The World Economic Forum released the "2023 Top Ten Emerging Technologies Report" on June 26, selecting the top ten technologies with the most potential and positive impact on the world.
It is understood that these emerging technologies mainly include: flexible batteries, generative artificial intelligence, sustainable aviation fuel, wearable plant sensors, artificial intelligence-assisted medical care, etc.
In the selection process of the top ten emerging technologies, a team of experts assessed the impact of technologies on people, planet, prosperity, industry and social equity. Experts believe these technologies, in addition to their significant benefits to society and the economy, are disruptive, attractive to investors and researchers, and expected to be deployed at scale within five years.
The relevant person in charge of the World Economic Forum stated that these ten emerging technologies will disrupt industries, promote economic growth, improve lives and protect the planet.
Since the World Economic Forum's first Top 10 Emerging Technologies Report was released in 2011, the selection has uncovered many technologies that were initially little known but then had a profound global impact.
The top ten emerging technologies for 2023 include:
flexible battery
Traditional rigid batteries may soon become obsolete as thin, flexible batteries made of lightweight materials that can bend, fold and stretch are entering the market. This next-generation battery technology is expected to reach a market value of $240 million by 2027, with promising applications in areas such as medical wearables, biomedical sensors, flexible displays and smart watches.
generative artificial intelligence
Generative artificial intelligence, a new type of artificial intelligence that generates new original content by learning from large-scale data sets, has attracted widespread public attention due to the release of ChatGPT at the end of 2022. Generative artificial intelligence is developing rapidly and will disrupt industries such as education and research.
sustainable aviation fuel
The aviation industry generates 2% to 3% of global carbon emissions each year. With no signs of long-distance electric flight yet, sustainable aviation fuels, which can be produced from both biological (eg biomass) and abiotic (eg CO2) sources, could be the answer to reducing the aviation industry's carbon emissions in the short to medium term.
engineered phage
Phages are viruses that selectively infect certain types of bacteria. With the help of increasingly sophisticated genetic engineering tools, scientists can now reprogram phages to infect specific bacteria, allowing them to specifically target one of the many types of bacteria that coexist in plant, animal and human microbiomes. While many near-term applications will be for research only, evidence suggests that such engineered phages could eventually be used to treat diseases associated with microbiomes or eliminate harmful bacteria from food supply chains.
A Metaverse for Improving Mental Health
In response to the growing mental health crisis, product developers are starting to build shared virtual spaces to improve mental health. Already, video games are being used to treat depression and anxiety, while meditation through virtual reality technology is gaining popularity. Future metaverses Incorporating next-generation wearable devices that allow the user to gain a sense of touch or respond to the user's emotional state, could be a recipe for improving mental health.
Wearable Plant Sensors
Drones and satellites have revolutionized the monitoring of large farms, which has traditionally relied on manual soil testing and visual observation. Today, we have a new generation of plant sensors. These small, non-invasive devices can be "worn" on each plant and continuously monitor temperature, humidity and nutrient levels. Wearable plant sensors could improve plant health and increase yields, if the cost can be overcome.
space omics
By combining advanced imaging techniques with the specificity of DNA sequencing, space-omics allows scientists to "see" biological processes at the molecular level within cells. By revealing previously unobservable biological structures and events, this powerful new technology will accelerate our understanding of biology and help researchers develop new treatments for complex diseases.
flexible neuroelectronics
Brain-computer interfaces, which allow the brain to communicate directly with external computers, have the potential to transform human health in the fields of medicine and neuroscience, such as the treatment of epilepsy, depression or paralysis. To date, the technology has been based on rigid electronics and has been limited by issues such as a mechanical and geometric mismatch with brain tissue. But breakthroughs in flexible electronics and more biocompatible materials mean a less invasive and more comfortable experience for patients.
sustainable computing
Data centers consume about 1% of the world's electricity production. Today, multiple technologies are intertwined to make zero-energy data centers possible. "Sustainable computing" technologies include liquid cooling systems, artificial intelligence analytics and modular data centers that can co-exist with existing energy sources such as methane furnaces.
AI-assisted medical care
From diagnostics to drug design, artificial intelligence is widely hailed as an enabler of improved healthcare. This report focuses on the role of artificial intelligence in supporting healthcare systems, including monitoring outbreaks, assisting decision-making, personalizing treatment, and improving the efficiency of healthcare services. AI-assisted healthcare has huge potential and will have a profound impact on the healthcare industry in the coming years.