Harnessing advancements in technology: Benefits beyond one industry

Modern technology has advanced beyond any previously known parameters. With constant innovation across diverse sectors, technological developments are changing or replacing systems, processes and roles established over decades.

Sensor optics make a fine example of this type of unprecedented, almost revolutionary technology. But the interconnected nature of innovations in technology span across industries, catalyzing socioeconomic process and helping to shape the future.

Whether you work in software design or you’re developing cutting-edge technology elsewhere, it’s always worth knowing about some of the most definitive technological advances of the era.

The technologies impacting multiple sectors across the globe: Our top 3

1. Sensor optics

The versatility of sensor optic technology is incredibly widespread but surprisingly little known, even in professional industries. This technology boasts applications in diverse fields and illuminates new possibilities for more than one sector.

In medical diagnostics, optical sensors play a key role in diagnostic device development. They can be used to monitor and measure specific functions throughout the physiology of the human body. Optical sensors used in diagnostics include blood pressure monitors, oxygen saturation level and heart rate monitors, and temperature checks too.

Simultaneously, sensor optics are integral in the development of handheld consumer devices. Smartphones, tablets, remote controls and digital cameras rely on optical sensors to perform at a basic functional level – but there are advanced features too, of course. Facial recognition is used increasingly in smartphones as a multifaceted security step.

2. Nanotechnology

Nanotech innovation stems from only 20 years of scientific research, and even less development. Yet innovations in this cutting-edge sector deliver on strong expectations, especially concerning real and lasting benefits to everyday society.

The most significant advantage of nanotechnology is the newfound ability to adjust material structures on a microscopic scale to achieve particular properties. New materials can then be created, or existing materials can be made more durable, lightweight or more reactive among many other traits.

And nanotech innovations have permeated multiple sectors too. In material production, nanoscale additives or surface treatments can offer impact deflection in personal body armor, or might also help to prevent staining, wrinkling, and bacterial growth. Structural technology is also behind cutting-edge environmentally friendly nanomaterials.

And in the automotive and aerospace engineering sectors, nanotechnologies are just as useful. Adding lightweight attributes to boats, airplanes, cars and trucks leads to increased fuel efficiency and refined durability too.

3. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI is all over the news and for good reason. Through extensive programming, machine learning and the Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence is taking over global operations on an almost incomprehensible scale. In fact, no one knows the true threat of artificial intelligence, despite constant and publicized advances.

Firstly, AI is invaluable in the healthcare sector. It’s used in the medical field to assist with efficient and localized diagnosis of multiple diseases and conditions, including certain types of cancer and hepatitis B. In some settings, it’s also been used to accurately predict disease outcomes and genetic mutations too.

And then there’s the finance sector. Automated fintech software and devices are replacing tax reporting, accounting, and banking jobs across the world, and it’s fair to suggest that we’ll start to see the same pattern emerging in other data-driven roles across other sectors too.