It’s no secret that we’re in the midst of a technological revolution. We have been for a long time of course, but in an age of information and ever-present social media, that’s become much clearer.

However, it’s also meant that there’s a significant amount of misinformation. With machine-generated images becoming the norm at a rate of knots we’ve never seen before, and the line between real and fabricated stories becoming increasingly blurred, it’s difficult to know where the next changes are set to come from.

That’s our commitment with this article. We’ll pry the pipe dreams from the practicalities, separate science fiction from sincerity, and ultimately look at what changes are set to metamorphosise the tech we use in the coming months and years.

As exciting as it is to speculate on the future, it’s also crucial from a business perspective to keep our expectations in check. We’ve ranked just 10 of the most impactful technological changes that we feel are set to revolutionise your business, and truly transform how you approach your day-to-day.

 

10 Decisive Developments In Tech In 2024

While there’s naturally always going to be new and innovative ideas, some are much more promising or prevalent than others. We’ll explore just a handful of the most crucial happenings from around tech, and what they might mean for the near (and far) future.

 

#1 – We’re In An AI Renaissance

Perhaps not a surprise inclusion on this list, AI has been a revelation for businesses in all sectors. You’ll see that represented across the full spectrum of sectors we cover in our endeavours.

From the advent of AI-assisted security cameras at Churchill Support Services, to the robust impact of artificial intelligence in its applications across digital content with eSign, we’ve made ourselves comfortable and intimately familiar with the applications of AI across the business sphere.

That’s for good reason, of course. We’ve seen so many trends come and go, but the staying power of AI is its exponentially expanding range of applications. While we consider ourselves to be key presences in a huge range of sectors, we know that we can only scratch the surface when it comes to just how truly scalable artificial intelligence has become.

You only need to look at how some of the world’s biggest technological powerhouses have already started to build their own AI platforms. Google’s Gemini is a recent innovation, but Microsoft’s Copilot and the now-world-famous ChatGPT have continually undergone facelifts and algorithm changes to adapt to the growing AI demands of the general public.

Much has been said about whether or not the use of artificial intelligence is a good thing. We’ve speculated that ourselves in a recent piece on the applications of AI and machine learning for businesses, but suffice it to say that we’re only at the cusp of a major shift, and only time will tell how that’s set to play out.

 

#2 – Electric Vehicles Are A Current & Future Trend

Now, the electric car isn’t something that’s entirely new. With roots that date as far back as the early 1800s, EVs (as they’ve become affectionately known) have only really gained traction in the last couple of decades.

That’s largely down to the success of major companies who’ve taken the electric vehicle to new heights previously only thought of as pipe dreams. Tesla, Polestar and Hyundai are all flying the flag for the EV, with lithium-ion batteries becoming far powerful and quickly starting to rival the more conventional internal combustion engine.

Sales are reflecting that, too. The International Energy Agency (IEA) recently published their Global EV Outlook for 2024, and the findings were surprising to say the least. Almost 1 in every 5 cars sold across the globe in 2023 was an electric car, equating to an estimated 14 million new electric vehicles, and over 40 million electric vehicles on the road.

It’s doubtless you’ll have seen them gradually creeping into the public consciousness. Tesla and Polestar vehicles have begun to rival the more premium models from some of the world’s top producers, and more affordable EVs are rubbing shoulders with the more budget-friendly petrol cars.

Chargers are becoming more prevalent, as are electric vehicle ports in new build homes. Even fast charge options – which allow for a full battery in as little as 20 minutes – are now quickly becoming commonplace. It’s infrastructure like this that’s indicative of the direction these changes to technology are taking.

We’re already on board with that, too, with company vehicles at both Churchill Support Services and Vanguard Cleaning standing as concrete commitments to our pledge to be sustainable, and to move with the shifting tides.

 

#3 – We’ll See A Surge In Smart Tech Integration

It’s unlikely you’ll not have been involved in some way with the revolution of smart technology. From our phones and mobile devices, to watches and wearable tech, it’s fair to say that much of our lives have become influenced by the presence of more intelligent technology.

As that technology (and its associated machinations) have become much more accessible, it’s clear that there’s set to be an increased presence of the integration of smart technology with the things we do on a daily basis.

A great point of reference is the advent of smart lighting. We can now control the level of illumination in our homes and offices with just a smartphone application – an ideal security measure when we’re away, and a convenience when we’re not.

That’s much of the impetus behind the ongoing development of smart technology – convenience. Even medical science is adapting to the wave of smart integration, with new ways to monitor key aspects like heart rate, sleep rhythms and even glucose levels (crucial for those with diabetes), and to alert users of any concerning trends.

That’s only set to become much more prevalent, with tech giants Apple recently announcing their partnership with ChatGPT – a merging of two of the many tech developments we’re likely to see much more of over the coming months and years.

 

#4 – Augmented Reality Is Set To Shake Up Perceptions

While much has been made of virtual reality and its iconic headsets, there’s less so around the concept of augmenting or supplementing reality. However, we’d predict that’s likely to change, with augmented reality (AR) already seeing some uptake across a wide range of industries and sectors.

Take the make-up industry, for instance. It’s a multi-billion pound sector, and while it’s not something we personally have experience in, it’s a flagship example of how AR is being pioneered to aid in the sale, the distribution and the publicity of a product.

Using existing technology, all nestled behind the ever-present QR code, consumers can see what a product looks like on them, as well as match shades and colours to better suit their complexion. It’s also the perfect way to promote inclusivity, all while placing minimal pressure on a company – an ideal mix.

It’s key examples like these that truly spark the creativity behind where this can be applied. Technology solutions are an ideal candidate  – something we’ve got significant experience in given the continued success of Elite Group.

Seeing how tech can integrate with your existing systems, or how it can replace outmoded options, is a potential option for that augmented reality we’ve yet to hear much of. It’s all an essential part of creating a more adaptable, intelligent world.

 

#5 – The Sprouting Seeds Of Biotech & Agriculture

There’s no denying that the world is changing. Much of that is for the better, as we’ve explored with our earlier entries in this list, but there’s the looming and multi-faceted threat of climate change and environmental issues that we simply can’t ignore.

An article from one of our companies, Tariff, explores the major issues facing the planet in a comprehensive piece, if you’d like to read more. One of the key takeaways, though, is that – without a concrete plan of action in place – we run the risk of losing the biodiversity that’s characteristic of our planet.

With that comes the worsening of major global issues, and especially so across countries with less access to the resources we’re lucky to have. This is where tech is most needed, and there are growing initiatives in that area that we’re likely to see expanded upon as we move further through 2024 and beyond.

Complex ideas like genome editing and the CRISPR suite of tools that are at the bleeding edge of agricultural biotechnology are a glimmer of hope on the horizon, and it’s our sincere hope that the coming months and years will bring with them hardier, stronger plant life, and better harvests for all.

 

#6 – Medical Tech Developments Could Be The Right Prescription

The technology we see in medicine is often the product of ongoing and sustained efforts from a huge range of different industries.  That’s for good reason – lives are literally on the line, and ideas for new innovations must be watertight to ensure that there’s no room for issues.

Medical tech is consistently evolving, and only by adapting to new developments across wider tech do we see those changes. Virtual reality is a crucial example of that, allowing surgeons and doctors-in-training to practice in a safe environment with the kit that could one day save someone’s life.

From example emergency scenarios, through to dealing with complications like ruptures or bleeding, these scenarios take commonplace medical complications and isolate them to allow for the next generation of medical professionals to better understand how to keep patients safe.

It’s not all in the operating theatre, though. Streamlining medical processes and paperwork – something we’ve developed an intimate familiarity with thanks to eSign’s recent piece on digital document management in healthcare – is an integral part of revolutionising how the medical sector approaches patient care.

Similar, digital prescriptions and online services like Patient Access allow for more comprehensive and easier accessibility for patients. Couple that with the ability to offer digital appointments over video calls (popularised during and after the pandemic), and the medical industry has fast become one that’s truly harnessing the technology at its fingertips.

 

#7 – Quantum Computing Is Science Fiction Made Reality

Often viewed as just a product of sci-fi and the minds of creative writers, quantum computing is actually far more in reach than any might think. In a nutshell, it uses ultra-fast, high quality computer processing to complete thousands upon thousands of tasks in a fraction of the time a regular computer may take.

It’s very much in the early stages – they’re by no means available to the general public, and it’s unlikely they ever will be. They’re likely to be solely reserved for applications across medicine,  space exploration, and extremely high-level cryptography and code breaking.

However, the potential applications – and ones that are closer than might originally be imagined – are startling, and more than warrant the tech’s inclusion on our list. Molecular analysis, for instance (used in the discovery of new medications and treatments), is a key benefit of quantum computing.

Plus, as this technology becomes more widely adopted, and more widely researched, it’s only likely to see more usage cases. While we’d hope for greater exploration of the great expanse of space, any use of quantum computing is enough to spark a sense of wonderment for the future of all things tech-related.

 

#8 –  Voice Activated Tech Is Worth Speaking About

Most readers will have some experience of this one already, given its in integration with mobile phones and smart speakers. They’ve fast become a feature of the modern home, and their range of applications is endless, from setting up a security routine through to activating the kettle with just a shout.

While it’s easy to assume that that’s where the tech might naturally peak, there’s actually much more to be done, and that’s why we’ve opted to mention it as part of one of the more exciting technological developments in 2024.

One that might immediately spring to mind is your average voice-activated device’s ability to recognise differing accents. There’s already research into how this can be improved, and that’s only likely to be built upon as we venture into the coming weeks and months.

There’s also many more applications in the pipeline, many of which will be ideal for those with disabilities, or limited movement. From automating morning routines, to turning off lights and securing your home, voice activation is set to play a major role for those who may not be able to do the things many of us take for granted.

 

#9 – Green Energy Tech Is A Much-Needed Sustainable Shift

One of the major areas for investment across the globe, and the topic of significant conversations across the complete spectrum of political persuasions, green energy is – without any shadow of doubt – an incredibly important area of consideration.

Technology plays an absolutely pivotal role in that. Whether it’s stronger, more powerful solar panels (like those we’ve seen coming out of the University of Surrey), or better capacity for the storage of the renewable energy that’s generated, it’s a frantic scramble to get it right, and get it right quickly.

We’re on the right track with it, however, and there are some positive signs. Renewable energy is at its highest levels – both in usage and in generation – we’ve ever seen, and that’s only set to continue as the tech continues to develop and become more attainable for companies and countries of all sizes.

We’ve touched on this already earlier in this piece, but electric vehicles also benefit from that shift towards better, more robust eco-friendly technology. Faster charging points, bigger batteries and lower power usage are all pleasant byproducts of the concerted shift towards greener energy and more sustainable technology.

 

#10 – Robotics Could Be A Feature In The Near Future

Usually reserved for sci-fi and twisted tales, robotics in reality are much more helpful and much less dangerous than their on-screen counterparts. That’s largely down to how they’ve been deployed, and the direction that their engineers and the brains behind them are looking to take them.

Take surgical assistants, for instance. The use of robotics in the operating theatre has long been theorised, but it’s only the last decade or so that we’re really starting to see that come to the fore, especially for more delicate or difficult forms of surgical procedures.

There’s been unbelievable progress in the presence of robotics in other areas, too. Boston Dynamics is no doubt a name that rings a bell if you’re familiar with robots, and their most recent developments have to be seen to be believed.

That’s still a pipe dream for the vast majority, but it’s one that’s not too far down that pipeline. In fact, their more affordable technology has already started to become more prevalent, with their robotics offering inspections and sensors for the rigours of the industrial and manufacturing industry, as well as many other key sectors.

 

A Glimpse Into The Future – Our Thoughts

While some of the technologies we’ve explored in the list above are still a long way away from making its way into our homes, much of it is closer than we might think. That’s especially true of AI – it’s already on our mobile phones, and machine learning is already a feature of our laptops, computers and tablets.

There’s a split consensus on whether or not the close proximity of those technological developments are a good thing or not. Many vouch for a clearer, better future alongside tech, whereas others voice concerns on our society’s over-reliance on technology.

We understand both sides of that coin, but for us, it’s all about finding where technology fits around our existing lifestyles and business ideas to streamline everything we do. You’ll notice we’ve already flown the flag for that with eSign – a company that’s dedicated to electronic signatures, and to revolutionising a process that’s traditionally been grounded in paper and outdated ideas.

That’s in others aspects of our businesses, too, with our strategic IT company Netcentrix offering a similarly streamlined approach to managed systems and cloud-based computing. It’s that commitment to tech that makes us more excited for the future than trepidatious.

Plus, with an eye on the future, we’re constantly prepared to grow alongside our respective industries, and to understand what the modern consumer needs.