CHAPTER SEVEN

Other emerging technologies

After accomplishing this chapter, Students will be able to:

➢ Explain nanotechnology and its application in different sectors.

➢ Explain biotechnology and its application in different sectors.

➢ Explain block-chain technology and its application.

➢ Has gain insights about the cloud, quantum and autonomic computing, their differences, and applications.

➢ Explain how computer vision works and its application.

➢ Identify and explain embedded systems and their pros and cons.

➢ Describe cybersecurity, types of cybersecurity treat and its benefits.

➢ Distinguish the difference between additive manufacturing and 3D printing.

Nanotechnology
 Nanotechnology is science, engineering, and technology conducted at
the nanoscale, which is about 1 to 100 nanometers.

Nanoscience and nanotechnology are the study and application of

extremely small things and can be used across all the other science fields,
such as chemistry, biology, physics, materials science, and engineering.

Nanoscience and nanotechnology involve the ability to see and to control

individual atoms and molecules.
Applications of nanotechnology include:
 Nanomaterials: enables nanomaterial's, such as nanoparticles, nanotubes, and nanowires.
 Nanoelectronics: field of electronics by enabling the development of smaller, faster, and more efficient electronic
components and devices. Nanoscale transistors, nanowire-based sensors, and quantum dots are examples of advancements
made possible through nanotechnology.
 Nanomedicine: It offers precise drug delivery systems, targeted therapies, and diagnostic tools at the cellular or molecular
level. Nanoparticles and nanocarriers can be designed to selectively deliver drugs to specific tissues or cells, enhancing
treatment effectiveness while minimizing side effects.
 Energy Applications: In development of solar cells, energy storage devices (such as batteries and super capacitors)
 Environmental Applications: Nanotechnology has applications in environmental monitoring, pollution remediation, and
water treatment.
 Manufacturing and Electronics: Nanotechnology has the potential to transform manufacturing and electronics industries.
It offers improved materials with enhanced properties, precise fabrication techniques, and miniaturization possibilities,
enabling the production of smaller, lighter, and more efficient devices.
 Overall, nanotechnology holds great promise for various fields and industries, offering opportunities for advancements in
materials, electronics, medicine, energy, and environmental applications.
Biotechnology
 a technology that develop and apply technologies based on living organisms or their components.
 It involves the use of biological systems, organisms, or their cellular and molecular components to create or modify
products, processes, and technologies for various applications.
 Biotechnology can be classified into several subfields, including:
 Medical Biotechnology: This area focuses on the use of biological systems and techniques to develop new drugs, therapies,
and diagnostic tools. It involves genetic engineering, recombinant DNA technology, and biopharmaceutical production
 Agricultural Biotechnology: Agricultural biotechnology involves the application of genetic engineering and molecular
biology techniques to improve agricultural processes, crop production, and livestock breeding.
-It includes genetically modified organisms (GMOs), biopesticides, and molecular breeding techniques.
 Industrial Biotechnology: Industrial biotechnology uses biological systems and processes to produce various industrial
products and processes.
 It includes the production of enzymes, biofuels, bioplastics, bioremediation, and the development of sustainable
manufacturing processes.
 Environmental Biotechnology: This field focuses on using biological systems and processes to address environmental
challenges. It involves wastewater treatment, bioremediation of pollutants, and the development of sustainable and eco-
friendly solutions for various environmental issues.
 Bioinformatics: Bioinformatics combines biology, computer science, and information technology to analyze and interpret
biological data. It involves the development and application of computational tools and algorithms for genomic analysis,
protein structure prediction, drug discovery, and biological data management.
 Biotechnology has made significant contributions to various areas, including healthcare, agriculture, energy production,
environmental preservation, and industrial manufacturing. It has led to advancements such as the development of life-
saving drugs, genetically modified crops, sustainable biofuels, and improved diagnostic tools.
Cloud Computing:
 Cloud computing is a model of computing that involves the delivery of on-demand computing resources and services
over the internet.
 Instead of relying on local servers or personal computers, cloud computing allows users to access and utilize
computing power, storage, software applications, and other resources from remote data centers.
 Key concepts in cloud computing include:
 On-Demand Self-Service: Users can provision computing resources, such as processing power, storage, and software,
as needed without requiring human intervention from the cloud service provider.
 Broad Network Access: Cloud services can be accessed over the internet using various devices, such as desktop
computers, laptops, smartphones, or tablets.
 Measured Service: Cloud computing resources are monitored, controlled, and billed based on usage, providing
transparency and cost optimization.
 Cloud computing offers several advantages, including flexibility, scalability, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility. It
enables businesses and individuals to leverage powerful computing resources and services without investing in
expensive infrastructure or maintaining complex systems.
 common applications of cloud computing in business, particularly in the context of file storage:
 Data Backup and Recovery: Cloud storage provides a reliable and scalable solution for backing up important business data
 File Sharing and Collaboration: Cloud storage allows teams to share files and collaborate on documents in real-time.
 Remote Access: Cloud storage enables employees to access their files and work remotely from any device with an internet
connection. This flexibility enhances productivity and facilitates remote work arrangements.
 Scalable Storage: Cloud storage offers scalable storage options, allowing businesses to easily adjust their storage capacity
as their needs evolve. This eliminates the need for upfront infrastructure investments and ensures that businesses only pay
for the storage they actually use.
 Disaster Recovery: In the event of a local disaster, data can be restored from the cloud to minimize downtime and ensure
business continuity.
 Centralized Data Management: Cloud storage provides a centralized platform for managing and organizing files. It offers
features such as folder structures, permissions management, and search capabilities, making it easier to locate and manage
files effectively.
 Cost Savings: Cloud storage eliminates the need for businesses to invest in and maintain their own physical storage
infrastructure, making it a cost-effective solution for file storage.
 Integration with Productivity Tools: Cloud storage often integrates seamlessly with productivity tools such as
document editors, project management software, and communication platforms. This integration enhances
workflow efficiency and streamlines business processes.
 Compliance and Security: Cloud storage providers typically implement robust security measures to protect data,
including encryption, access controls, and data redundancy..
 These are just a few examples of how businesses can leverage cloud computing for file storage and related
applications. The flexibility, scalability, cost-effectiveness, and collaborative features of cloud storage make it a
valuable resource for modern businesses.
Quantum Computing:
 Quantum computing is an emerging field of computing that leverages principles from quantum mechanics to perform
computations.
 While traditional computers use bits to represent and process information as either 0 or 1, quantum computers use
quantum bits, or qubits, which can exist in multiple states simultaneously due to a property known as superposition.
 Quantum computing has the potential to solve complex problems that are currently intractable for classical computers.
 Some key concepts in quantum computing include:
 Superposition: Qubits can exist in a superposition of states, representing a combination of 0 and 1 simultaneously. This
property allows quantum computers to process multiple possibilities in parallel.
 Entanglement: Qubits can be entangled, meaning the state of one qubit is dependent on the state of another, even if they
are physically separated. Entanglement enables quantum computers to perform operations on multiple qubits
simultaneously.
 Quantum Gates: Similar to classical logic gates, quantum gates manipulate qubits to perform computations. Quantum
gates include operations that rotate the state of qubits, create entanglement, and perform specific quantum operations.
 Quantum Algorithms: Quantum algorithms are designed to leverage the unique properties of quantum computing to solve
specific problems efficiently. Examples include Shor's algorithm for factoring large numbers and Grover's algorithm for
Here are some key advantages of quantum computing:
 Speed and Efficiency: Quantum computers have the potential to solve certain problems much faster than classical
computers. This can significantly reduce the time required to solve complex problems and perform certain computations.
 Solving Complex Problems: Quantum computing holds promise for solving complex problems that are computationally
intractable for classical computers. For example, factoring large numbers, which is fundamental to modern encryption
algorithms, is believed to be exponentially faster with quantum algorithms. Quantum computing can also tackle
optimization problems, simulation of quantum systems, and machine learning tasks more efficiently.
 Enhanced Data Analysis and Pattern Recognition: Quantum computing has the potential to improve data analysis and
pattern recognition capabilities. By leveraging quantum algorithms, it can efficiently process and analyze large datasets,
extracting insights and identifying patterns that classical algorithms may struggle to uncover.
 Improved Cryptographic Solutions: Quantum computing poses both a challenge and an opportunity for cryptography.
While quantum computers can potentially break many of the currently used cryptographic algorithms, quantum
cryptography offers new approaches to secure communication and data encryption. Quantum-resistant cryptographic
techniques are being developed to withstand attacks from quantum computers.
 Simulation and Modeling: Quantum computers can simulate and model complex systems more accurately than
classical computers.
 Optimization and Machine Learning: Quantum computing can enhance optimization algorithms by finding optimal
solutions more efficiently. It can also improve machine learning tasks by enabling more efficient training of models and
handling large-scale data. It's important to note that practical, large-scale quantum computers are still under
development, and there are significant technical challenges to overcome, such as qubit stability, error correction, and
scalability. Additionally, quantum computing is not expected to replace classical computing entirely but rather
complement it for specific applications.
 Overall, the advantages of quantum computing lie in its potential for exponential speedup, solving complex problems,
enhancing data analysis and pattern recognition, improving cryptographic solutions, and enabling more accurate
simulations and modeling. As the field advances, quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize various
industries and unlock new possibilities in computation and problem-solving.
 Autonomic computing (AC)
 refers to a computing paradigm that aims to create self-managing and self-optimizing systems that can adapt and operate
autonomously with minimal human intervention. The concept of autonomic computing draws inspiration from the human
autonomic nervous system, which regulates and maintains various bodily functions without conscious effort.
 The goal of autonomic computing is to develop systems that possess the following characteristics:
 Self-Configuration: Autonomic systems can automatically configure themselves to adapt to changes in their environment.
They can discover and integrate new resources, services, or components, and adjust their behavior accordingly.
 Self-Healing: Autonomic systems can detect and diagnose failures or problems within themselves and take corrective
actions without human intervention. They can repair or recover from faults, errors, or performance issues to maintain system
availability and reliability.
 Self-Optimization: Autonomic systems continuously monitor their performance and resource utilization. They analyze the
collected data to identify opportunities for optimization, such as improving efficiency, reducing response times, or
optimizing resource allocation. They can then make adjustments to optimize their own performance.
 Self-Protection: Autonomic systems can identify and defend against security threats, attacks, or vulnerabilities. They can
adapt their security measures, such as firewalls, encryption protocols, or access controls, to protect the system and its data
To achieve these characteristics, autonomic computing systems typically employ various technologies, such as:
Monitoring and Sensing: Autonomic systems use sensors, probes, or monitoring tools to collect data about their internal
state, performance metrics, and the external environment. This information is used for decision-making and self-
management.
Analytical Techniques: Autonomic systems apply analytical methods, such as machine learning, data mining, or statistical
analysis, to process the collected data and identify patterns, anomalies, or optimization opportunities.
Decision-Making and Control: Autonomic systems employ intelligent algorithms or rule-based systems to make decisions
and control their behavior. These algorithms consider the system's goals, constraints, policies, and the collected data to
determine appropriate actions.
Adaptation Mechanisms: Autonomic systems implement mechanisms to dynamically adjust their configuration, behavior,
or resources based on the decisions made by the control algorithms. This may involve reconfiguring software components,
reallocating resources, or modifying system parameters.
Autonomic computing aims to reduce the complexity and management burden of modern computing systems, improving
their reliability, efficiency, and adaptability. It enables systems to operate with a degree of self-awareness, self-regulation, and
self-optimization, leading to improved system performance, availability, and cost-effectiveness.
 Computer vision
 is a field of artificial intelligence and computer science that deals with enabling computers to understand and interpret
visual information from digital images or videos.
 It involves developing algorithms and techniques that allow machines to extract meaningful insights and derive
understanding from visual data
 Computer vision algorithms are designed to perform various tasks, including:
 Image Classification: This involves categorizing images into predefined classes or categories. For example, identifying
whether an image contains a cat or a dog.
 Object Detection: Object detection involves identifying and localizing specific objects within an image or video. It can
detect multiple objects of interest and provide their bounding boxes or outlines.
 Object Recognition: Object recognition goes beyond simple detection and aims to identify specific objects and assign them
labels. For instance, recognizing different types of fruits or identifying specific landmarks.
 Semantic Segmentation: Semantic segmentation involves assigning a label to each pixel in an image, allowing precise
identification and separation of objects or regions within the image.
 Scene Understanding: Scene understanding involves extracting high-level information from an image, such as identifying
the overall context, relationships between objects, and the spatial layout of the scene.
 Applications of computer vision span across various domains, including:
 Robotics: Computer vision enables robots to perceive and understand their environment, navigate autonomously, and interact
with objects and humans.
 Surveillance and Security: Computer vision systems can analyze video feeds and detect suspicious activities, monitor traffic,
and identify individuals in real-time.
 Healthcare: Computer vision is used for medical imaging analysis, assisting in the diagnosis of diseases, and monitoring
patient conditions.
 Autonomous Vehicles: Computer vision plays a crucial role in enabling self-driving cars to detect and recognize objects,
interpret traffic signs, and navigate safely.
 Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): Computer vision enables the overlay of virtual objects onto the real
world, creating immersive AR and VR experiences.
 Manufacturing and Quality Control: Computer vision systems can inspect products for defects, monitor production lines,
and ensure quality control.
 Computer vision continues to advance rapidly with the aid of deep learning techniques and the availability of large datasets.
It has become an essential technology with wide-ranging applications, transforming industries and enhancing human-
computer interaction in numerous domains.
 Embedded systems
 are specialized computer systems designed to perform specific tasks or functions within larger systems or devices.
 They are typically small, compact, and integrated into the overall system they serve.
 Embedded systems are found in various applications, ranging from consumer electronics to industrial machinery and
automotive systems.
 Here are some key characteristics and components of embedded systems:
 Hardware: This hardware typically includes microcontrollers or microprocessors, memory, input/output interfaces,
sensors, actuators, and other peripheral devices. The hardware is designed to be efficient, low-power, and optimized for
the specific application.
 Real-time Operation: Real-time embedded systems are designed to meet deadlines and ensure timely and predictable
execution of tasks. This is crucial in applications such as control systems, robotics, and safety-critical environments
 Firmware/Software: Embedded systems rely on firmware or software that is specifically developed to run on the
embedded hardware. This software controls the behavior of the system, manages input/output operations, interfaces with
external devices, and performs the required tasks. Embedded software is often developed using programming languages
such as C or C++.
 Limited Resources: Embedded systems typically have limited resources, including processing power, memory, storage,
and energy. These limitations require efficient resource management and optimization techniques to ensure the system's
functionality and performance within the given constraints.
 Specific Functionality: Embedded systems are designed to perform specific functions or tasks. They are often dedicated
to a particular application or use case, such as controlling a washing machine, managing a digital thermostat, monitoring
and controlling industrial processes, or handling navigation and entertainment in automobiles.
 Connectivity: Many embedded systems now incorporate connectivity features, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular
connectivity. This enables communication with other devices, networks, or the internet, facilitating data exchange,
remote control, and integration into larger systems or ecosystems.
 Cyber security
 refers to the practice of protecting computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, theft, damage, or
disruption. It involves implementing measures and employing technologies to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and
availability of digital information.
 Here are some key aspects and components of cybersecurity:
 Threats and Attack Vectors: Cybersecurity is concerned with defending against various threats and attack vectors that can
compromise the security of computer systems and networks. These threats include malware (such as viruses, worms, and
ransomware), phishing attacks, social engineering, insider threats, denial-of-service attacks, and more. Attack vectors can
exploit vulnerabilities in software, weak passwords, misconfigured systems, or human errors to gain unauthorized access.
 Security Measures: Cybersecurity employs a range of security measures to protect against threats and mitigate risks. These
measures include:-
 Authentication and Access Control: Implementing secure login mechanisms, multi-factor authentication, and access
controls to ensure only authorized individuals can access systems and data.
 Encryption: Using encryption algorithms to protect sensitive data during storage and transmission, ensuring that even if
intercepted, the data remains unreadable.
 Firewalls and Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS): Deploying network security appliances to monitor and
control incoming and outgoing network traffic, detect and block malicious activities.
 Antivirus and Anti-malware: Using software solutions to detect, quarantine, and remove malicious software from systems.
 Patch Management: Regularly updating and applying security patches to software and systems to address known
vulnerabilities.
 Security Audits and Penetration Testing: Conducting regular security audits and penetration testing to identify weaknesses,
vulnerabilities, and potential entry points for attackers.
 Employee Awareness and Training: Educating employees about cybersecurity best practices, raising awareness about
 Information Security: Information security encompasses protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data.
It involves implementing access controls, data encryption, data backups, secure data storage, and secure data handling
practices.
 Incident Response and Recovery: Cyber security also involves having incident response plans in place to promptly and
effectively respond to security incidents. This includes identifying and containing security breaches, investigating and
mitigating the impact of the incident, and restoring systems to normal operation. Additionally, data backups and disaster
recovery plans are crucial for quickly recovering from incidents and minimizing downtime.
 Compliance and Regulations: Cyber security often involves adhering to industry-specific regulations and compliance
standards, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
(HIPAA), Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), and others. Compliance ensures the protection of
sensitive data and the privacy of individuals.
 Security Culture: Establishing a security culture within organizations is vital. This involves promoting a mindset of
security awareness, training employees on best practices, and enforcing policies and procedures to ensure the ongoing
commitment to cybersecurity.
 Cybersecurity is a constantly evolving field due to the ever-changing threat landscape. It requires ongoing monitoring,
updating of security measures, and staying informed about emerging threats and vulnerabilities. By implementing robust
cybersecurity practices, organizations can safeguard their systems, networks, and sensitive data from malicious actors
and potential risks.
 Cyber security offers numerous benefits to individuals, organizations, and society as a whole. Here are some key benefits of
cyber security:
 Protection of Confidentiality: Cybersecurity measures safeguard the confidentiality of sensitive information. By
implementing strong access controls, encryption, and secure data handling practices, cybersecurity prevents unauthorized
access to confidential data, such as personal information, financial records, trade secrets, and intellectual property.
 Preservation of Integrity: Cybersecurity ensures the integrity of data and systems. It prevents unauthorized modifications,
alterations, or tampering of data, ensuring that information remains accurate, trustworthy, and reliable. By maintaining data
integrity, cybersecurity helps prevent fraud, data corruption, and unauthorized changes to critical systems.
 Assurance of Availability: Cybersecurity measures help maintain the availability of systems and services. By protecting
against denial-of-service attacks, system failures, or disruptions caused by cyber threats, cybersecurity ensures that systems,
networks, and services remain accessible and operational. This is particularly important for critical infrastructure,
healthcare services, financial systems, and emergency response systems.
 Business Continuity and Resilience: Effective cybersecurity practices contribute to business continuity and resilience. By
implementing robust backup and disaster recovery measures, organizations can recover quickly from cyber incidents or
natural disasters, minimizing downtime and ensuring the continuity of operations.
 Protection of Reputation and Trust: Cybersecurity protects the reputation and trust of individuals and organizations. By
safeguarding customer data, preventing data breaches, and demonstrating a commitment to security, organizations can build
trust with their customers, partners, and stakeholders.
 Compliance with Regulations and Standards: Cybersecurity helps organizations comply with industry-specific
regulations and standards. Adhering to regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, and others ensures that organizations
protect sensitive data, maintain privacy, and meet legal obligations.
 Mitigation of Financial Losses: Cybersecurity helps mitigate financial losses associated with cyber incidents. The
costs of data breaches, system downtime, legal liabilities, and reputational damage can be significant.
 Protection of Intellectual Property: Cybersecurity safeguards intellectual property (IP) from theft, unauthorized
access, or disclosure. For businesses and innovators, protecting IP is crucial for maintaining a competitive advantage
and preserving the value of their creations.
 Safeguarding Critical Infrastructure: Cybersecurity plays a vital role in protecting critical infrastructure, such as
power grids, transportation systems, healthcare facilities, and communication networks. By securing these systems,
cybersecurity helps prevent disruptions that could have far-reaching societal and economic consequences.
 Promotion of Trustworthy Digital Environment: Overall, cybersecurity contributes to the creation of a trustworthy
digital environment. It fosters trust in online transactions, e-commerce, digital communication, and the overall digital
ecosystem. By ensuring the security and privacy of digital interactions, cybersecurity promotes the growth and
adoption of digital technologies.
 These benefits highlight the essential role of cybersecurity in protecting individuals, organizations, and society from
cyber threats, enabling secure and reliable digital interactions, and fostering trust in the digital world.
3D printing
 also known as additive manufacturing, is an emerging technology that enables the creation of three-dimensional objects by
layering materials in a controlled manner based on a digital model or design.
 Process and Techniques: 3D printing involves a layer-by-layer fabrication process. It starts with creating a digital 3D
model using computer-aided design (CAD) software or by scanning an existing object using 3D scanners. The digital
model is then sliced into thin cross-sectional layers, and the 3D printer builds the object layer by layer, usually by
selectively depositing or curing materials.
 Various 3D printing techniques exist, including:
 Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) or Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF): This technique uses a thermoplastic filament that
is melted and extruded through a nozzle to create the object layer by layer
 Stereo lithography (SLA): SLA uses a liquid resin that is solidified layer by layer using a UV laser or other light sources.
 Selective Laser Sintering (SLS): SLS employs a laser to selectively fuse powdered materials, such as plastics, metals, or
ceramics, to create the object
 Digital Light Processing (DLP): Similar to SLA, DLP uses a light source, typically a projector, to solidify liquid resin layer
by layer.
 Applications and Impact: 3D printing has a wide range of applications across various industries:
 Prototyping and Product Development: 3D printing allows rapid prototyping, enabling designers and engineers to quickly
iterate and test designs before mass production. It reduces development time and costs.
 Manufacturing and Production: 3D printing is increasingly used for small-batch or customized production, eliminating the
need for traditional manufacturing processes, such as molding or machining. It enables on-demand manufacturing and
reduces inventory
 Healthcare and Biomedical Applications: 3D printing has revolutionized healthcare, enabling the creation of patient-
specific implants, prosthetics, anatomical models for surgical planning, and even organs and tissues for transplantation
research.
 Aerospace and Automotive Industries: 3D printing is used to produce lightweight and complex components, reducing
weight, improving fuel efficiency, and enabling design optimization.
 Architecture and Construction: 3D printing is explored for building construction, allowing the creation of complex
architectural structures and even entire houses using concrete or other construction materials.
 Education and Research: 3D printing is increasingly integrated into educational curricula, enabling hands-on learning and
fostering creativity. It also supports research in materials science, engineering, and other fields.
 Advantages and Challenges: 3D printing offers several advantages as an emerging technology:
 Design Freedom and Complexity: 3D printing enables the creation of highly complex geometries that are challenging or
impossible to manufacture using traditional methods. It allows designers to push the boundaries of what is possible.
 Customization and Personalization: 3D printing facilitates the production of customized and personalized products,
tailoring them to specific individual needs or preferences.
 Waste Reduction and Sustainability: Additive manufacturing is inherently more resource-efficient than subtractive
processes, as it minimizes waste by using only the necessary materials. It has the potential to contribute to more sustainable
manufacturing practices.
 Distributed Manufacturing: 3D printing enables decentralized and on-demand production, reducing the need for global
supply chains and allowing localized manufacturing.
 However, there are also challenges associated with 3D printing, including:
 Material Limitations: The range of materials available for 3D printing is expanding, but there are still limitations
compared to traditional manufacturing processes. Some materials may have limited strength, durability, or heat
resistance.
 Quality Control and Certification: Ensuring consistent quality and meeting industry standards and certifications can be
challenging in 3D printing, particularly as the technology advances and new materials and processes are developed.
 Intellectual Property and Legal Concerns: The ease of reproducing objects using 3D printing raises concerns about
intellectual property infringement and the need for updated legal frameworks to address these issues.
 As an emerging technology, 3D printing holds significant promise and continues to evolve and advance. It has the
potential to transform manufacturing, healthcare, design, and other industries by offering new possibilities for
customization, efficiency, and innovation.
,

THANKS

END OF CHAPTER