Inventing what the world needs- that is now Edison described the crux of innovation in technology. Big problems represent even bigger opportunities. To quote famous Canadian ice hockey player Wayne Gretzky, who scored many hits in his time, the trick is not to “skate where the puck is,” but to “skate where the puck is going.” Building a business or solving social problems with technology. Technology has come up with most scalable solutions which can impact business across the world.
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Whether it is clean energy, robotics, quantum computing, synthetic biology, telemedicine, AI, or cloud education and NUI software, technology can solve all the biggest problems confronting mankind. Creating value means coming up with something people will pay for in the real world. Virtual technologies can open up a window of possibilities, given their widespread application. Starting small but thinking big…that is the key to using modern technology to solve the biggest problems in modern day existence.
So, how can technology solve problems? Can technology pave the way for a better world? Just how far reaching can “tech for the greater good” be? Let’s find out, bit by bit and get the right sound-bytes on how is technology used to solve problems in the real world.
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#1 Go Green: Harnessing Technology to Lower Pollution
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One of the biggest ways in which technology has changed transportation and promoted ecological conservation is through fuel cell vehicles. These are zero emission cars which can run on electricity or hydrocarbons. Fuel cell powered vehicles using hydrogen also have the advantage of being zero emission. Mass market fuel cell vehicles offer a range and convenience missing from diesel and gas powered cars.
#2 Think Smart: The Advent of Next Generation Robotics
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Robots have taken over everyday tasks. Though technology is still expanding to ensure next generation robotics goes beyond factory assembly lines and controlled tasks, the real application of AI and technology is yet to come. This has made human-virtual machine partnership a reality in the making. Robots have become more flexible and cloud computing revolutions have led to the creation of remote control.
So, how is this solving world problems with technology in the business world? Machines have been taken away from large assembly lines and GPS technology has enabled the use of robotics in precision agriculture. Robots are being designed to be easily programmable and handle manufacturing tasks which are tough for human workers. Next generation robotics is ideal for tasks which are too difficult or repetitive. Progress in design and AI have ensured that humans have advanced beyond a point of no return too.
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#3 Additive Manufacturing: From Wearables to Printable Organs and Smart Clothes
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Additive manufacturing helps in creating everything from printable 3D organs to wearables. This type of manufacturing starts with liquid or powder and builds into a 3-D shape through a digital template, each layer at a time. So, how does this constitute a solution? Well, such products can be customized to the end user and take 3-D printing into a high-tech world.
Machines can print human cells and find application in creation of living tissues in fields such as tissue repair and regeneration as well as screening. This is also a step forward in the field of personalized medicine. 3-D printing of integrated electronic parts such as nanoscale computer components and circuit boards is the next step. 4-D printing seeks to create new generation of products which are responsive to environmental changes such as heat and humidity.
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#4 AI: When a Computer Can Learn on the Job
AI involves computers being able to perform human tasks. So, how can we use AI technology to make life easy? Smartphones that recognize human speech or image recognition information technology on machines is just one instance of the application of AI. Driving the point home further are self automated cars and flying drones. Machines can now outperform humans. Case in point: Watson, an AI system beat humans at a game of Jeopardy and the thinking computer, Deep Blue could out do any chess grand-master.
AI, as against the average thinking hardware or software can enable machines to respond to transitions in the environment. AI systems can assimilate unlimited amounts of information and technology solve environmental problems too.
An example is Never Ending Language Learning Project/NELL from Carnegie Mellon University, which reads facts and learns new information to perform better in the future. Consider a world where self driving cars will lower the frequency of collisions. Here are some ways in which machines can take over from humans and do a better job:
#5 Distributed Manufacturing- Factory at Your Doorstep
With e-commerce on the rise and the advent of the digital age, personalized products are the order of the day. Technology has led to decentralization of method of fabrication. Distributed manufacturing encourages broad diversity and speed to varied markets and geographies.
#6 Sense and Avoid Drones: Innovation with Numerous Applications
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Flying robots, UAVs or drones can be used for checking power lines, providing emergency aid, agriculture, filming and other applications requiring comprehensive and affordable aerial surveillance. Drones have reliable ability to avoid collision and create autonomy while carrying out tasks which are too tough or remote for humans to accomplish. Sense and avoid drones can be used for operating reliably in tough conditions such as dust storms or blizzards.
#7 Neuromorphic Technology: Computer Chips which can Mimic the Human Brain
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Neuromorphic chips process information in a different way from traditional hardware and resemble the architecture of the brain. Miniaturization has resulted in increase in conventional computing capabilities across the years but neuromorphic chips are more beneficial because they have the following features:
- Greater energy efficiency
- More power
- Combined data storage, data processing into interconnected modules
- Networked neutrons making a replica of the brain
Consider the neumorphic chip True North which comprises million neuron network for creating power efficiency 100s of times more robust than a conventional CPU. Such machines promote number crunching which is perfect for predicting trends in the stock exchange or climate forecasting.
#8 Mobile Wallets: Leave Your Purse Behind
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Market has mobile payment systems such as Square, Google Wallet and Starbucks App. Leaving your wallet behind is no longer a problem now. From Paytm to its PayPal, a mobile wallet has many benefits. It is technology at its best.
# 9 Evolving Video Format: From Betamax to Blue-Ray
Technology has evolved video formats from Betamax to VHS, DVD, HD DVD and Blue-Ray. Advanced video formats have changed everything from communication and computing to dining, entertainment and travel.
#10 Redefining Communication: Emails, IM and Mobile Phones
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From emails through Gmail to Windows, Live Hotmail and more, there are multiple options for communicating online. Want to send a greeting card? Opt for an e-postcard and save on postage too! From AOL instant messaging to Meebo, the options are endless. Mobile phones , applications such as WhatsApp and VoIP or Voice over Internet protocol are only some of the reasons why long distant charges are a thing of the past.
#11 Word Power: From Typewriters to Word Processors
Word processors have made so much more possible…from saving work and making copies to enabling editing of text. Spell checking programs and increased formatting became possible. The personal computer has become an essential part of life. Storing information, operating at lightning fast speeds and storing terabytes of data are only some of the many benefits of using computers for work or personal use. There is so much you can do with computers such as checking email to Microsoft Outlook, optimizing images through Adobe Photoshop, building digital libraries of musical tunes and more. Time management, handling multiple work tasks and meeting successive deadlines- this has become easy now.
#12 Making the Globe Smaller: Travel Right, Smart Flights
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Websites such as TripIt organize travel plans including flights, trains, cruises, cars, hotels and a 24 to 48 hour itinerary. Search engine sites provide links to travel sites and online travel agencies, aggregators and consolidators are there to guide you every step of the way. From TripAdvisor to SmarterTravel and LonelyPlanet, jet hopping was never easier. The airplanes and ATC also use technology to make the journey comfortable. Transport and travel have changed for the better and we have reached miles ahead from travel books and slow trains.
#13 Technology, the Deal Maker: Revitalizing Small Businesses
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Technology has helped businesses to increase efficiency, enhance productivity and increase the customer base. Popular cloud storage services such as Dropbox and Google Drive store data and documents online. Cloud used for business collaborations and file sharing. Social check in tools such as Foursquare and social media sites like Facebook and Twitter can revolutionize and kickstart any business. Get listed online and use services like Locu which let you display pertinent business information in one place. E-commerce has become the perfect way to do business. From e-commerce websites to larger online sites like eBay or Amazon, there are mammoth marketing opportunities in the virtual world.
Enhancing consumer service through official website and voice mail as well as information regarding directions to the company site and information about shipping have changed the way business is done. Looking for a pocket friendly alternative to costly business trips? You can use high tech solutions from Skype to WebEx as well as video-conferencing.
Project management tools like BaseCamp and Zoho will make handling workers and collaborating on tasks a cinch. Scheduling tools such as GenBook, BookFresh or FullSlate enable clients to schedule appointments online at their own convenience. Understanding your customers was never easier with Google Analytics. Mobile payment tools (read PayPal) have made financial transactions simpler. Technology has also liberated businesses from print ads. Now there are numerous options for marketing online:
- Informational website
- Advertising on search engines
- Online product sales
- Email marketing
Technology brings business to the consumers and helps them to communicate through online chat and call centers. Telecommuting and flexitime are now perfect online collaboration tools. Teleconferencing enables businesses to reach global consumers and employees worldwide.
#14 Taking Your Business to Cloud Nine: CRM and Instant Responses
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Cloud or delivering hardware and software services through network involves cheap and amazingly advanced technology solutions for businesses. Online customer relationship management and subscription based software as a service provides a pay by use basis cutting down on up front investment.
#15 Technology and Portability: Mobile Apps on the Go
Mobile is on the move and apps on smartphones download music and provide maps as well as directions. Well designed apps help you to expand the reach of your business.
#16 Technology in a Business Organization: Optimizing Performance
Technology help businesses improve communication, optimize production, manage inventories and maintain financial records. From internal and external business communication to marketing communication, technology has reshaped every which way companies reach out to customers and workers.
Swifter, efficient and interactive communication platforms plus enhanced operational efficiency will work wonders for business profits. Technology makes complex inventory management and organization simple. Minimizing inventory costs and meeting customer demands has become easy too. Programs are available to sync and merge accounting with PoS terminals and bookkeeping programs in that each purchase or sale transaction is well recorded.
#17 Solving the World’s Problems One by One: Technology on the Move
Telemedicine: This helps patients in rural and isolated areas communicate with doctors and get the medical help they urgently need.
Multifaceted Tablet Devices: Game changing tablet devices make it easy to take business to the next level. Tablet devices can work as an all in one device from getting latest technology news to checking emails.
Augmented Reality- Navigating the world through this wave of technology will shape and mould business vision.
#18 Innovations Across Urban Infrastructure: SMART Cities Pave the Way for Better Living
Innovations in technology have reduced consumption of resources by transforming urban infrastructure into intelligent and interconnected grids. Smart cities have redefined urban living and made more possible through technology. Smart cities can solve the biggest problems such as climate change, rising population, increasing waste and massive pollution.
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#19 Revolution in Technology: Moulding Lives, Bringing Change
Healthcare latest technology has undergone massive revolution. Genomics has changed the identification of disease and its treatments. Networked devices have made the world smaller and ensured that medical solutions reach people faster.
#20 Winning the Hunger Games: Technology Provides Solutions for Food Scarcity
Crop yields have declined due to extreme weather and pests. Technology offers a way out through genetic engineering and using farmbots. Game changers such as fine tuning food supply chains through smart technologies and vertical farms have transformed agriculture.
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#21: Cutting Down on Water Shortage: Technology Makes Every Drop Count
From desalination to energy efficiency and environment friendly solutions, technology has made water shortage a problem with limitations.
#22 Sustainable Energy: Big Technology Breakthrough
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Ability to produce energy in sustainable ways is the biggest problem technology provides a solution for. From solar to wind, nuclear, and thermal energy, technology has reformulated energy consumption patterns and made eco-friendly energy-generation possible.
Conclusion
Using technology to solve problems does not involve “thinking outside the box.” It involves thinking from a different box, one that harnesses knowledge to bring about a radical change. Technology for transformation redefines human life and makes the impossible possible. Small technologies can solve big problems. From famine to poverty, water scarcity to business management, or healthcare to education, technology has all the answers…just ask any question!
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Danielclerke says
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Cheeky monkey says
I’ve to prepare a project based on the topic “how computer/technology is used to address the problems faced in real time society”. Can you please help me for that
Cris Anthony La Rosa says
Im looking for problems that can be solved using technology that implemented in mobile