How Technology is Transforming in 4IR

It is without a doubt that technology now greatly influences the way we work, live and interact with each other on a daily basis.

Humankind is living in an already very tech heavy environment. The first known technological invention are stone tools that were used by homo habilis, the earliest member of the genus Homo, which roamed the earth over 2 million years ago. It is safe to say that technology has made massive leaps in that time span, but we won’t judge you if you are still happy to use primal stone tools today.

At Clever Software Group, we are fanatical about technological advancements and how tech will continue to influence and impact our lives. Afterall, we are currently living in the Fourth Industrial Revolution; a revolution dominated by automation and data. But what does the current industrial revolution entail?

The Dawn of 4IR

Klaus Schwab, the founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF), coined the term ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’ (4IR) in 2016 - just over 260 years after the first industrial revolution began. During this time, there has been a monumental surge in technological advancements. The current digital revolution has been advocated even more over the last 18 months. A soar in demand for virtual solutions was caused during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, due to many businesses turning to bespoke software development companies to provide digital systems for physical enterprises.

Despite having seen many new technologies unfold – notably AI, machine learning and the Internet of Things (IoT) – we still do not know where the current industrial revolution will take us. However, one thing is clear, that tech and digital responses will become even deeper ingrained and rooted into societal living.

What does 4IR involve?

The Fourth Industrial Revolution is characterized by the merging of technologies, leading to the blurring lines between physical, digital and biological elements. It bids the question to be asked – how long until augmented reality becomes a daily norm? We are very much thinking something along the lines of Ready Player One here!

Technological innovations are taking place at breakneck speeds, moving at an exponential pace rather than linear. Developments of this nature have no historical comparison, so we are literally watching history unfold before us.

Every industry across the globe has been disrupted in one way or another by the evolution of tech. Yes, even the custom software development industry! It will be a long time yet before bespoke software developers are replaced by AI, but it is incredible that a thought like that is even possible, considering the technology capable of such things didn’t even exist a decade ago.

Redefining Networks

The scope and complexities of these technological changes are reshaping entire enterprise ecosystems. From manufacturing sectors to management and even governing systems, many businesses are being heavily impacted by sophisticated, ground breaking technology and this isn’t going to change anytime soon.

Humankind is more connected than ever, whether that be in a work or domestic environment. An estimated 5.28 billion people have access to a mobile device worldwide. This means a monumental percentage of the global population has unparalleled processing power, storage capabilities and access to knowledge (not to mention good cameras), right at their fingertips!

The aforementioned number will only continue to multiply, as technological evolutions continue to take place. Humanity is already surrounded by AI; from home assistances, to self-driving cars and even software development that can translate languages in real time. We are becoming submerged by neural networks.

The Greater Good of Technology

So many beneficial breakthroughs have taken place during the Fourth Industrial Revolution. For example, AI is becoming well and truly implemented within the medical industry. It will drastically change the way diagnoses are made, how treatments are administered and the overall distribution of medication, especially in remote locations or for isolated individuals.

The rapid evolution of technology also has the potential to raise global income levels and in turn, improve the quality of life for countless populations across the globe. However, immersing ourselves in even more tech may come with its drawbacks. Losing contact and tangible interaction with the physical world around us could become a real concern. With this in mind, it is important to use the Fourth Industrial Revolution to create a positive impact on the world around us; to be more conscious about the decisions we make and how we can utilise tech to have a positive impact on the environment.

Looking forward, technological advancements could also potentially provide long-term solutions and gain in efficiency and productivity. Sectors such as logistics, transport and communication will greatly benefit from the impact technology, providing stronger supply chains and improved economic growth in its wake.

Food for Thought

Humans are the creators of technology; therefore we are responsible for guiding its evolutionary path. We need to take care and be mindful of how the Fourth Industrial Revolution should proceed, using it to enhance human activity in an unhampering manner.

Perhaps the focus should move from the quantity of technology produced, to its overall quality and wellbeing. All we can do is wait and see what happens, but it is a very exciting time for all things technology-based.