Future of Artificial Intelligence

When one considers the computational costs and the technical data infrastructure running behind artificial intelligence, actually executing on AI is a complex and costly business. Fortunately, there have been massive advancements in computing technology, as indicated by Moore’s Law, which states that the number of transistors on a microchip doubles about every two years while the cost of computers is halved.

Although many experts believe that Moore’s Law will likely come to an end sometime in the 2020s, this has had a major impact on modern AI techniques — without it, deep learning would be out of the question, financially speaking. Recent research found that AI innovation has actually outperformed Moore’s Law, doubling every six months or so as opposed to two years.

By that logic, the advancements artificial intelligence has made across a variety of industries have been major over the last several years. And the potential for an even greater impact over the next several decades seems all but inevitable.

Future in Army Air Defence System

 Air defence has evolved due to the rise of air power which initially started with fighter/bomber aircraft. Over a period of time attack helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, cruise and ballistic missiles became part of the air threat.

Army Air Defence (AAD) is a system which includes surveillance sensors, fire control devises, kill weapons like guns, missiles and directed energy weapons, and a battle management system to integrate all these subsystems. Air defence has evolved due to the rise of air power which initially started with fighter/bomber aircraft. Over a period of time attack helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), cruise and ballistic missiles became part of the air threat. Thus the race between ‘air threat’ and ‘counter-to-air threat’ continues with both dimensions exploring new technologies to outdo each other. The overlay of unconventional warfare has added to the complexity of solutions.

Future Trends in Air Threat

Increased reliance on stealth by fighter/bomber aircraft. Example of F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II of the US are there.

Improved avionics providing better beyond visual range (BVR) capability to fighter aircraft.

Increased use of UAVs, armed UAVs and micro/mini-UAVs.

Increased missile threat.

Proliferation of precision guided munitions (PGMs).

Threat from rockets, artillery and mortars, all using PGMs.

Better electronic warfare capability for jamming air defence systems.

All this results in multi-platform, silent and standoff threat.

Future Trends in AD Guns

Conventional Guns: Guns including machine guns were first used to counter air threat. These weapons were not designed for air defence role. During World War II, air defence guns started getting evolved. The most popular gun used by the Allies was 40mmL/60 of Sweden origin which was a purely mechanical gun with high rate of fire. This gun was succeeded by 40mmL/70 which was radar controlled. This gun is still in service in India for almost 50 years. Other countries produced many types of air defence guns with varying ranges, calibre and fire control system. Errors in firing due to a moving target in all three dimensions simultaneously like the fighter aircraft, gravity and effect of atmospheric conditions was made up by providing better fire control systems and a high rate of fire. High rate of fire limited the calibre of the gun or else the gun would become very heavy and thus impeding mobility. Conventional guns have reached a plateau in development, thus the focus for developmentis on fire control systems and ammunition. 

 

 Information and communications technology

Information and communications technology (ICT) is an extensional term for information technology (IT) that stresses the role of unified communications and the integration of telecommunications (telephone lines and wireless signals) and computers, as well as necessary enterprise software, middleware, storage and audiovisual, that enable users to access, store, transmit, and manipulate information. The term ICT is also used to refer to the convergence of audiovisual and telephone networks with computer networks through a single cabling or link system. There are large economic incentives to merge the telephone network with the computer network system using a single unified system of cabling, signal distribution, and management.

ICT is an umbrella term that includes any communication device, encompassing radio, television, cell phones, computer and network hardware, satellite systems and so on, as well as the various services and appliances with them such as video conferencing and distance learning. ICT is a broad subject and the concepts are evolving. It covers any product that will store, retrieve, manipulate, transmit, or receive information electronically in a digital form. ICT encompasses both the internet-enabled sphere as well as the mobile one powered by wireless networks. It also includes antiquated technologies, such as landline telephones, radio and television broadcast – all of which are still widely used today alongside cutting-edge ICT pieces such as artificial intelligence and robotics. The list of ICT components is exhaustive, and it continues to grow. Some components, such as computers and telephones, have existed for decades but smartphones, digital TVs and robots, are more recent entries.

 Plasma technology for increasing precious metal yields

The use of plasma technology can boost the yield of precious metals such as gold, silver and platinum from complex ores by more than 1,000% compared to conventional metallurgical processes.

Toss Plasma Technologies (TPT), a company based in the US, has developed a new radio frequency (RF) plasma technology by which complex ores such as zinc, nickel, copper and lead are heated applying ultra-high temperatures of between 8,000-12,000 degrees Celsius to break down the ore structure and free up the latent precious materials contained therein for recovery and purification using conventional techniques.

In a recent test of the new radio frequency plasma technology conducted by the company on Myanmar tungsten ore samples, the amount of gold yielded was about 1,500% more than what could be recovered through traditional methods.

Efficient shaft and tunnel boring system

Mining is being increasingly carried out underground as open pits near the end of their mining life and new ore bodies are increasingly being identified deep underground. Constructing underground mines with the use of conventional shaft and tunnel boring machines, however, has proved to be technically challenging, expensive and sluggish.

The advanced shaft and tunnel boring machines, like the ones developed by Atlas Copco and Aker Wirth in collaboration with Rio Tinto, can dig underground safely, at greater speed and have the potential to reduce the time and cost otherwise taken for constructing underground mines.

Atlas Copco’s modular mining machine can cut through extremely hard rock walls and tunnel to more than 10m a day, which is nearly twice the rate achieved through conventional methods. A test trial of this boring machine was scheduled to start at Rio Tinto’s Kennecott Utah Copper (KUC) mine in 2013 but no further progress has been reported to date.

 What Is Software Engineering?

Software engineering is a discipline that covers all aspects of software development, including designing, building, testing, distributing and maintaining software products. The field requires engineering principles, problem-solving abilities and programming language skills to design software that meets various user needs. 

What sets software engineering apart from other disciplines is the flexibility it demands. Teams should feel comfortable applying Agile and Waterfall methods — the former promoting a more fluid approach, the latter offering a more structured option. And while languages like C++, Java and Python are common in software engineering, the discipline is constantly evolving to include new programming languages like F#, Clojure and Apache Groovy. Those who excel in software engineering know how to juggle complex projects, pivot between different work methods and keep up with the latest industry technologies and trends to provide the best digital experiences possible.

 How Technology is Revolutionising the Skies

Air traffic control is a complex system that already relies on a lot of technology. It typically involves an interaction between an aircraft’s pilot and a ground station, which monitors and organises various aircraft safely through their journeys. But unsurprisingly, this will be slightly harder with unmanned aircraft.

There are two possible solutions to this. The first is the growing trend of automation in air traffic control, as this would be ideal for unmanned systems. Automating their interactions with a ground station means the human element can be removed completely, allowing the two systems to communicate seamlessly.

In theory, automation will rely heavily on AI, which is already making itself known in air traffic control. Canadian-based company Searidge has developed an AI platform that enhances the decisions of a human traffic controller, although the logic can be applied to automated systems in the future.

Improving the Efficiency of Manned Systems

Of course, it would be unreasonable to assume that all air traffic control will be automated in the future. The level of complexity in some systems means that a human element will always be necessary. But this means we must look at ways to improve the efficiency and accuracy of manned systems.

Back on the ground, augmented reality has the potential to make air traffic controllers’ jobs much easier. NASA is developing a system that will overlay flight data on real-world images, although it’s designing its technology for drone systems and Advanced Air Mobility.

However, the theory is equally applicable to commercial air traffic control. Augmented reality could serve two major purposes in a traffic control tower. The first is to improve visibility in bad weather or at night. Using a digital overlay, controllers could identify and direct aircraft without actually being able to see them.

 Data Science Lifecycle

Data science can be thought of as having a five-stage lifecycle:

Capture

This stage is when data scientists gather raw and unstructured data. The capture stage typically includes data acquisition, data entry, signal reception and data extraction.

Maintain

This stage is when data is put into a form that can be utilized. The maintenance stage includes data warehousing, data cleansing, data staging, data processing and data architecture.

Process

This stage is when data is examined for patterns and biases to see how it will work as a predictive analysis tool. The process stage includes data mining, clustering and classification, data modeling and data summarization.

Analyze

This stage is when multiple types of analyses are performed on the data. The analysis stage involves data reporting, data visualization, business intelligence and decision making.

Communicate

This stage is when data scientists and analysts showcase the data through reports, charts and graphs. The communication stage typically includes exploratory and confirmatory analysis, predictive analysis, regression, text mining and qualitative analysis.

 Full-Time Remote 

Full-time remote is exactly how it sounds. Companies offering remote work allow employees to work from home all the time. Although the term “work from home” could also be thought of as “work from anywhere” because remote employees have their choice of where they physically do their work. Remote employees are encouraged to work from wherever makes them feel the most comfortable and focused.

Hybrid 

A hybrid model of work means that there are a certain number of days employees go into an office for their working hours. The number of days and time spent in the office can vary. Some companies may want employees to come in for three or four days a week, while others may only require employees to work in-office one or two days a week. 

Flexible Work 

Flexible work models allow employees to choose when they come into the office. Employers that offer flexible work usually make coming into the office a voluntary action. Employees working within a flexible model can come into the office everyday if they’d like, or they can only come in a couple of times a month. 

 Aerospace

The transportation technology garnering the most excitement right now is aerospace. Companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic are battling it out to be the first company to offer commercial space flights. That’s right, you no longer have to be a NASA astronaut to live out your childhood dream of flying through outer space.

The rise of commercial space flight has brought about a series of incredible technological advancements, including the use of reusable rocket boosters. Originally, rocket ships would shed their boosters about two minutes after liftoff. These boosters were one-time use and would fall back to the earth in a flaming heap. SpaceX has designed boosters that gently propel themselves back down to Earth with precision. The reusability of these rockets is an achievement in cost-saving travel tech that now opens up spaceflight to civilians (albeit extremely wealthy civilians at the moment). Relativity Space is even 3D printing rocket ships.

The new-age “Space Race” is pushing transportation technology to its limits and producing some of the most awe-inspiring tech we’re seeing today. It’s reducing original spaceflight costs from $500 billion to about $60 million per flight and having us picture future life on the moon, Mars and beyond.

 Autonomous Vehicles

The battle over autonomous vehicles is also heating up. Virtually every big-named auto manufacturer and startup vying to create the first mass-produced wave of self-driving vehicles. Imagine getting into your car, punching in an address, sitting back and letting a car take you to your endpoint without you having to touch the steering wheel or get stressed out navigating traffic. That used to be an unreachable dream for decades. Now, it’s becoming a reality.

Companies like Google, Waymo, Uber, Tesla and Ford are all developing machine learning, AI and deep learning platforms that help cars calculate their surroundings in real-time and act accordingly. These vehicles are taking in millions of data points each second through a variety of sensors, software and GPS. Sensors constantly monitor surroundings like people crossing roads, surrounding vehicles and animals darting out into traffic and make split-second calculations on how to respond safely and efficiently. Additionally, GPS monitors routes to find the quickest way to a destination, upcoming accidents or bottlenecks that can be subverted.

The biggest hurdle in autonomous vehicles right now is safety. There are an infinite number of scenarios that occur on the road. How can a car respond to each one like a rational human would? Each automaker and startup are training these cars to drive safely and with the same rationale as a human being. Although in their early stages, autonomous vehicles have made strides in transportation technology that will have a massive impact on the overall future of how we get around.

Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles are having a massive effect on how we get around, whether it’s across the city or across the country. Companies like Tesla and Nissan have popularized the electric car, which runs strictly on battery power to get us to where we need to go. Instead of refueling at a gas station, electric vehicles need a battery charge to get them back on the road. Today’s most advanced electric vehicles can run from 150 miles to 350 miles on a single charge. These vehicles are fantastic examples of transportation tech because they’re fundamentally changing how vehicles operate and how they’re powered.

 Transportation Technology Examples

Innovation in transportation technology is at an all-time high with creative solutions that are helping us get down the block, across the country and even into outer space. Check out some of the most groundbreaking modes of transportation below.

Underground Tunneling

Underground transit is all about moving people or things through vast systems of tunnels underneath the Earth’s surface. Musk’s Boring Company — derived as Musk sat in Los Angeles traffic — is an infrastructure and tunnel construction company that builds underground pathways for cars to travel through at higher speeds and with less traffic congestion. So far, the company has built a tunnel in Las Vegas called the LVCC Loop system. The three-station tunnel system connects the LVCC New Exhibit Hall with the existing campus and is said to reduce a 45-minute walk time to approximately two driving minutes. Underground tunneling, though in its early stages, is seen as an interesting concept that has the potential to reduce traffic congestion and the overall environmental effects of current car travel.

 Benefits of Transportation Technology 

As transportation technology continues to advance, the way we get from one place to another will improve. The transportation sector has the ability to help humans create more sustainable modes of travel — as demonstrated by electric cars and biofuel-powered airplanes. Even major industry players like Boeing see the benefits of more sustainable travel, as the company has announced plans to deliver planes that run completely on biofuel by 2030.

Transportation technology also allows people and goods to get to their destinations faster. Improved speed for trains or delivery systems can save companies and consumers alike valuable time and money. The logistics industry is also set to benefit from improved transportation methods and infrastructure, as the two industries often work together to move goods efficiently and affordably. Connected cars and freight trucks are one way logistics may improve, thanks to further transportation technology development. As the number of IoT sensors in CCTV cameras along highways grow, data can be collected to help solve traffic and congestion problems along major thoroughfares and delivery routes. Connected cars are also able to predict traffic patterns with the help of signal phase and timing information collected through IoT vehicles. 

Although autonomous vehicles are not quite widespread yet, manufacturers and developers in the field hope that one day self-driving cars will improve safety for millions of people. Nearly 40,000 people were killed in traffic accidents in 2020 in the United States alone. As autonomous vehicles continue to develop, their capabilities of preventing accidents and sense collisions will drastically alter the number of fatal car accidents each year. 

 

Cybersecurity Basics

A multi-layer cybersecurity approach is the best way to thwart any serious cyber attack. A combination of firewalls, software and a variety of tools will help combat malware that can affect everything from mobile phones to Wi-Fi. Here are some of the ways cybersecurity experts fight the onslaught of digital attacks.

AI for Cybersecurity

Artificial intelligence is used in cybersecurity to thwart a wide variety of malicious cybercrimes. Security companies are training AI tools to predict data breaches, alert to phishing attempts in real-time and even expose social engineering scams before they become dangerous.

Securing Against Malware

Security against malware is certainly one of the most important issues today, and it will continue to be as malicious software evolves. An anti-virus software package is needed to combat any suspicious activity. These packages usually include tools that do everything from warning against suspicious websites to flagging potentially harmful emails. 

 What Is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is the practice of securing networks, systems and any other digital infrastructure from malicious attacks. With cybercrime damages costing an estimated $18.7 billion between 2017 and 2021, it’s no wonder banks, tech companies, hospitals, government agencies and just about every other sector are investing in cybersecurity infrastructure to protect their business practices and the millions of customers that trust them with their data.

What’s the best cybersecurity strategy? A strong security infrastructure includes multiple layers of protection dispersed throughout a company’s computers, programs and networks. With so much at stake, it’s not hyperbolic to think that cybersecurity tools and experts act as the last line of defense between our most vital information and digital chaos.

 Benefits of Healthtech

Healthtech has the potential to trim the fat from our traditional healthcare scene. Skyrocketing costs, unbearable wait times, inefficiencies in drug development and limited access to insurance and healthcare providers are all being improved (or at least addressed) through tech-infused care.

Healthtech Improves Efficiency

  The way we purchase healthcare is becoming more accessible to a wider group of people through the insurance technology industry, sometimes called insurtech. Patient waiting times are declining and hospitals are more efficiently staffed thanks to artificial intelligence and predictive analytics. Even surgical procedures and recovery times are being reduced thanks to ultra-precise robots that assist in surgeries and make some procedures less invasive.

Healthtech Promotes Quality

Care fantastic, but how exactly are innovators accomplishing this feat? Healthcare technology companies have provided a much-needed jolt of efficiency by tailoring experiences to the individual. These companies realize there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to proper care, so customization is key. By personalizing everything from insurance payments to diets and sleep patterns, healthtech companies are working to improve human health and reduce much of the unnecessary strain on the industry.

 

 The Different Types of Robotic Manipulator Arms

While robotic arms do have a certain amount of range of motion (usually around 3 to 6 degrees), The range of motion is determined by the joints that are connected to various segments of the arm (think shoulder, upper arm, forearm, and wrist). The type of robotic arm used is generally determined by the space in which it operates, and the range of motion that it requires to perform the task. Below are some of the most common types of robotic manipulator arms.  

Articulated Robot – Perhaps the most commonly recognized type of robotic manipulator arms, articulated robots offer the most degrees of freedom possible and can consist of between 3 and 6 revolute joints (a revolute joint connects two segments and offers 1 degree of rotational freedom). As one can imagine, given the relatively high number of joints and segments, the greatest advantage of an articulated robot is the wide range of motion that it can employ.

 

SCARA Robot – These types of robotic manipulator arms consist of one prismatic joint which is responsible for movement on the Z axis and two additional revolute joints. A prismatic joint allows two connected objects to slide along a common axis while prohibiting rotational movement. SCARA robots are commonly used to lift heavy items in industrial settings.

Gantry Robot – These robotic manipulator arms leverage a type of rail system that allows them to move along the X, Y, and Z axis. Like SCARA robots, gantry robots are well equipped to handle incredibly heavy payloads.

 

Spherical Robot – Spherical robots consist of two revolute and one prismatic joint. The former provides rotational range of motion while the latter joint allows the arm to extend its reach. Typically, spherical robots are used for welding.

Parallel Robot – These types of robotic manipulator arms are typically installed using an overhead mounting system and will consist of anywhere from 3 to 6 arms, each with its own revolute or prismatic joint, as required.

 

1. Operator Interface

A robot -even those that perform autonomously - is only as good as its ability to effectively communicate with a human controller.  It’s important to note that while robotic automation technologies have truly revolutionized industrial manufacturing processes, human workers are still a very necessary part of the equation. For that reason, the operator interface – commonly referred to as a Human Robot Interface – is very important; it is the medium that allows the user and the robot to communicate with one another. Most specifically, it is the method by which a human operator can give pre-programmed commands for the robot to execute. 

A gaming controller is an example of a basic Human Robot Interface (HRI). It allows a player to issue a set of commands to the system, which are then executed in the game.  Even if the game itself is able to execute functions autonomously, in order for it to operate as intended, human interaction using the gamepad is essential. In manufacturing, an industrial touchscreen computer installed on a piece of equipment or in a centralized control room is also a form of HRI. The operator can issue commands to the conveyor or other device to execute on the factory floor.

A great deal of care needs to go into the design of HRIs. They must be intuitive to use, and enable operators to communicate effectively with the robot, in order to execute tasks accurately

and efficiently.

2. Mobility or Locomotion

In order for a robot to complete a task, it needs to be able to move in its environment. In robotic automation, this movement is called locomotion. Mobility in robotics is achieved in many different ways. For example, some robots mimic human movement, like those used on assembly lines or those whose design is based on human anatomy. Flying robots and drones make use of propellers and other propulsion systems. Other robots, such as the rovers deployed on Mars and other celestial bodies, require wheels to get around. In short, the environment a robot will be used in often determines how

the engineer will design the mobility system. While mobility systems can vary in sophistication, autonomous robotics rely heavily on cameras, lidar, and radar to collect information about their surroundings. Robots can then use that data to make real time corrections or adjustments to their movements in order to complete tasks or avoid collisions

3. Manipulators & Effectors

For any robot to be worthwhile, it must be able to interact with its environment; that’s where manipulators and effectors come into play. These are the parts of the robot that allow it to pick up objects and move them, or manipulate items that are separate from the system. Human-like robots will employ appendages and digits that work like human hands, in order to complete a given task. In industrial settings, manipulators and effectors are perhaps more commonly represented by pincers, claws, or pushers which are all uniquely suited to move heavy pieces of equipment or materials. Like the other disciplines listed in this article, having the foundational can prepare aspiring robotics engineers and technicians for specializing in this area of robotics. 

4. Programming

Programming is essentially the language an operator uses to communicate with the robot. Traditionally, any action that an autonomous individual robot was required to perform had to be programmed. These days, advanced programming allows automated robotic systems to learn and adapt to changes within its environment, which is truly a remarkable feat of engineering. 

Generally speaking, commands can be provided by the user in real time for the robot to perform, or the robot can be programmed to perform a series of tasks, in sequence, autonomously. Regardless of the method the commands are given, each robot can be programmed using one of more than a thousand different programming languages, so an engineer looking to specialize in this particular field of robotics will have a lot to become proficient in. Interestingly, some state of the art autonomous robotics are able to self-program using artificial intelligence. This isn’t to say that human-based programming will one day be obsolete; instead, autonomous robotics will be able to “fill in” gaps in their programming that can result from, say, a change in their environment.

5. Sensing & Perception

Robots use sensors to gather information. This information lets the robot know the physical space it occupies, where it needs to go, and if any obstacles block its path. Sensors also collect information to help the robot decide how to react to objects it encounters. The right sensor must be selected for each robot’s specific application to ensure that the correct decisions are made. 

As the field of robotics expands with integration across industries, so too will the demand for maintain these technologies. Check out the complete to decide if you’re ready to kickstart an exciting career in this field.

Robotics:

 Robotics is an interdisciplinary field that involves the design, construction, operation, and use of robots.[1].

Robotics integrates many fields that deal with specific aspects of robotics. For example, within mechanical engineering, the term robotics refers to the construction of the physical structures of a robots, while in computer science, robotics focuses on the study of robotic software.

There are also many other aspects of robotic development and releted fields that overleap in its, including electical, control, software, information, electronic, telecomunication, computer, mechatronic, materials and biomedical engineering. The goal of robotics is to design machines that can help and assist humans.

The field of robotics develops machines that can automate tasks and do various jobs that a human might not be able to do. Robots can be used in many situations for many purposes, but today many are used in dangerous environments (including inspection of radioactive materials, bomb detection and deactivation), manufacturing processes, or where humans cannot survive (e.g., in space, underwater, in high heat, and clean up and containment of hazardous materials and radiation). Robots can take any form, but some are made to resemble humans in appearance. This is claimed to help in the acceptance of robots in certain replicative behaviors which are usually performed by people. Such robots attempt to replicate walking, lifting, speech, cognition, or any other tasks mainly performed by a human. Many of today's robots are inspired by nature, contributing to the field of bio-inspired robotics.

Certain robots require user input to operate, while other robots function autonomously. The concept of creating robots that can operate autonomously dates back to classical times, but research into the functionality and potential uses of robots did not grow substantially until the 20th century. Throughout history, it has been frequently assumed by various scholars, inventors, engineers, and technicians that robots will one day be able to mimic human behavior and manage tasks in a human-like fashion. Today, robotics is a rapidly growing field, as technological advances continue; researching, designing, and building new robots serve various practical purposes, whether domestically, commercially, or militarily. Many robots are built to do jobs that are hazardous to people, such as defusing bombs, finding survivors in unstable ruins, and exploring mines and shipwrecks. Robotics is also used in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) as a teaching aid.[2]

 What Is Fintech?

Fintech, a combination of the terms “financial” and “technology,” refers to businesses that use technology to enhance or automate financial services and processes. The term encompasses a rapidly growing industry that serves the interests of both consumers and businesses in multiple ways. From mobile banking and insurance to cryptocurrency and investment apps, fintech has a seemingly endless array of applications.

How Does Fintech Work?

The inner workings of financial technology products and services vary. Some of the newest advancements utilize machine learning algorithms, blockchain and data science to do everything from process credit risks to run hedge funds. There’s even an entire subset of regulatory technology dubbed regtech, designed to navigate the complex world of compliance and regulatory issues of industries like — you guessed it — fintech.

As fintech has grown, so have concerns regarding cybersecurity in the fintech industry. The massive growth of fintech companies and marketplaces on a global scale has led to increased exposure of vulnerabilities in fintech infrastructure while making it a target for cybercriminal attacks. Luckily, technology continues to evolve to minimize existing fraud risks and mitigate threats that continue to emerge.

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