TWC Session 9 (Week 10)

Figure 1. Google Glass, an application of Augmented Reality
Reproduced from CNN. (2013, 3 June)

Brief Overview/Summary

Today we discussed on the topic Emerging and Future Technologies. We began the class with a quote from George Bernard Shaw and part of the reason for this module,it is to open up our perspectives from asking "why not?" whereby you look into the future instead of asking only "why?" in present state.  Next with the introduction to emerging technologies such as claytronics and plastic electronics-flexible plastic displays that are durable and cheap, replacing the use of heavy glass. 

We then discussed what are the drivers that bring about the development of emerging and future technologies. They are, 

• Market-driven research and development
• by which market opportunity and need which are not met 
• Technology-driven research and development
• Growing body of scientific knowledge make new technologies that were unlikely to happen 10 years ago, are increasingly possible to happen.
• New insights and discoveries often lead to previously unimagined needs
• Supply could create demand
• People don’t realize they need it until they experience it 
• Examples, iPhone, 3-D printing and Walkman
• Mass media and advertising (Technologies that appear in movies, comics-> Iron-man)
• Changes the perceptions of need
• Peer pressure
• Confluence of the 4 'Smarts'
• Smart people
• Smart ideas
• Smart money
• Money that is available to invest in the very early stage of technology. Because usually people invest money after the technology is successful, so if you manage to identify the new technology is going to have a future, then you invest that small amount of money (smart money).
• Smart money is the most important factor that turns dream to reality.
• Smart alliances and partnerships

Then we discussed on some of the interesting emerging technologies,

• Biotechnologies
• Robotics
• Nanotechnologies
• Surveillance Technologies
• Biometric Technologies (Fingerprint recognition)
• Fuel cells and other new energy Technologies
• Artificial intelligence systems
• GRID computing (example, Cloud Computing) and new networking Technologies
• Computer-based simulation Technologies
• Knowledge management Technologies

But without innovation, all this technology will remain as a concept and not making a difference to the people (not being commercialized to the people).

Ending off with the discussion on readings and oral presentations from our peers.

Interesting Observations and Ideas

• “Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand.”-Albert Einstein. I totally agree to this quote, because without imagination even with tons of knowledge, you don't know where to apply them and without imagination, you will not discover more knowledge.
• Rising Star Mindset-> Being imaginative, opening up to new perspectives

• "Innovation distinguishes the leader from the follower"-Steve Jobs. This is so very true, because without innovation, everyone will be following the same technology and not being innovative (original ideas that are new and able to break into the market) which will not making a difference to the people or specifically not meeting the needs of the people. Hence, we can see companies like Apple, application of its new technologies that meet the needs of people or creating an entirely new market need.

Key Take Away Points

• If you can imagine a new technology, you can make it happen. Combining with innovation, your technology will be able to break into the market. As innovation is a process which you apply(market) the new and effective technologies to meet the needs of the people(market needs).

Issues for Further Discussion

Are all these new technologies going to do more harm than good? For this case, on a short term, new technologies can help improve life, but at the expense of this, what about the physical and mental health in the long run? Are we going to become lazy and obese? Whether the technologies will be evolutionary or a disruptive change.

Personal Ratings for Session

I rate this session 9/10, because it provides with us the exciting new technologies that are up and coming, but it lacks the discussion on general implications of introducing new technologies.