Unit 7: Recent Trends in Technology (9 Hours)

Unit 7: Recent Trends in Technology (9 Hours)

7.1 Concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics

• Artificial Intelligence (AI):

  • Refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems.
  • Key areas include machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision.
  • Applications: Virtual assistants (like Siri, Alexa), recommendation systems, autonomous vehicles.

• Robotics:

  • Involves the design, construction, operation, and use of robots.
  • Robotics combines AI to enhance robot functionalities, enabling them to perform tasks autonomously.
  • Applications: Manufacturing (industrial robots), healthcare (surgical robots), and exploration (Mars rovers).

7.2 Concept of Cloud Computing

• Cloud Computing:
  • Delivery of computing services (servers, storage, databases, networking, software) over the internet (“the cloud”).
  • Models:
    • Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Virtualized computing resources over the internet.
    • Platform as a Service (PaaS): Provides a platform allowing customers to develop, run, and manage applications.
    • Software as a Service (SaaS): Delivers software applications over the internet on a subscription basis.
  • Benefits: Scalability, cost efficiency, and flexibility.

7.3 Concept of Big Data

• Big Data:
  • Refers to extremely large data sets that may be analyzed computationally to reveal patterns, trends, and associations.
  • Characteristics known as the 3 Vs:
    • Volume: Amount of data generated.
    • Velocity: Speed at which data is generated and processed.
    • Variety: Different types of data (structured, unstructured, semi-structured).
  • Technologies: Hadoop, Spark, and NoSQL databases are commonly used to manage and analyze big data.
  • Applications: Social media analysis, healthcare diagnostics, and fraud detection.

7.4 Concept of Virtual Reality (VR)

• Virtual Reality (VR):
  • A simulated experience that can be similar to or completely different from the real world.
  • VR technology uses computer-generated simulations to create immersive environments for users.
  • Applications: Gaming, training simulations (military, medical), and virtual tours (museums, real estate).

7.5 Concept of E-com, E-medicine, E-gov

• E-commerce (E-com):

  • Refers to buying and selling goods or services using the internet.
  • Involves various business models, including B2B (business to business), B2C (business to consumer), and C2C (consumer to consumer).
  • Benefits: Convenience, wider reach, and lower operational costs.

• E-medicine:

  • Involves the use of electronic communications and technology to provide health services and information.
  • Applications include telemedicine, electronic health records (EHRs), and remote monitoring.
  • Benefits: Improved access to healthcare, especially in remote areas.

• E-governance (E-gov):

  • The use of digital tools and systems to provide government services to citizens.
  • Enhances transparency, efficiency, and accessibility in government operations.
  • Examples: Online tax filing, e-voting, and digital ID systems.

7.6 Concept of Mobile Computing

• Mobile Computing:
  • Involves the use of portable computing devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops) that allow users to access and manage data on the go.
  • Key technologies: Wireless networks (Wi-Fi, cellular networks), mobile applications, and cloud services.
  • Applications: Navigation apps, mobile banking, and social networking.

7.7 Concept of Internet of Things (IoT)

• Internet of Things (IoT):
  • Refers to the interconnection of everyday devices and objects to the internet, allowing them to send and receive data.
  • Examples: Smart home devices (thermostats, lights), wearable fitness trackers, and industrial IoT applications.
  • Benefits: Increased efficiency, automation, and real-time monitoring of systems.