Emerging Technology Assignment 1 - Detailed Explanation
1. What is Emerging Technology? How is it different from other technologies? Provide examples.
Emerging Technology refers to new and innovative technologies that are currently being developed or are expected to
be widely used in the near future. They are often disruptive, meaning they significantly change how things are done.
Differences from other technologies:
- Newness: Emerging technologies are still evolving, unlike traditional or mature technologies.
- Impact: They often create significant change in industries and societies.
- Uncertainty: Their full potential and risks are not yet known.
Examples:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Automating tasks that require human intelligence.
- Quantum Computing: Processing complex computations much faster than traditional computers.
- Blockchain: Securing transactions without central control (used in cryptocurrencies).
- 3D Printing: Creating objects layer by layer from digital models.
2. What makes emerging technologies happen, and what impact do they have on individuals, society, and the
environment?
What drives them:
- Scientific and technical research
- Need for solutions to complex problems (e.g., climate change, healthcare)
- Investments from governments and companies
- Availability of powerful computing and data
Impacts:
- Individuals: Better healthcare, personalized experiences, automation of tasks
- Society: Job changes (new careers, job loss in old sectors), better education, improved communication
- Environment: Smart farming, energy-efficient systems, but also e-waste and resource usage
3. List and explain four emerging technologies. Which one affects your daily life most, and how?
a) Artificial Intelligence (AI):
- Enables machines to learn and make decisions.
- Example: Voice assistants like Siri or ChatGPT.
b) Internet of Things (IoT):
- Devices connected to the internet and each other.
- Example: Smartwatches, home thermostats.
c) Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR):
- VR creates digital environments; AR overlays info on real-world views.
- Example: Medical training simulations, Snapchat filters.
d) Blockchain:
- Decentralized record-keeping.
- Example: Cryptocurrency like Bitcoin.
Most impactful in daily life: AI - It powers social media recommendations, mobile voice commands, and health apps.
4. How did the industrial revolution shape society? What is its effect on emerging technology? Compare each industrial
revolution.
Industrial Revolution Changes:
- 1st: Steam power, textile machines -> urbanization, factory work
- 2nd: Electricity, mass production -> better transport and communication
- 3rd: Computers and IT -> automation, digital shift
- 4th: AI, IoT, robotics -> smart systems, cyber-physical integration
Effect on Emerging Technology:
- Each revolution built the foundation for new tech.
- The 4th revolution is driven by emerging technologies.
Comparison Table:
Revolution | Power Source | Key Tech | Impact
-----------|---------------|----------|--------
1st | Steam | Steam engine | Urban life, factory system
2nd | Electricity | Telephone, Lightbulb | Mass production, global trade
3rd | Electronics, IT | Computers, internet | Automation, info era
4th | AI, IoT, Big Data | Robotics, smart tech | Intelligent systems, automation
5. Discuss data and its types from computer programming and data analytics perspectives.
In programming:
- Data Types: Integer, Float, String, Boolean, etc.
In analytics:
- Structured: Easily organized (e.g., databases)
- Unstructured: Raw data (e.g., text, video)
- Semi-structured: Combination (e.g., JSON, XML)
6. What is Data Science? Its role in Emerging Technology. Give examples.
Data Science: Field combining math, programming, and statistics to extract insights from data.
Role in Emerging Tech:
- Powers AI and machine learning
- Enables personalized healthcare, smart cities, fraud detection
Example: Predicting disease outbreaks using health and location data.
7. What is Big Data? Role and characteristics in Emerging Technology.
Big Data: Large, complex datasets that traditional tools can't handle.
Role:
- Enables insights and decisions in real-time
- Feeds AI and machine learning
Characteristics (5 Vs):
- Volume: Huge amounts of data
- Velocity: Data generated quickly
- Variety: Many types (text, image, etc.)
- Veracity: Quality and accuracy
- Value: Usefulness of the data
8. Discuss and compare the following concepts with examples:
Concept 1 | Concept 2 | Difference | Example
----------|------------|------------|--------
Data | Information | Raw facts vs processed facts | "98.6" vs "Body temperature is normal"
Information | Knowledge | Organized info vs understood info | "COVID spreads by air" vs "Wearing masks reduces
spread"
Knowledge | Wisdom | Understanding vs applying insight | Knowing symptoms vs going to the doctor early
Data Science | Big Data | Method of analyzing vs large datasets | Using models vs collecting traffic data
Data | Metadata | Actual info vs info about data | Image vs file size and format info
9. What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Role in Emerging Technology?
AI: Simulation of human intelligence in machines.
Role:
- Enables machines to make decisions, learn, recognize patterns
- Central to automation, robotics, smart systems
Example: AI chatbots, medical diagnosis tools
10. Classification of AI by strength:
a) Narrow AI: Specialized tasks (e.g., Siri, Google Translate)
b) General AI: Human-level intelligence (still developing)
c) Super AI: Beyond human intelligence (theoretical)
11. Mapping human thinking to AI components:
- Perception -> Sensors and computer vision
- Reasoning -> Algorithms and logic
- Learning -> Machine learning models
- Decision-making -> AI outputs/actions
12. AI examples in daily life:
Social Media:
- Content suggestions
- Face recognition in photos
Online Shopping:
- Personalized recommendations
- Chatbots for customer support
Mobile Phone Usage:
- Voice assistants (Google Assistant)
- Spam filters for messages
