Sustainable Technology: The Future Ahead

18

October

2022

5/5 (2)

The concept of sustainability encompasses more than just environmental concerns. As this involves meeting present needs without compromising future needs, this also associates with social and economic concerns. Given this, it is without a doubt that sustainability is the only way forward and the use of emerging technologies is necessary to achieve this. 

A study conducted by Gartner emphasized that sustainability, particularly environmental and social factors, forms part of the top concerns of most organizational leaders in the world following profit or revenue. This, therefore, encourages organizations to implement sustainable technology that ultimately result in creating a positive impact. Given this trend, several companies have pledged to commit to the vision of net zero in the next years, including Amazon and Coca-Cola. Fund investing has also found their way to practice responsible investing. 

But how exactly is technology going to help in achieving sustainability? The use of artificial intelligence and robotics allow companies to improve efficiency in its operations, further resulting in a decrease in carbon footprint. In addition, metaverse—a new form of technology that combines the physical and digital world—paves the way for companies to pursue growth while limiting its adverse impacts on the environment. 

In addition to these types of technology, it is similarly important to cultivate an innovation culture. This should be at the core of its implementation process as it involves dealing with employees and ensuring that they are onboard with this vision. This can be done through the Kotter’s Transformation framework, with emphasis on creating an urgent need and forming a powerful guiding coalition. 

How about you? What do you think are important considerations in sustainable technology and how should organizations implement this?

References:

https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2022-10-17-gartner-identifies-the-top-10-strategic-technology-trends-for-2023

https://www.accenture.com/fi-en/services/sustainability/sustainable-it-technology

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Reaction to Tesla’s Humanoid Robot—Optimus

11

October

2022

No ratings yet. Emerging technologies—including Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Robotics, among others—have consistently shown improvements in the lives of millions worldwide and even resulted in disruptions in various industries. For instance, the use of augmented reality and artificial intelligence in the retail sector has revolutionized the use of fitting rooms and data collection and management.

Interestingly, Tesla—a US-based company focused in developing electric vehicles—has taken a step in putting into life these types of technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. During its Annual Tesla Artificial Intelligence Day in September 2022, Elon Musk presented its rendition of a human robot, named Optimus. Optimus can perform simple tasks such as watering plants, carrying boxes, and metal bars, as can be seen in this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suv8ex8xlZA

Elon Musk admits that Optimus needs to undergo a lot of improvements, specifically improving its physical appearance to achieve a slicker design and developing its movements. But, Elon Musk expects that this prototype will provide more value-adding tasks, including picking up groceries or even working in his factory.

With Optimus, I think an advantage of this invention in the workplace is that this will allow humans to focus more on critical roles, such as performing analysis and establishing team relationships as humanoid robots can only do tasks that are very mechanical and routinary. In addition, Optimus can revolutionize and improve efficiency in the production side of the business.
On the other hand, the disadvantage of this invention affects those people who have been working on these types of mechanical and routinary tasks. We can expect that through the development of these humanoid robots, there can be layoffs in some parts of the business.

How about you? What do you think are the implications of these humanoid robots in the workplace or even at home?

Sources:
(a) https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-63100636
(b) https://www.cnbc.com/2022/09/30/elon-musk-shows-off-humanoid-robot-prototype-at-tesla-ai-day.html
(c) https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/elon-musks-new-humanoid-robot-might-one-day-buy-your-groceries-180980884/

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