Edge computing revolution
In essence, edge computing decentralizes data storage and processing by moving resources closer to where the data originates, whether in a retail store, factory floor, utility network, or smart city. Edge computing is expected to become more widespread, transforming internet usage by adding more abstraction and broadening potential use cases. For instance, the intersection of IoT and edge has led to the creation of micronodular data centers (MMDCs). Compact, mobile data centers can be deployed across cities or regions to bring comprehensive data center capabilities much closer to the data source without necessarily locating them there.
In 2023, the global market size for edge computing has reached a value of $16.45 billion, which is projected to grow at a CAGR of 36.9% from 2024 to 2030.
According to recent forecasts, by 2030, North America, Europe, and East Asia are expected to account for 88% of the revenue generated from edge services.Robotic automation
Robotic integration remains a significant trend, driven by advances in sensors, vision technology, and intelligent grippers that enable robots to react to environmental changes in real time and work alongside humans. Today, collaborative robots, or cobots, are increasingly used to assist human workers by taking over heavy, repetitive, or hazardous tasks. This not only aids in reducing physical strain on workers but also enhances safety and efficiency in the workplace. For instance, mobile manipulators, also known as ‘MoMas,’ are revolutionizing material handling in sectors like automotive, logistics, and aerospace. These systems merge the mobility of robotic platforms with the precision of manipulator arms, enabling them to traverse complex environments and easily handle objects.
In a survey conducted by Automation Anywhere, 78% of respondents have indicated that they plan to significantly increase their automation budgets within the next 12 months.
Accenture estimates that 76% of tasks performed by US workers could be transformed by automating repetitive tasks and enhancing high-value activities.Advanced data collection
In the business sector, unstructured data is growing rapidly. Advancements in technologies like AI/ML and computer vision, in turn, facilitate the extraction of actionable insights from disrupted information, enhancing decision-making, automating tasks, and uncovering opportunities overlooked by traditional methods.
Another approach to collecting and managing data profoundly is data tiering, classifying data based on factors like relevance, access frequency, and performance requirements. This method optimizes resource utilization by allocating high-priority data to premium storage solutions that offer quick access and low latency, typically through high-performance technologies like solid-state drives. Lower-priority data is directed to more economical storage solutions, such as traditional hard disk drives, balancing cost-effectiveness with performance needs.Blockchain for enhanced security
Traditionally, data security has been centralized, relying on single points of protection, vulnerable to attacks. Blockchain introduced a decentralized security model, inherently more resistant to fraud, hacking, and unauthorized changes. Today, blockchain technology, once associated mainly with cryptocurrencies, payments, and smart contracts, finds implementation across various industries and domains, reducing the risk of fraud and corruption. With blockchain, supply chains can become more transparent and traceable, as companies can monitor goods from the source to the final destination. It can also be used to build tamper-proof electronic voting systems, prevent election fraud, build trust among participants, and increase voter turnout by simplifying the electoral process.
