At least one positive thing emerged from coronavirus lockdowns: A
It wasn’t that long ago when the idea of talking back and forth with an electronic device to retrieve information would have been an impossible scene out of a science fiction movie. Now, Alexa, Siri and other personal digital assistants are prevalent in both households and business offices.
What’s on the horizon? Much more of the same. By 2030, tech-enabled innovations will connect us to even more time-saving conveniences. For example, city planners are looking to incorporate wireless networks as part of their infrastructure to provide universal internet access to citizens. In addition to other uses, this will allow all students to have access to online learning whenever convenient or necessary.1
Half of U.S. business leaders believe they will be commuting via driverless cars by 2030.2 They also anticipate using artificial intelligence (AI) robots to augment the skills, knowledge — and limitations — of human employees.3
Individuals will be able to use machine-based personal agents to manage household functions. For example, duties may range from making dinner reservations, to shopping and comparing prices, to soliciting quotes for renovation projects. Smart appliances, such as a washing machine, will negotiate with other household appliances to prioritize hot water use, detect maintenance issues and summon a repairman when needed.4
Robots will be used for social engagement interactions, such as answering questions and researching information. What one robot learns will be uploaded to a broader network for other robots, resulting in progressive and immediate access to crowdsourced information and innovation.5
decline in carbon emissions. Satellite imagery revealed that roads less traveled and skies less flown yielded a remarkable reduction in air pollution. In China alone, carbon emissions dropped by 25% in just a four-week period.1
What’s interesting is the correlation between the coronavirus and long-term exposure to air pollution. In general, air pollution is responsible for nearly 40% of global lower-respiratory tract infections and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.2 Also, people who suffer from respiratory illnesses have a harder time recovering from COVID-19. Thus, better air quality would aid these conditions.
Unfortunately, the pandemic’s environmental gains are short term. Quarantining people and halting economic activity are not exactly a sustainable solution. How governments respond moving forward remains critical, and regulations may even be eased to help jumpstart economies.
The pandemic demonstrated that environmental damage can be reversed substantially and quickly through a significant decline in emissions. The challenge now is to find ways to do that without sacrificing economic growth.
1 Dell Technologies. 2020. “Future of Connected Living.” https://www.delltechnologies.com/en-us/perspectives/future-of-living.htm#tab0=2. Accessed Aug. 10, 2019.
2 Dell Technologies. 2020. “Future of Connected Living.” https://www.delltechnologies.com/en-us/perspectives/future-of-living.htm#tab0=1. Accessed Aug. 10, 2019.
3 Dell Technologies. 2020. “Future of Connected Living.” https://www.delltechnologies.com/en-us/perspectives/future-of-living.htm#tab0=0. Accessed Aug. 10, 2019.
4 Ibid.
5 Dell Technologies. 2020. “Future of Connected Living.” https://www.delltechnologies.com/en-us/perspectives/future-of-living.htm#tab0=4. Accessed Aug. 10, 2019.
