Technology experts say advances in tech – both now and in the future – will be driven by the “Internet of Things.”
“The ‘Internet of Things’ is the hottest topic in tech right now,” said Karen Chupka, senior vice president of the International Consumer Electronics Show and the Consumer Electronics Association. “It’s all about the opportunity to connect everyday items like cars, home security systems and kitchen appliances to networked devices like PCs and smartphones for greater control and management of our everyday lives.”
What about in 2030? Here’s a look at some of the technology already making waves that is set to become much more mainstream in 2030.
Finger-lickin’ 3-D printing
Over the past several years, 3-D printers have become more advanced and less costly. Experts predict future 3-D printing technology will be able to produce body parts, food, housing and much more. At last week’s 2015 International Consumer Electronics Show, Rock Hill-based 3D Systems unveiled its new CocoJet, a 3-D printer that produces chocolates. Developed with The Hershey Company, the printer can print custom designs in dark, milk or white chocolate. Expect more soon from 3D Systems on commercial plans for this class of chocolate 3-D printers.
The Rock Hill company also showcased its ChefJet series, the first professional-grade, food 3-D printers, in its CES 2015 booth. The full-color ChefJet Pro will be food-certified and produce edible 3D printed candies and décor. In a company blog post, 3DS said it will open a new Digital Kitchen space in Los Angeles later this year to serve as “a place for food artists and members of the hospitality, culinary and event communities to gather and explore the possibilities and potential of 3-D printed food.”
Beacons beckon shoppers and travelers
Science fiction films have long depicted holograms that assist with providing directions, answering questions or serving up targeted ads as a person walks by a store. The technologies that can make that a reality are already here; by 2030, beacon technology should be in full swing.
With the rollout of iOS7, Apple launched iBeacon, a technology that allows its mobile apps to listen for signals from beacons and use Bluetooth to react accordingly. Other mobile devices such as Android have similar technology.
Virgin Atlantic is testing the technology at Heathrow Airport. Passengers heading toward the security checkpoint will find their phones automatically pulling up their mobile boarding passes ready for inspection.
Macy’s quietly rolled out 4,000 iBeacon devices to its 786 stores across the country this past holiday shopping season. The iBeacon devices send special offers to nearby smartphones that have the Shopkick app, a popular deals platform that Macy’s partnered with.
While iBeacon technology has been trumpeted as an innovation on the cusp of transforming brick-and-mortar shopping, the Washington Post reports few retailers have fully embraced it so far. Companies such as Lord & Taylor, American Eagle and Duane Reade have tested it in a limited number of shops, but Macy’s appears to be the largest retailer to be integrating the technology into all its stores. Look for more industries and more applications in the coming years.
RFID hits home
According to the Institute for the Future, RFID (radio frequency identification) has emerged “as a promising and controversial technology in the worlds of commerce, health, and security.” The Institute touts RFID tags as (1) the next stage in the evolution of supply chains and inventory management; (2) a replacement for optical identification technologies in packaging and passports; and (3) a tool for improving shopping experiences and consumer satisfaction.
Assuming RFID does not stumble due to security- or privacy-related problems, people will begin to use RFID in their homes within the next two years, the Institute says. Many may first notice RFID tags in security and health applications. People will also begin to experiment with personalized applications.
RFID will become a component in home-management systems, which will help to schedule shopping, laundry, and other tasks, experts say. Ultimately, RFID will be one of the technologies that bring pervasive computing from the computer laboratory into the home.
