their heating based on how people use them.
Our power grids have also undergone a much-needed makeover in recent years. Now, grid optimisation tools let us manage supply and demand more easily than ever before and enable us to integrate new power sources into the grid much more seamlessly.
Closing Thoughts
It’s easy to notice technological innovations when they’re in your hand, on your TV, or when they can assist you with just about anything with just a simple prompt. Although these flashy technologies have plenty of value for everyday consumers, they aren’t necessarily moving mountains. Leave that to the real heroes: the silent innovations that don’t crave your attention, but change the world anyway.