The Future of Technology in Australia: A Look at Bleeding-Edge Innovations

For IT leaders, it is an exciting and challenging time. On the one hand, there is the need to be in a state of constant innovation. On the other hand, understanding where that innovation comes from and where the best areas to direct limited resources are can be difficult. Finding the right skills to cover emerging areas of innovation can be challenging too, set against a backdrop of a deepening skills crisis.

Some of the areas where technology will rapidly graduate from the stuff of science fiction to having a meaningful impact in the enterprise world in APAC, according to a recent Gartner webinar, are satellite communications, digital humans, tiny ambient Internet of Things, and autonomous robots. For this article, we focus on what IT leaders in Australia need to know about these bleeding-edge technologies.

1. Satellite communications

Connectivity across Australia is going to undergo a significant transformation as low earth orbit satellite options become more commonplace. Currently, there’s just the one provider in Elon Musk’s SpaceX Starlink, but the Australian government set up a working group to explore LEO opportunities in early 2023 and expects more providers to emerge in the years ahead.

The government is exploring LEO technology with the potential role in closing the digital inclusion gap, supporting greater resilience and redundancy in emergency circumstances, delivering universal telecommunications services, and facilitating the Internet of Things.

Given the size and low population density of Australia, LEO satellites promise to unlock fast internet access to remote areas, furthering regional development and enabling organizations to reach populations outside major cities.

2. Digital humans

Digital humans are artificial entities designed to create companions, assistants, therapists, and entertainers. Organizations like CSIRO are actively exploring the “twinning” aspect of digital humans for experimentation and research in various fields. Real-world applications include virtual modeling of athletes and informing product design changes.

With growing demand for experts in digital human technology, this niche application is set to expand in the future.

3. Tiny ambient IoT

Tiny ambient IoT devices, powered by radio waves, enable tagging, tracking, and sensing objects without the complexity or cost of traditional IoT devices. Gartner predicts that this technology will open up new ecosystems and business models, but urges assessing potential social and regulatory issues before adoption.

Examples of lightweight and inexpensive sensors are already showcasing new opportunities for businesses in various sectors.

4. Autonomous robots

Australia is embracing autonomous robots powered by AI, showcasing advancements in areas like military collaboration and agricultural robotics. The market for AI-enhanced robotics is projected to grow significantly by 2030.

As organizations push for increased national investment in R&D, autonomous robots are poised to be a key area of innovation in the coming years.

IT pros should focus on these capabilities to meet leader’s needs

IT professionals must be proactive in learning and mastering new technologies to stay relevant and competitive. The value of advanced technologies lies in how they are conceptualized and used to further business objectives. Success in the future will depend on IT pros’ ability to create solutions that drive business goals.