The MIT Technology Review recently released the 20th edition of its “10 Breakthrough Technologies.” The year’s list features predictable cameos as well as a few unknown talents.
The predictable stuff included COVID-related tech (mRNA, remote tools, contact tracing) and the TikTok algorithm.
Here are the 6 others:
Obviously there’s no privacy in the future
- Data trusts: Turns out, everyone is tired of being hacked. Data trusts are a legal entity that can collect and manage data on the behalf of people or groups.
- Hyper-accurate positioning: China completed its work on BeiDou (Big Dipper), a global positioning constellation with a target accuracy of 1.5 to 2 meters. Tinfoil hat, anyone?
The AI hype-train rolls on
- GPT-3: Generative Pre-trained Transformer 3 — bet you didn’t know that’s what it stood for. OpenAI’s beloved natural language processor is poised for more tomfoolery.
- Multiskilled AI: AI systems are getting more senses. Recent breakthroughs allowed AI systems to generate images from text, and increase reading comprehension with visual cues.
Climate change is not dead
- Lithium-METAL batteries: Not “Ion.” Metal. It’s a big difference. QuantumScape is developing a unique lithium-metal battery whose early tests show an 80% boost in EV range and faster charging.
- Green Hydrogen: Hydrogen is the top pick for a fossil fuel alternative, but most production comes from not-so-green natural gas. Green hydrogen produces hydrogen from water with the help of green solar and wind electricity.