IoT’s promise to revolutionise the way we interact with the world is well underway. Yet, its evolution is underpinned and accelerated by advancements in other key areas: Quantum computing, Cloud technology, 6G, Semiconductor development, and AI to name a few. These technologies are not just shaping the future of IoT but are also critical drivers of innovation across various industries. Therefore, understanding what businesses can expect to see from these is crucial to helping them adapt to the growing opportunities, and challenges, they present.
Keysight Technologies, a leader in the world of electronic measurement and known for its focus on design, emulation, and testing to accelerate growth, has stepped forward to offer insights into the future of these technologies. With experts from different departments sharing their predictions to IoT Insider, here is a comprehensive look at what lies ahead in 2024 and beyond in these key industries.
Quantum technology: the journey from theory to reality
Quantum Engineering Solutions department’s Dr Philip Krantz highlights the transformative potential of Quantum technology, from facilitating complex simulations and secure communication to advancing imaging and sensor techniques. He stresses the importance of nurturing talent to realise this potential, noting the shift of quantum technologies into diverse sectors like startups, high-tech companies, and the military. This expansion necessitates the development of quantum hubs and educational programs. Dr Krantz envisions quantum courses becoming commonplace by 2030, with an emphasis on practical industry experience. Additionally, he anticipates the rise of Quantum-as-a-Service, reducing barriers to quantum research and standardising processes. However, he cautions that knowledge gaps and technological limitations could throttle progress, underscoring the need for dedicated facilities and resources.
“Quantum technology allows us to harness the fundamental laws of quantum mechanics to solve problems that are extremely challenging or impossible today. With quantum technology, complex simulations and computations, secure communication, and more powerful imaging and sensor techniques will be possible.” Explains Dr Krantz.
Cloud computing: reshaping the market with AI
Cloud computing, as outlined by CIO Dan Krantz, is witnessing a transformation, primarily driven by AI workloads that demand GPU and memory-intensive capacities. This shift has diversified the Cloud computing market, previously dominated by a few major players, to include more competitors like Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI). Dan Krantz predicts the majority of organisations will adopt multi-Cloud strategies by 2024, prompting Cloud vendors to improve multi-Cloud interoperability. This evolution paves the way for Cloud-agnostic tools essential for effective management. He also foresees the emergence of Cloud High Performance Computing, bringing supercomputing capabilities to more users and industries, thus democratising compute-intensive tasks.
“In the past, we thought of Cloud Computing as having three primary competitors: AWS, Azure, GCP. Generation 2 of the OCI with its significant price and performance advantage in GenAI training has created a four-horse race in the Cloud computing space now,” says Krantz.
6G: the wireless revolution
Director of 6G Sarah LaSelva casts light on the evolving landscape of 6G technology. She anticipates regulatory frameworks to emerge in 2024, aiming to unify the 6G ecosystem amidst geopolitical complexities. The integration of AI into 6G is a focal point, with AI optimising wireless networks and aiding in the transition to more sustainable operations. LaSelva underscores the industry’s cautious approach to AI, focusing on training diverse data sets and establishing new testing methodologies. She also addresses the environmental impact of 6G networks, with AI playing a critical role in reducing their carbon footprint. Spectrum sharing and global harmonisation are identified as key technical challenges for 6G, requiring significant research and international cooperation.
“The combination of complexity and massive amounts of data makes wireless networks ripe for AI optimisation. The technology has started to be integrated and in 2024, this will accelerate,” LaSelva asserts.
Software testing & AI: navigating new challenges
GM Software Test Automation department’s Gareth Smith discusses the intertwined future of software testing and AI. He predicts a shift towards autonomous test design and execution, addressing the increasing complexity of AI systems. Smith warns of the potential decline in software quality due to the vast permutations in AI systems and emphasises the critical role of strategic testing. He advocates for comprehensive AI regulation and the integration of AI and security compliance at the executive level. Smith also suggests the necessity of independent verification of AI systems, akin to a driver’s license, ensuring they remain ethical and compliant. He foresees a transition from citizen developers to business developers, who will bring operational knowledge to the software development life cycle.
“As AI becomes increasingly embedded in software, the systems will become more autonomous, which increases risk and complexity and makes testing a real challenge. As a result, a fixed set of tests (scripts) will no longer suffice when evaluating intelligent systems; instead, AI will be needed to automatically and continuously test AI applications,” Smith states.
Semiconductor, software, and AI: bridging digital and physical worlds
Dan Thomasson underlines the significance of advancements in semiconductor technologies in connecting the digital and physical worlds. These innovations are crucial for addressing the challenges associated with increasing data rates and network complexity. Thomasson anticipates a seamless integration of design and test workflows, enhanced by cloud technology and AI-driven tools. He also foresees AI playing a pivotal role in network optimisation for 6G, introducing new testing challenges. Thomasson envisages AI underpinning more accurate and insightful simulation models, thereby optimising the design and test workflow.
“Connecting the digital and physical worlds will require more powerful digital processing and interfaces able to overcome increasingly complex signal physics. An array of advancements in semiconductor technologies will be essential to achieve this,” concludes Thomasson.
Takeaways for 2024
The future of these technologies as envisioned by Keysight suggests a further integration of them into each other; with AI being the tech seen to influence most other, unrelated, but applicable technologies. The quantum leap in computing promises to tackle previously insurmountable problems, bringing a new dimension to simulations and secure communications. Cloud computing is adapting rapidly, with AI-driven demands catalysing its evolution and paving the way for multi-cloud environments and High Performance Computing accessibility. The dawn of 6G is set to redefine wireless communication, integrating AI for enhanced efficiency and sustainability, while navigating complex regulatory landscapes and spectrum sharing challenges. In software testing, AI’s increasing integration necessitates a shift towards autonomous systems and continuous testing, highlighting the need for vigilant quality control and ethical compliance. The semiconductor industry stands at a crossroads of innovation, vital for connecting the increasingly complex digital and physical domains.
These technologies, advancing in tandem, herald a future where adaptation and strategic foresight will be key to navigating the intertwined realms of IoT, data, and infrastructure.
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