Emerging Technologies

and Issues

Lecture 02
Dr. Qudrattullah Omerkhel
q u dratt ul la h20 1 4@g ma i l . co m

5/18/2025
Summary of Previous Lecture
The Fourth Industrial Revolution

Emerging Technologies

Uneven Global Adoption of Industrial Revolutions

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Today’s Lecture
Drivers of the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Physical
Digital
Biological

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Objectives
To explore the key drivers shaping this revolution: physical, digital,
and biological.
To examine real-world technologies and innovations within each
driver.
To understand the interdisciplinary impact of these drivers on
industries and daily life.
To foster critical thinking about the future of technology and its
societal implications.

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Learning Outcomes
1. Identify and describe the three main drivers: physical, digital, and
biological.
2. Explain how each driver is influencing technological and societal
change.
3. Provide examples of technologies or innovations under each
driver category.
4. Analyze the impact of these drivers on their field of study or
industry of interest.

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Drivers of the Fourth Industrial Revolution
The Fourth Industrial Revolution is driven by various emerging
technologies.

These technologies influence the power of digitization and

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Megatrends
All technological innovations rely on digital power.

For example, gene sequencing relies on computing power and data

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Megatrends
Three main clusters of technological drivers:

◦ Physical
◦ Digital
◦ Biological

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Physical Megatrends
The most visible technological advancements.

Key physical megatrends:

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Autonomous Vehicles
 Driverless cars are the most known example.
Other autonomous machines include:
◦ Trucks
◦ Drones
◦ Aircraft
◦ Boats
Applications:
◦ Delivery (medical supplies, agriculture, infrastructure inspection).
◦ Drones used in precision farming for efficient use of resources.

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3D Printing
 Also known as Additive Manufacturing.
Creates objects layer by layer from a digital model.
Benefits:
◦ Customization
◦ Waste reduction
Applications:
◦ Automotive, aerospace, and medical industries.
◦ Future innovations: 4D Printing (self-altering materials).

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Advanced Robotics
Robots are now used in multiple sectors, not just manufacturing.
Key advancements:
◦ Human-machine collaboration.
◦ Cloud-connected robots sharing data.
◦ Biomimicry-based designs.
Applications:
◦ Precision agriculture
◦ Healthcare
◦ Household tasks

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New Materials
Emerging materials are lighter, stronger, and more adaptive.
Examples:
◦ Graphene: 200x stronger than steel, ultra-thin, and conductive.
◦ Smart materials: Self-healing, self-cleaning.
◦ Metals with memory: Return to original shape.
Potential impact:
◦ Revolutionizing industries like manufacturing, electronics, and infrastructure.
◦ Enhancing sustainability and recyclability.

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Digital
Digital power enhances all innovations.
IoT connects the physical and digital worlds.
Sensors and smart devices collect data in real-time.
Impact on supply chains, infrastructure, and healthcare.
Example:

Smart tracking of shipments using RFID and sensors.

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Blockchain Technology
A secure, decentralized digital ledger.
Removes the need for a central authority.
Potential applications:
 Today: Cryptocurrency transactions (e.g., Bitcoin).
 Future: Secure records for identity, healthcare, and supply chains.
Example:
Honduras uses blockchain for land title management.

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The On-Demand Economy
Platforms connect supply and demand efficiently.

Example platforms:
 Uber: No owned vehicles, yet the biggest taxi service.
 Airbnb: No real estate, yet the largest accommodation provider.
 Facebook: The world’s most popular media owner, creates no content.
 Alibaba: The most valuable retailer, has no inventory.

The question: What is worth owning—the platform or the asset?

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Biological Innovations
Genetic sequencing and editing are advancing rapidly.

Then: Human Genome Project ($2.7 billion, 13 years).

Now: Genome sequencing in hours for under $1,000.

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The Future of Medicine
Personalized healthcare based on genetic data.

AI-driven medical analysis (e.g., IBM Watson).

Gene editing (e.g., CRISPR) for disease treatment.

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Ethical & Social Challenges
Designer babies and genetic modifications.
Data privacy in medical and digital domains.
Regulation struggles in emerging technologies.

Discussion Question:
How should society regulate these advancements?

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The Role of Academia & Industry
Universities focus on conservative research due to funding
limitations.

Tech companies attract top researchers (e.g., Uber hiring from

Need for increased funding and industry-academia collaboration.

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Conclusion

Physical, Digital, and Biological Drivers shape the future.

◦ Physical: IoT, automation, and infrastructure advancements.

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Conclusion
These advancements redefine industries and societies.
Ethical considerations and regulations must evolve alongside
innovation.
Collaboration between governments, industries, and academia is
essential.
The future depends on responsible innovation and sustainable
development.

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Summary of Today’s Lecture
Drivers of the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Physical
Digital
Biological

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Thank You
FOR YOUR PATIENCE