Since the beginning of civilization, humans have been innovative, creating new technology that enhances and improves lives. Though innumerable inventions have been made, there is still much room for improvement. According to IBM and other companies, the future holds many new possibilities.

In the next 5 years, IBM expects many new useful and interesting advancements in technology. They have stated that the new technology will be “driven by a new era of cognitive systems where machines will learn, reason, and engage with us in a more natural and personalized way.” Thus, software will start to be more like the human brain, thinking in ways that have higher computing power and more readily accessible data. Useful to many places and professions, it will catapult innovation to a speed never seen before.

One specific advancement will be in the classroom. These “classrooms of the future” are expected to be able to track and analyze the progress of each student’s work, allowing teachers to better target learning styles and helping the students to improve and learn more efficiently. Bernie Meyerson, IBM vice-president says, “Basically, the classroom learns you.” Overall, it’s no question that the revolutionary systems classrooms will have are going to change education significantly.

Another example will be in the medical field. Doctors will be able to “tailor treatments using patient DNA.” Patients will have more select treatment options, thus, they will improve more quickly by targeting the exact cause of the illness. An additional innovation will be “digital guardians” which will “protect people from hackers by detecting unusual behavior.” The detection will track hackers and report them to authorities. Finally, IBM expects “cities to weave social networks, smartphones, sensors, and machines, learning to better manage services and build relationships with citizens.” Consequently, each of these unprecedented predictions will provide an easier and more efficient way to live for all.

A new invention in the present is the miraculous 3-D printer. Though it was technically invented 30 years ago, its skills and attributes have continued to develop, and still do today. The reason they are somewhat recent is because last fall was the first time they were available to the public for purchase. Basically, this printer converts images into 3D objects created from a buildup plastic resin, a primary material used in the process. These printers can run anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000. One 3D printer company, the Makerbot Academy, has a goal to donate 3D printers to schools around the country and integrate new ways to learn in the classroom. As well, some 3D candy printers have also been created. They have been modified so materials can be used to create real edible candy, drink accessories, and cake toppings. The flavors vary also, making this a good way to create tasty, interesting, and geometrically shaped candies that can liven up any dessert. No matter which type, these printers have the potential to completely change the world in which we live. In the words of Barack Obama, “3D printing has the potential to revolutionize the way we make almost everything. The next industrial revolution in manufacturing will happen in America. We can get that done.” Overall, this technology of the future and advancements that already exist will make life more efficient, purposeful, and beneficial to all. The world will continue to be innovative, creating increasingly more intriguing inventions, and improving our lives and the world around us.

Sources:

“Makerbot Academy 3D Printers.” Makerbot Academy. Makerbot Academy, n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2014. <http://www.makerbot.com/academy/>.

Scharr, Jill. “This New 3D Printer Can Print Out Candy and Cake Toppings.” Yahoo.com. N.p., 2014. Web. 27 Feb. 2014. <https://www.yahoo.com/tech/this-new-3d-printer-can-print-out-cake-candy-and-72819425789.html>.

Agence France-Presse. “Upcoming Technology Transformations of the next Five Years, According to IBM | NDTV Gadgets.” NDTV Gadgets. N.p., 2013. Web. 28 Feb. 2014. <http://gadgets.ndtv.com/others/news/upcoming-technology-transformations-of-the-next-five-years-according-to-ibm-459762>.