Investment in technology should be inherent to companies, but what was once considered a market differentiator is now a matter of survival.
Competitiveness permeates all sectors, and innovation becomes essential. Therefore, knowing the technological trends and where to invest your money and energy is the best way to save and bring benefits to your business.
Technological advancements are inevitable over the years and allow for the improvement of already advantageous processes, further optimizing your results. In this article, we will discuss the major technological changes presented in recent years and the trends for the upcoming years in the sector.
How Technological Advancements Have Affected the Industry Over the Years
When we talk about technology and industry, we can easily associate it with cutting-edge launches, advanced robotics, and futuristic ideas, but just like in homes and offices, it is also present in the sector routinely and instantly. It is certain that the future awaits significant investments for all areas, including industry, but technology has long been essential in this area.
What Are the Technological Bets for the Future in the Industrial Sector?
Artificial Intelligence and Microgrids
AI has been a reality in the industrial sector for years but will be even more present in the coming years, facilitating process optimization and the creation of smart cities.
Another key area where AI will be further enhanced is in user experience, specifically in dialogues and relationships. With it, it is possible to control microgrids, which provide greater energy savings, energy independence, and efficiency by integrating various solutions such as wind and photovoltaic generation systems, load control, and storage.
With microgrids, it is possible to optimize energy generation and distribution. The operation can be integrated with the distribution network or work autonomously. When there is a power outage, stored energy can be kicked in, making it an alternative for hospitals, industries, and other places where outages causes significant losses. Additionally, the consumer has greater control over the system, being able to manage generation and consumption via cell phone, for example. When AI is incorporated, the process becomes more efficient. The smart system can even indicate waste situations.
Blockchain and IoT (Internet of Things)
The Internet of Things (IoT) is simply the ability to connect everyday objects to the Internet. Simply put, it represents the online “automatic” action of equipment, such as production, manufacturing, etc.
If you think Blockchain (distributed ledger technology that enabled the creation of Bitcoin) and IoT are tools restricted to industrial sectors that do not involve energy, it is time to change your view. These two resources can be very useful in the energy sector. Some benefits include eliminating the need for intermediaries in electricity supply, potentially equalizing distribution and empowering consumers to trade their own energy.
Some microgrids are already testing the application of these tools. This technology, which transforms how we interact with the world, has gained immense space in recent years. IoT collects data and acts in real-time, enabling high-efficiency monitoring and management.
Integration and Reliability
Until a few years ago, certain types of energy, such as wind and solar, were seen as unstable and secondary. For instance, a cloudy day or lack of wind were restrictive factors, and most homes used these sources only as a backup or complementary to conventional grid energy.
However, these alternatives are now playing a primary role in energy generation. This is only possible because current technologies provide greater reliability and enable integration between various sources. The trend is that the system will become increasingly reliable and advantageous. Not to mention the installation costs, which are already more feasible.
Energy Storage
The first trend that can be cited is the storage of generated energy. The expectation is that new technologies will have greater capacity and make storage costs cheaper and more viable. Currently, batteries fulfill this role. However, besides being expensive, their disposal can cause a significant environmental problem. New technologies could provide more efficient, durable, smaller storage devices with less environmental impact.
Big Data Analytics
Through Big Data, it is possible to store and cross-reference all data generated in previous operations, determining trends and even predicting what should or should not be used in the future.
Cybersecurity
As artificial intelligence advances, data becomes even more important, and digital presence becomes necessary, proportional to the concern with Internet data. After all, the risks of online attacks will become much greater, forcing companies to reinforce their network security. Greater investment in cybersecurity and data protection will be needed.
Renewable Energy
One of the biggest trends for the future in the sector is the use of renewable energy, which has been improved over the past few years. According to data released by the UN, energy is responsible for more than 50% of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, harming the entire planet.