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Technology evolves at a rapid pace, which enables faster change and progress, but can also feel impossible to keep up with. Emerging technologies are accelerating the rate of change, a lot of which has been caused by the different world that COVID-19 created. College students are at the forefront of those who are learning these new technologies as they prepare to enter the digital workforce. Here are five technology trends you should be aware of for 2023.

1 – Augmented Reality (AR)

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are expected to be further integrated in our lives in 2023. These technologies immerse the user in an environment (VR, enhance that environment (AR). Primarily used in gaming and esports, AR is beginning to be used for trainings, such as VirtualShip, a simulation software used to train U.S. Navy, Army and Coast Guard ship captains. AR has enormous potential in 2023 for training, entertainment, education, and marketing.

VR can enhance college distance learning by helping remote students feel connected with lecturers and fellow students. VR is also being used in classrooms for immersive learning experiences. Using VR, students can explore historical sites, design buildings, take part in lab experiences, and even “meet” with students in other countries.

2 – Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, continues to be a growing technology trend especially in the areas of image and speech recognition, navigation apps, smartphone personal assistants, ride-sharing apps, etc.

The AI market is anticipated to grow to a $190 billion industry by 2025 with global spending reaching over $57 billion in 2023. Many college students may be interested in learning AI since new jobs are being created in development, programming, testing, support, maintenance, and more. AI also offers some of the highest salaries so it is definitely a technology trend to watch in 2023.

3 – 3D Printing

A key trend in innovation and technology is 3D printing which is used to formulate prototypes. This technology has been impactful in the biomedical and industrial sectors. The industrial 3D printing market has been seeing strong growth and is estimated to rise from $12 billion in 2021 to an estimated $38 billion by 2026. 

3D printing in education has grown recently, especially as a STEM tool. The global 3D Printing in Education market is estimated to be worth $303.9 million in 2023. Top education 3D Printing brands include Flash Forge, and Creality.

4 – Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is the use of software to automate repetitive business processes such as interpreting applications, processing transactions, dealing with data, and even replying to emails. RPA streamlines workflows and increases employee productivity by removing mundane tasks. RPA is different than AI, but the combination of the two allows for machine learning models, natural language processing (NLP), character and image recognition, and more. Some industries that have begun to implement RPA include financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, legal, customer service, operations, IT, and more.

5 – 5G

3G and 4G technologies have enabled internet browsing, data driven services, increased streaming bandwidths, and more. 5G is the next technology expected to take off in 2023 with its ability to enable advanced technologies like AR and VR, cloud-based gaming services, and used by just about every telecom company like Verizon, T-Mobile, Apple, Nokia Corp, and QUALCOMM. 5G Network subscriptions will reach 4.4 billion by the end of 2027, making it an emerging technology trend you must watch out for.

Stepping Into the Future

Technology continues to emerge and evolve all around us, but these are five of the many technology trends predicted to boom in 2023. What technology trends have you been seeing? Let us know in the comments!

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Sources:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2022/11/21/the-top-10-tech-trends-in-2023-everyone-must-be-ready-for/?sh=248ef34e7df0

https://www.gartner.com/en/articles/gartner-top-10-strategic-technology-trends-for-2023

https://www.simplilearn.com/top-technology-trends-and-jobs-article

https://www.ericsson.com/en/reports-and-papers/mobility-report/dataforecasts/mobile-subscriptions-outlook

https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/artificial-intelligence-market-74851580.html

https://www.simplilearn.com/highest-paying-tech-jobs-article

https://www.contextworld.com/3d-printing