Emerging Technologies during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Consumer behaviour and demand develop and change rapidly, particularly in the tech sector. The coronavirus pandemic has caused even more radical changes, affecting how businesses and clients interact and experience with the world. Specific trends in technology have surged as a result of the pandemic. This article discusses some of the technologies that have emerged as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

1. Contactless and digital payments  

The use of money was identified to increase the spread of the virus, and thus central banks worldwide set up several measures to make sure that banknotes are clean before they start circulating. This, however, still leaves a risk, contactless digital payments either in the form of e-wallets or cards offer the best protection. Digital payments also make it possible for persons to complete online purchases and payment of goods and services, make utility bills and get stimulus funds quicker.

2. Distance learning

By mid of April 2020, universities and schools closed worldwide, affecting close to 2 billion students. A majority of educational institutions initiated training their students online to help prevent education disruption by quarantine measures. Distant learning incorporates technologies such as augmented reality, virtual reality, artificial-intelligence-enabled robot teachers and 3d printing.

3. Robot deliveries and online shopping

COVID-19 has transformed online shopping to a must-do thing globally. It is reported that even amid the pandemic, some bars have continued to provide happy hours thanks to online shopping and delivery. The pandemic has necessitated the reinforcing of online shopping with robust logistic systems as in-person delivery still has the risk of spreading the virus. This has occasioned the launch of contactless delivery of services by most restaurants and companies in the UK and globally. Contactless delivery entails dropping goods at designated places instead of from and into a person’s hands. Robot deliveries are also being pursued.

4. Remote work

Companies have increasingly requested their employees to work from home. Working remotely has been made possible by technologies such as voice over internet protocols (VoIP’s), virtual private networks (VPNs), cloud technology, virtual meetings, facial recognition technologies and work collaborations tools. Working remotely has several advantages on top of preventing the spread of the virus, such as it is flexible and saves commute time. However, remote work has its challenges both to employees and employers. Some of the challenges faced include it’s hard to get timely tech support, information security and privacy issues. There are also concerns that remote work can complicate issues relating to labour laws. Lack of work-life balance and loneliness are also challenges that employees can face. Overall, looking at the trends, remote work has a promising future and laws and regulations need to be updated to accommodate remote work.

5. Supply chain 4.0

The Covid-19 pandemic has adversely affected global supply chains. Some factories were even closed to meet the various covid-19 containment measures, including quarantine and social distancing measures. Personal protective equipment and food items demands have increased, and some countries have offered diverse levels of export bans on these items. All these coupled with an overreliance on paper-based records and lack of flexibility have contributed to the supply chain susceptibility to the pandemic. Major fourth industrial revolution technologies such as the Internet of things(IoT), big data, blockchain and cloud computing are building supply chains that are more robust for the future by encouraging data sharing and enhancing data accuracy.

6. Online entertainments

Covid-19 containment measures aimed at decreasing in-person interactions.  Through creativity, humans have resulted in the online streaming of performances. Film production companies and studios have released films online. International heritage sites and museums are providing virtual tours. Since the pandemics onsets, there has also been a rise in online gamers’ traffic.

7. 3D printing

3D printing technology is being used to alleviate shocks that the supply chains have experienced.3D printing has the advantage of flexibility as a single printer can produce various products using different materials and designs. However, 3D printing is experiencing some challenges, including intellectual property issues, while producing parts that are patent protected. Production of particular items, including surgical masks is subject to regulatory approvals. It is also not clear how to protect designs files under patent regimes.

In conclusion, it is clear that the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced technology greatly, and many technologies have emerged as discussed above. To access most of these technologies, one must have a computer or a smartphone. Looking at computer shops reviews and affordable mobiles review will help you find repeatable shops you can buy a smartphone or a laptop.