Chapter 9 - Emerging Technologies Complete
Chapter 9 - Emerging Technologies Complete
Growth of AI and ML
• AI has grown rapidly in the last decade due to:
o Better computing power
o Availability of large data (Big Data)
o Improved algorithms
o Language translation
o Sentiment analysis
o Chatbots
Example:
• Google Translate:
o Translates text and speech
o Works in real time
4. Pattern Recognition
• AI is very good at finding:
o Patterns
Once the model has learned from a lot of data, it can
o Unusual data (anomalies) easily identify a patterns and unusual points.
• Useful in:
• Fraud detection by bank
o Fraud detection • Preventative maintenance signals
o Predictive maintenance from IOT
• Identification of disease by
o Medical diagnosis looking at diEerent scanning reports
Example:
• In healthcare:
o AI checks X-rays and MRIs
o Detects early disease signs like cancer
o Helps in early treatment
Applications of AI and ML
1. Healthcare
• AI and ML help in:
o Accurate diagnosis
o Personalized treatment 1. 1. Analysing millions of images helps identify
o Automating admin work diEerent diseases.
2. 2. Once a disease is identified, it can determine its
• AI can: stage and predict its progression.
o Analyze medical images 3. 3. It can analyse millions and billions of drug-
human body interactions, identifying potentially
o Predict disease outcomes eEective new substances.
o Identify drug candidates
Example:
• IBM Watson Health:
o Helps doctors diagnose cancer
o Uses medical literature, patient data, and trials
2. Finance
You instruct the systems to monitor stop-loss
• AI is used for:
levels, trading highs and then react
o Fraud detection accordingly. This will allow the system to
trade autonomously.
o Algorithmic trading
o Credit risk assessment Once a bank faces a decision about lending
to a particular individual, the AI can analyse
o Customer service
vast amounts of data related to them. It then
• ML models: calculates a credit score and advises
whether to approve the loan.
o Analyze financial data
o Detect fraud in real time Chatbots and virtual assistants provide
account balances and assist customers with
Example: account-related issues.
• PayPal:
o Uses AI to find suspicious transactions
o Protects user accounts
5. Customer Service
• AI chatbots and virtual assistants:
o Answer customer questions
o Solve problems automatically
• Benefits:
o Faster responses
o Better customer experience
o Less need for human staff
Example:
• Many companies:
o Use AI chatbots on websites
o Provide 24/7 customer support
Concluding Overview
• AI and ML are transformative technologies
• They are changing:
o Industries
o Business operations
• AI helps machines to:
o Learn from data
o Automate work
o Make intelligent decisions
• ML improves:
o Prediction
o Process optimization
o Data-based insights
• Applications exist in:
o Healthcare
o Finance
o Transportation
o Customer service
• AI’s future potential is very large and growing
Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a rapidly expanding network of physical objects connected to
the internet. These "things" are embedded with specific technologies to facilitate data
exchange:
Categorization of Devices
1. Interconnectivity
• IoT enables seamless communication (real time) between physical devices.
• Devices can:
o Share data
o Interact without human intervention
• Communication can be:
o Wireless
o Wired
2. Connectivity
• Devices communicate through:
o Wireless networks (Wi-Fi, 4G/5G, Bluetooth)
o Wired networks (Ethernet) (when stable connection is needed)
• Reliable connectivity is essential for:
o Real-time data exchange
o Remote management
Example:
• A smart thermostat connects to a smartphone app via Wi-Fi
• Users can adjust temperature remotely
3. Data Processing
• IoT devices generate large volumes of data
• Data must be processed to get useful insights
• Processing can occur:
o On the device itself (edge computing)
o In data centers (cloud computing)
Example:
• In a connected factory:
o Machine data is processed in real time
o Faults are detected early
o Maintenance needs are predicted
o Vibration
• Alerts prevent equipment failure and downtime
3. Healthcare
• IoT enables:
o Remote patient monitoring
o Real-time health data collection IOT for heart connected to
o Integration of medical devices cloud which is connected to
• Also called Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) tab of doctor and other
devices
Example:
• Heart patients wear monitors
• Data is sent to doctors in real time
• Early intervention is possible
4. Smart Cities
• IoT helps manage:
o Traffic
o Waste
o Energy usage (Street lights are on during the day)
o Public safety
Example:
• Traffic sensors optimize signal timings
• Smart streetlights adjust brightness automatically
5. Agriculture
• IoT supports precision farming
• Sensors monitor:
o Soil conditions
o Crop health
o Environmental factors
• Benefits:
o Better resource usage
o Higher yield
o Reduced waste
Example:
• Smart irrigation activates only when moisture is low
Example:
• Hackers can access smart home cameras if security is weak
2. Interoperability
• Devices from different manufacturers:
o Use different standards
o May not work together easily
• Integration is a major challenge
Example:
• Smart home devices from different brands may need middleware
3. Data Overload
• IoT generates massive amounts of data
• Existing systems may not handle this volume
• Advanced analytics tools are required
Example:
• Smart cities generate terabytes of data daily
4. Scalability
• As IoT grows:
o Managing infrastructure becomes complex
• Networks and systems must support growth
Example:
• Agricultural IoT systems must support more sensors as farms expand
Blockchain Technology – Easy Notes (CAF 3: Data Systems and Risks)
Blockchain is most commonly known for its use in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, but it is also
used in many other industries.
1. Decentralization
• There is no central authority controlling the system
• All participants (called nodes) maintain the ledger
• This reduces the risk of central failure or control
2. Immutability
• Once a block is added to the blockchain, it cannot be changed
• Transaction history remains permanent and trustworthy
3. Security
• Transactions are protected using cryptographic algorithms
• This prevents unauthorized changes
• Ensures data integrity
4. Transparency
• Every participant has access to the same version of the blockchain
• The system is fully transparent and auditable
1. Cryptocurrencies
• Blockchain is the base technology for digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum
• Enables secure peer-to-peer transactions
• No intermediaries like banks are required
2. Smart Contracts
• These are self-executing contracts
• Contract terms are written directly into code
• Contracts execute automatically when conditions are met
• Example: Ethereum supports smart contracts
3. Supply Chain Management
• Tracks goods through different stages
• Provides a single view to buyers, sellers, and stakeholders
• Ensures authenticity
• Helps in reducing fraud
4. Land Records
• Creates tamper-proof digital land records
• Prevents fraud and disputes
• Speeds up transactions (from months to days)
• Ensures transparent ownership records
• Smart contracts automate transfers and reduce bureaucracy
5. Academic Credentials
• Universities can issue blockchain-secured digital diplomas
• Verification is done instantly using QR codes
• Eliminates fake degrees
• Simplifies employer verification
• Works for transcripts and professional licenses
• Students have lifelong control of verified records
Overall Importance
• Blockchain’s structure provides transparency, trust, and immutability
• It is ideal for industries such as finance, healthcare, and logistics
• It has strong potential to revolutionize transactions and data management
• This potential is driving widespread interest and adoption
5G TECHNOLOGY
What is 5G?
5G represents the fifth generation of wireless technology, designed to offer:
• Significantly faster data speeds
• Reduced latency
• Capacity to support a massive number of connected devices
Key Features of 5G
2. Low Latency
• Reduces latency to as low as 1 millisecond
• Compared to 30-50 milliseconds with 4G
• Crucial for real-time applications:
o Remote surgery
o Autonomous vehicles
o Virtual reality
3. Greater Capacity
• Can support a higher number of connected devices within a small geographical area
• Essential for IoT (Internet of Things) environments
• Allows sensors, devices, and machines to constantly communicate
4. Improved Reliability
• More reliable networks
• Better coverage and performance in:
o Dense urban environments
o Stadiums
o High-traffic areas
Example Applications
1. Cameras monitor [Link] and
adjust signals to neutralise a
1. Smart Cities [Link]
• Enables interconnected systems managing: 2. Camera says lights on the
street and informs energy
o Transportation grid to stop the supply of
o Utilities electricity
o Security infrastructure
• Sensors in traffic lights, street cameras, and power grids communicate in real-time
• Benefits:
o Optimize traffic flow
o Reduce energy consumption
o Improve public safety
2. Autonomous Vehicles
• Rely on ultra-low latency networks
• Vehicle-to-vehicle communication: Cars communicate with each other
• Vehicle-to-infrastructure communication: Cars communicate with roads/signals
• Real-time data exchange allows vehicles to:
o Make split-second decisions
o Avoid collisions
o Improve traffic efficiency
1. Industrial Automation
• Expected to enhance Industry 4.0 (Bhap, Bijli, Computer, Smart)
• Provides communication infrastructure for:
o Factory robots
o Automated machinery
o Drones
• All work in sync, enabling fully autonomous manufacturing
3. Smart Grids
• Transforms energy systems
• Enables smart grids that:
o Balance supply and demand more effectively
o Monitor power usage in real-time
o Integrate renewable energy sources
What Are AR and VR?
These are technologies that connect the digital world with the real world:
• AR (Augmented Reality): Adds digital things (like images, sounds, or text) to the real
world
• VR (Virtual Reality): Creates a completely digital world that feels real
These technologies are changing industries like entertainment, shopping, education,
healthcare, and training.
Key Features
• Digital Overlay: Places digital information on top of the real world using devices like
smartphones, tablets, or AR glasses
• Interactive Experiences: Lets you interact with virtual objects while still seeing the
real world around you
• Accessibility: Can be used on common devices like smartphones, so more people can
use it
• Integration with Physical World: Makes the real world better without taking you
away from it
• Simulated Environment: Creates a fully digital 3D world using special headsets (like
Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, or PlayStation VR)
• Full Immersion: You feel completely inside the virtual world, which can copy real life
or create imaginary worlds
• Interactive Experiences: Lets you touch objects and move around in the virtual
world, making it feel real
1. Retail
VR for retail
Virtual shopping in than delivering it to you
AR in Education
• AR makes learning more interactive.
• Students have the opportunity to discover:
o 3D models (such as an AR 3D model of an Building)
o Historical landmarks (like a 3D model of the Taj Mahal)
o ScienQfic concepts (the structure of cells and molecules)
3. Healthcare
Benefits
Cost-Effective Training
• VR allows safe training in dangerous environments.
• It reduces cost and risk.
Remote Interaction
• AR and VR support:
o Virtual meetings
o Virtual property tours
o Remote healthcare services
Challenges
Hardware Requirements
• VR needs costly and specialized hardware.
• This can limit access.
Content Development
• Creating AR and VR content requires:
o Advanced technology
o Skilled experts
• This can be expensive and time-consuming.
User Discomfort
• Long use of VR may cause:
o Motion sickness
o Eye strain
Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is a technology that uses software robots (bots) to
perform tasks just like humans do on computers.
These bots interact with digital systems and carry out rule-based tasks.
Example:
In an insurance company, RPA bots extract data from claim forms, enter it into systems, and
trigger follow-up actions automatically.
2. Non-Invasive Technology
• RPA works with existing systems
• No major changes are required in IT infrastructure
• Easy and quick to deploy
• Cost-effective
• Works well with legacy systems
Example:
A bank uses RPA with its legacy core banking system to automate customer onboarding
without major IT upgrades.
3. Rule-Based Automation
• RPA follows predefined rules
• Suitable where no judgment or decision-making is needed
• Bots perform actions like:
o Clicking buttons
o Copying and pasting data
o Navigating screens
Example:
In an e-commerce business, bots extract order details from emails, enter them into the
system, and trigger dispatch based on set rules.
4. Scalable and Flexible
• Businesses can deploy more bots when workload increases
• Useful across different departments and industries
• Easily adjusted for fluctuating demand
Example:
A retailer increases the number of bots during the holiday season to manage higher orders
and customer queries.
5. Improves Compliance
• Bots strictly follow rules and regulations
• Maintain a detailed audit trail
• Very useful in industries with strict compliance requirements
Example:
In the financial sector, RPA monitors transactions and generates compliance reports to meet
regulatory guidelines.
Example Applications of RPA
Example:
A telecom company uses RPA bots to answer common queries like account balance checks
and network troubleshooting.
2. Invoice Processing
RPA automates invoice handling:
• Extracts invoice data
• Matches invoices with purchase orders
• Initiates payments
Example:
A manufacturing company uses RPA to read invoice emails, match them with purchase
orders, and process approved payments automatically.
3. Payroll Management
RPA automates:
• Salary calculations
• Deductions
• Pay slip generation
• Tax filing
Ensures accurate and timely payroll.
Example:
An HR department uses RPA to manage payroll for thousands of employees without delays
or errors.
4. Data Migration
Used when:
• Systems are upgraded
• Companies merge
Bots move large volumes of data accurately and quickly.
Example:
A bank uses RPA to transfer customer data from an old system to a new core banking
platform.
5. Supply Chain Management
RPA automates:
• Inventory tracking
• Order processing
• Shipment scheduling
Reduces manual work and improves efficiency.
Example:
A logistics company uses bots to monitor inventory, reorder stock automatically, and
generate shipping labels.
Benefits of RPA
1. Increased Efficiency
• Bots work faster than humans
• Processing time is reduced
• Employees focus on higher-value work
Example:
In healthcare, RPA automates patient data entry, allowing staff to focus more on patient
care.
2. Cost Reduction
• Reduces manual labor
• Saves time and manpower
• Bots work 24/7 without breaks
Example:
A financial services firm saves millions annually by automating loan processing and
regulatory reporting.
4. Better Compliance
• Processes follow predefined rules
• Detailed logs are maintained
• Easier compliance tracking
Example:
A bank uses RPA to generate compliance reports for financial transactions.
5. Scalability
• Bots can be added during peak demand
• No need to hire extra staff
Example:
An e-commerce company deploys extra bots during holidays to handle more orders and
returns.
Challenges in RPA Implementation
1. Process Standardization
• RPA works best with standardized and documented processes
• Complex or unclear tasks are difficult to automate
2. Change Management
• Employees may fear job loss
• Resistance to automation may occur
• Training and communication are essential
3. Security Risks
• Bots access multiple systems and sensitive data
• Strong security controls are required to prevent breaches
4. Ongoing Maintenance
• Bots need updates when:
o Software changes
o New rules are introduced
• Continuous monitoring is required
Edge Computing
1. Reduced Latency
• Data is processed near its source.
• This reduces the time needed to transfer and process data.
• Very important for applications that need real-time decisions.
Example:
• In autonomous vehicles, data from sensors is processed instantly to make quick
decisions about:
o Braking
o Steering
o Navigation
2. Bandwidth Efficiency
• Not all data is sent to the cloud.
• Important data is processed locally on edge devices.
• This:
o Reduces network traffic
o Saves bandwidth
o Improves data management
Example:
• In industrial IoT, machines analyze sensor data locally.
• If an issue is detected, maintenance is triggered without sending raw data to the
cloud.
Example:
• A wearable heart monitor processes patient data locally.
• Only necessary information is sent to the cloud, keeping personal data secure.
1. Smart Cities
• Data from:
o Traffic sensors
o Security cameras
o Utility meters
• is processed locally.
• Used for:
o Real-time traffic control
o Energy distribution
o Public safety
Example:
• A smart traffic system analyzes data in real time.
• Traffic lights are adjusted to reduce congestion and improve flow.
Example:
• A wearable heart monitor analyzes data itself.
• Alerts are sent only when abnormal patterns appear.
3. Autonomous Vehicles
• Vehicles process data from:
o LiDAR
o Cameras
o Radar
• All processing happens in real time.
• Vehicles do not depend on cloud servers for decisions.
Example:
• Autonomous vehicles analyze sensor data instantly to control:
o Steering
o Braking
o Acceleration
3. Cost Efficiency
• Less data sent to the cloud means:
o Lower bandwidth costs
o Less cloud storage and processing needed
4. Scalability
• More computing power can be added at the edge easily.
• Organizations are not fully dependent on cloud systems.
Challenges of Edge Computing
1. Complexity in Management
• Many edge devices must be managed.
• Challenges include:
o Software updates
o Security patches
o Performance monitoring
2. Security Risks
• Although transmission risks are reduced:
o Edge devices themselves can be attacked
• Strong security controls are required for all devices.
3. Data Synchronization
• Data processed at the edge must match central systems.
• Maintaining consistency is difficult, especially for real-time applications.