Technology today is taking a massive leap, enabling faster change and progress. However, not only technological trends and emerging technologies re evolving, numerous things have changed lately due to the outbreak of COVID-19 making professionals realize that their roles as office workers is set to change as the world goes remote.
So lots of learning, unlearning, and relearning is required. This means staying abreast with emerging technologies and also the latest technology trends and keeping your eyes on the long term to understand which skills you’ll require to secure a safe job tomorrow. Here are some top emerging technology trends you should watch out for and leverage on in 2022.
1. AI (Artificial intelligence) and machine learning:
This is one of the most constantly evolving technologies around the globe. Its widespread use symbolizes its potential for engineering solutions in multiple industries, from health, security, and education to logistics and information technology. For example, navigation apps use AI to guide drivers through various routes, while machine learning technology ranks online search results and predicts what a user is trying to find by offering suggestions.
Other uses for AI include automation in manufacturing, guiding self-driving cars, and operating as smart online assistants such like Siri or Google. It is expected that the AI market will advance to a $190 billion industry by 2025 with global cost on cognitive and AI systems reaching over $57 billion in 2022. With AI spreading its wings across sectors, it’s expected to generate a whopping 2.4 million jobs which cut across development, programming, testing, support, maintenance, etc.
Furthermore, AI is among one of the highest pay jobs in the world ranging from over $1,25,000 (machine learning engineer) to $145,000 annually (AI architect) Forrester predicts AI, machine learning, and automation will create 9 percent of jobs within the U.S. by 2025, jobs as well as robot monitoring professionals, data scientists, automation specialists, and content curators. Mastering AI and machine learning will help get you employed as either an AI Research Scientist, AI Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer, or AI Architect.
2. Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
Robotic Process Automation (RPA), is another technology can be used for automating jobs. RPA uses software to automate business processes like interpreting applications, processing transactions, managing data, and even replying to emails. Although Research by Forrester estimates RPA automation will threaten the livelihood of 230 million or more knowledge workers or approximately 9 percent of the world workforce, In addition, RPA will create new jobs while altering existing jobs.
McKinsey finds that below 5 percent of occupations may be totally automated, but about 60 percent might be partially automated. For you as an IT professional looking to grasp the latest technology trends, RPA offers lots of career opportunities, including developer, project manager, business analyst, solution architect, and consultant. And these jobs pay well. An RPA developer can earn over $7,000 annually. Mastering RPA gives you access to high-paying jobs like RPA Developer, RPA Analyst, and RPA Architect.
3. Metaverse
The name change from Facebook to Meta has automatically thrown metaverse into the spotlight. Metaverse provides virtual, three-dimensional space that can be logged into as avatars to socialize, work, shop, collaborate, or play games together. Companies are investing in novel technologies to bring the metaverse to life, things as video games (Virtual Reality) and augmented reality (AR). e.g VR headsets enable people to explore and immerse themselves in digital worlds and share experiences.
Metaverse estate sales reached $501 million last year and have already topped $85 million this year, as stated by MetaMetrics Solutions. due to blockchain technology, people can own these virtual assets or perhaps in-game purchases.
4. Blockchain
After years of uncertainty, blockchain technology is now establishing itself as a viable solution to several tech challenges. According to a recent survey, the world’s spending on Blockchain will reach a whopping $11.7 billion when 2022 comes to an end. Blockchain usage cuts across Cryptocurrencies, IoT devices, smart contracts, legal documentation, digital voting, smart cars, food, and industries.
Blockchain technology, digital assets, and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) will transform our world, and this technology will continue to advance in 2022. These advancements extend beyond Bitcoin to incorporate smart contracts that allow us to verify ownership with NFTs.
If you’re intrigued by Blockchain and its applications and wish to make a living out of this trending technology, then you must have hands-on experience in programming languages, the basics of OOPS, flat and relational databases, data structures, web apps development, and networking. The knowledge of Blockchain puts you in the spotlight for employment in either becoming A Risk Analyst, Tech Architect, Crypto Community Manager, or Front-End Engineer.
5. Quantum Computing
Quantum computing is a form of computing that takes advantage of quantum development like superposition and quantum entanglement. This technology was used in preventing the spread of coronavirus, and to develop potential vaccines, its ability to query with ease, monitor, analyze and act on data, regardless of the source. Quantum computers perform tasks much faster than regular computers and huge brands like Splunk, Honeywell, Microsoft, AWS, Google, and many others are now involved in making innovations in the field of Quantum Computing. The quantum Computing market has been projected to surpass global revenues of $2.5 billion by 2029. And to make a mark in this new trending technology as an IT professional, you need to have experience with quantum mechanics, linear algebra, probability, information theory, and machine learning.
6. 5G
According to research by Ericsson’s Mobility, 5G technology subscriptions will surpass one billion in 2022. While 4G brought huge improvements, and ease to the way of living, 5G has 100 times its speed, meaning that uploads, downloads, data transfers, and streams will be much faster. 5G will promote the Internet of Things (IoT), which includes internet-powered smart devices connecting together. Unlike with 4G, many devices can hook up with the 5G network without a significant drop in speed, latency, and reliability. The network-slicing features create independent networks offering different services for each device. Furthermore, while 4G mobile networks stumble with connectivity in a congested location, 5G can broadcast its radio signals to as many as one million devices per square kilometer.
7. Cyber Security
Cyber security can’t be said to be an emerging technology, due to the fact that it’s been around for a while, but it is evolving just as other technologies are. That’s partly because threats are constantly new. Hackers are tirelessly on their game to illegally access confidential data and they don’t mind finding their way through the toughest security measures. As long as this loop continues new technology is being adapted to enhance security.
This means that more hackers attempt gives birth to improved security. Cyber security is and will remain a trending technology because it will constantly emerge to defend against those hackers. As proof of the strong need for cybersecurity professionals, the number of cybersecurity employment opportunities is rising three times faster than other tech jobs. According to research by Gartner, by 2025, 60% of organizations will utilize cybersecurity risk as a primary determinant in conducting third-party transactions and business engagements.
8. Internet of Things (IoT)
Many “things” are now being built to accommodate WiFi connectivity, meaning they can be connected and linked to the internet. The Internet of Things is the future and has already enabled devices, home appliances, cars, and lots more to be connected to and interchange data over the Internet. As end-users, we’re already enjoying the of IoT. We can control our door lock remotely even from our workplace and preheat our ovens while on our way home.
Research predicts that by 2030 about 50 billion of these IoT devices will be in use around the world, creating a massive web of interconnected devices spanning everything from smartphones to kitchen appliances. The global spending on the Internet of Things (IoT) is predicted to reach 1.1 trillion U.S. dollars in 2022. So to be an expert in this space then you need adequate knowledge of Information security, AI and machine learning fundamentals, networking, hardware interfacing, data analytics, automation, understanding of embedded systems, and must-have device and design knowledge.
IMAGE SOURCE: CROWDBOTICS
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