This month, in Notes from Nina, I share my thoughts on technology trends and how we at UES, Inc., continue to be at the forefront of these trends!
Recently, I came across an article that discussed Top Technology Trends for 2022. Second on the list was the mention of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) - the use of software to automate processes such as interpreting applications, processing transactions, or dealing with data. RPA automates repetitive tasks that people used to do. Robotic process automation (RPA) not only presents a valuable opportunity to free up employees’ time to focus on mission-critical initiatives, it also positively correlates with organizational success and profitability.
Key insights of RPA are:
- RPA has become a differentiating factor within automation, and an enabler of digital transformation
- Organizations are now prioritizing RPA adoption across multiple departments
- RPA supports key business goals including digital transformation and business efficiency
Although efficiency improvements are the primary driver of adoption, the benefits of RPA go beyond process optimization. RPA technology is increasingly being used to drive innovation and enhance the customer experience.
We use these same insights in the Materials Characterization fields with our Robo-Met systems. We do this by leveraging our unique and fully automated platform that delivers unique 3D materials insights. The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) recently recognized the co-inventor of Robo-Met, Dr. Jonathan Spowart, applauding his contributions in taking Robo-Met.3D® from ideation to patent.
It's nice to know we are a part of the on-going technology trends for 2022 and beyond and that we have been ahead of the game.
Another trend the article mentioned is Artificial Intelligence or AI - methods of making a computer, a computer-controlled robot, or a software think intelligently like the human mind. A decade ago, AI sounded out there and very “Jetsons-like”. Today, AI is found in our everyday life and is already known for its superiority in image and speech recognition, navigation apps, smartphone personal assistants, ride-sharing apps and so much more.
In the future, AI will be used further to analyze interactions to determine underlying connections and insights. One possible use is to help predict demand for services like hospitals enabling authorities to make better decisions about resource utilization which could help us better manage future health crises. It's predicted that the AI market will grow to a $190 billion industry by 2025 with global spending on cognitive and AI systems reaching over $57 billion in 2022. Pretty incredible.
A third trend that stood out for me is Quantum Computing - a form of computing that takes advantage of quantum phenomena like superposition and quantum entanglement. This amazing technology trend is also involved in preventing the spread of the coronavirus, and to develop potential vaccines, thanks to its ability to easily query, monitor, analyze and act on data, regardless of the source.
Quantum computers are now orders of magnitude faster than regular computers. Companies like Splunk, Honeywell, Microsoft, Google and many others are now involved in making innovations in this field. Our partners at the AFRL have created a Quantum division as quantum information science applies the best understanding of the sub-atomic world—quantum theory—to generate new knowledge and technologies. They believe Quantum will revolutionize Air and Space Force operations and are leading the acceleration of quantum research and development as first adopters for this fundamental technology to move the ball forward. These investigations will lead to technologies that will transform the Warfighting domain in revolutionary and unprecedented ways.
When it comes to talking about technology trends, I could go on and on as these areas of discovery fascinate me and bring out my inner/outer tech nerd. The enthusiasm for advancing technology I share with my UES teams and partners is the best part of my job. We literally get to investigate, discover, reveal and indulge our technological capabilities and stretch our imaginations to uncover new technologies every day. That is why I always say, our science-focused business is the best business there is….and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.