Signals from the future:
Emerging trends that are likely to drive changes to the way we live, work and do business.
Energy / Decarbonisation:
- Orbiting Thin Space Mirrors Could Boost Ground Based Solar Power - NextBigFuture.com - Using mirror satellites in sun synchronous orbit could increase solar power output, but further research is needed to optimise the system.
- NIF’s 2022 Fusion “Breakthrough” Stuck a Hard Landing - IEEE Spectrum - The groundbreaking result was achieved at the California lab’s National Ignition Facility (NIF), which uses an array of 192 high-power lasers to blast tiny pellets of deuterium and tritium fuel in a process known as inertial confinement fusion .But on 5 December 2022, researchers at NIF announced that they had finally achieved breakeven by generating 1.5 times more energy than was required to start the fusion reaction.
- One of Europe’s deepest mines is being turned into a gravity battery to store renewable energy - Gravitricity is repurposing a deep mine in Finland to create a gravity energy store, providing a cost-effective solution for energy storage.
- A solar sulphur cycle to make unlimited thermal energy storage - SolarPACES - New thermal energy storage technology using solar sulphur cycle could provide unlimited thermal energy storage, of interest to chemical companies.
- Global energy demand could be lower in 2050, despite the world getting richer - No origin title - Decarbonisation and increased efficiency may decrease global energy demand in 2050, especially in Europe and North America. However, energy poverty in Africa remains a concern. Electrification and behaviour changes can help reduce energy demand.
- Renewable projects are getting built faster in Australia – but there’s even more need for speed - r/Futurology - Australia needs to speed up the approval process and consider expanding existing projects to meet renewable energy targets faster.
- These Technologies Could Axe 85% of CO2 Emissions From Heavy Industry - Singularity Hub - Up to 85% of carbon emissions from heavy industry can be reduced through existing and emerging technologies. Switching to low-carbon energy, carbon capture, and process modifications are key approaches. Electrification, green hydrogen, and biomass offer potential solutions. The study provides an optimistic outlook for decarbonising heavy industry.
- New-wave reactor technology could kick-start a nuclear renaissance — and the US is banking on it | CNN - r/Futurology - SMRs are seen as a solution to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, with the US, Russia, and China competing to build and sell them. The US is investing heavily in SMR technology to catch up to its rivals and target countries new to nuclear power. The US nuclear industry is facing challenges from cheap natural gas and authoritarian-backed entities, but is working to make SMRs economically viable and lobbying for nuclear power to be considered "green."
Robots:
- Shock video shows Atlas robot training for automotive work - New Atlas - Key Insight: Boston Dynamics' humanoid robot, Atlas, is being trained for automotive work, indicating a potential move towards commercial use in mass manufacturing.
- Boston Dynamics’ Spot the robot dog used at Danvers shooting scene by Massachusetts State Police - Massachusetts State Police are using Boston Dynamics' Spot robot dog for dangerous situations, enhancing safety and situational awareness.
Tech:
- Breaking the Barrier: Researchers from SETI Institute Achieve First Conversational Exchange with Humpback Whales - Impact Lab – A Laboratory of the Future Human Experience - Researchers have successfully communicated with humpback whales, offering insights into interspecies communication and potential extraterrestrial encounters.
- Wearable device lets people with visual impairment ‘see’ stuff - Futurity - A wearable device called AiSee uses AI technology to help visually impaired individuals identify objects and accomplish tasks independently.
Society / Working:
- The New Reality of Digital Nomads - Harvard Business Review - The rise of digital nomadism reflects a cultural shift towards alternative paths and presents opportunities for brands to cater to this lifestyle.
- The principle is to work less and work better. Lamborghini has made history by agreeing to a four-day workweek for its production workers. - r/Futurology - Lamborghini becomes first European carmaker to offer four-day workweek, saving workers up to 31 days per year.
- Future Cup of Joe: Will You Be Drinking Cell-Based Coffee Soon? - r/Futurology - Israeli startup Pluri has developed a sustainable, cell-based coffee production method with reduced environmental impact and plans for industrial-scale production.
- The uncomfortable truth about AI’s impact on the workforce is playing out inside the big AI companies themselves - Yahoo Finance - Tech giants like Microsoft and Google are reducing hiring and cutting jobs in non-AI areas as they increase investment in artificial intelligence. This trend is reshaping the job market in the tech industry.
- Police Departments Are Turning to AI to Sift Through Millions of Hours of Unreviewed Body-Cam Footage - r/Futurology - AI technology is being used by police departments to analyse body camera footage and identify problematic officers and behaviour patterns.
- Sam Altman’s Prediction: The Rise of a Billion-Dollar Solo Enterprise - thereach.ai - Intelligence Insights - Empowering your personal and professional growth with AI knowledge - Advancements in AI will lead to a one person, billion-dollar company, challenging traditional notions of workforce expansion.
Focus Topic: The future of drone delivery
The future of drones in logistics and delivery is finally coming of age, with advancements that promise to revolutionise how we think about moving goods. According to Dropoff, the Delivery Drones Market is expected to hit $11.66 billion by 2028, a testament to their growing role in our supply chains. Retail giants like Walmart and Amazon are not just experimenting but actively investing in drone delivery hubs and technologies, indicating a strong belief in the potential of these aerial vehicles to enhance order fulfillment and customer satisfaction.
However, it's not just about getting packages to your doorstep quicker. The environmental and economic implications are interesting as well. As highlighted by Insider Intelligence, drones offer a way to reduce the carbon footprint associated with traditional delivery methods, thanks to their energy-efficient operations. This is a significant development, considering the urgent need for sustainable solutions in every industry. Moreover, the cost savings from streamlined delivery processes could be significant, potentially lowering expenses for businesses and, by extension, prices for consumers.
But the journey isn't without its hurdles. Regulatory challenges, security concerns, and the need for technological advancements to increase payload capacity and enhance battery life are among the key obstacles that need addressing. Yet, the commitment from industry leaders, as seen in Amazon's collaboration with MIT and Ipsos to improve robotics and drone operations, suggests a future where these challenges are not insurmountable.
Interestingly, the integration of generative AI into logistics, as seen in Domino's partnership with Microsoft, points to a broader trend of employing advanced technologies to optimise delivery systems. This AI-driven approach could enhance the efficiency and reliability of drone deliveries, making them even more attractive to businesses and consumers alike. The idea of drones becoming a common sight, seamlessly integrated into our daily lives, is becoming increasingly plausible, and the drones aren't always going to look like quadcopters.
The most surprising development in the realm of drone logistics isn't just the rapid growth or the investment from major companies; it's the holistic impact these machines could have on our world. From slashing delivery times and costs to significantly reducing the environmental impact of shipping goods, the potential benefits are worth continuing to bring about this more preferrable future.
Consider these strategic insights:
- Invest in drone technology: Australian businesses should consider investing in drone delivery systems to enhance efficiency and speed, especially for reaching remote locations.
- Focus on regulatory compliance: Navigating regulatory challenges is essential. Businesses must stay informed and compliant with Australian aviation and safety regulations for drones.
- Embrace environmental sustainability: Adopt drone delivery as part of a sustainability strategy to reduce carbon footprint and appeal to eco-conscious consumers.
- Explore AI synergies: Look into integrating generative AI with drone operations to optimise delivery routes, customer experience, and overall logistics management.
- Prepare for future trends: Stay ahead by monitoring advancements in drone and AI technologies to continually adapt and improve logistics and supply chain processes.
Deep strategy:
Longer form articles rich with insights:
- What people get wrong in strategic planning – Information - Center for Simplified Strategic Planning - The right amount of information is crucial in strategic planning, and assumptions should not be treated as immutable facts.
Business at the point of impact:
Emerging issues and technology trends can change the way we work and do business.
- The future of banking ai personalisation as a catalyst for customer loyalty 174457 - No origin title - AI is transforming the banking industry by personalising customer experiences, increasing revenue, and improving productivity. However, challenges such as outdated systems and data security need to be addressed.
- I'm the global director of talent acquisition at Ancestry. Here's how I use AI and other tools to diversify the workforce. - All Content from Business Insider - Using AI and other tools, Dani Allen diversifies the workforce by addressing challenges in recruiting diverse talent and collaborating with nonprofits and higher-education institutions.
- Is AI the Future of Innovation Management? - HYPE Innovation Management Software and Consulting - AI can revolutionise innovation management by enhancing creativity, automating tasks, and improving organisational efficiency. Its successful implementation requires a well-structured process and a culture that values innovation.
- The Middle Manager of the Future: More Coaching, Less Commanding - HBS Working Knowledge - Middle managers are shifting towards collaboration and inspiring their teams, with an increase in job postings requiring collaborative skills. This has a correlation with innovation in firms, but also creates challenges for managers. They may need to reassess career plans and develop social and cognitive skills.
- GenAI Can Help Small Companies Level the Playing Field - Harvard Business Review - Generative AI can empower SMEs by bridging gaps and enhancing competitiveness, challenging the importance of corporate resources.
