Evolution of Technology

Technology has advanced in stages, each bringing major changes to

society, industry, and the economy. These stages are often called
Industrial Revolutions:
1. First Industrial Revolution (Industry 1.0) – Late 18th century
(1760s–1840s)

 Powered by steam engines and mechanical production.

 Industries shifted from manual labor to machine-based
manufacturing.
 Key innovations: steam engine, textile machines, railways, iron
production.
 Impact: Faster production, growth of factories, urbanization.

2. Second Industrial Revolution (Industry 2.0) – Late 19th century

(1870s–1914)

 Powered by electricity, steel, and mass production techniques.

 Introduction of assembly line production (Henry Ford’s car
industry).
 Key innovations: electricity, telephone, light bulb, internal
combustion engine.
 Impact: Cheaper and faster production, global trade expansion,
rise of big industries.

3. Third Industrial Revolution (Industry 3.0) – Mid 20th century (1970s

onwards)
  Powered by computers, electronics, and automation.
 Production became more efficient with robots and computer-
controlled machines.
 Key innovations: computers, microprocessors, internet,
automation, space technology.
 Impact: Information age, globalization, digital economy.

4. Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) – 21st century (2000s–

present)

 Powered by cyber-physical systems, smart technology, and digital

integration.
 Focus is on connecting digital, physical, and biological worlds.
 Key innovations:
 Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Robotics and
Automation, Big Data & Analytics, Cloud Computing,
Blockchain,3D Printing,5G/6G networks, Augmented Reality (AR) /
Virtual Reality (VR).
 Impact: Smart factories, personalized healthcare, autonomous
cars, digital business models.
 Example: Amazon’s automated warehouses, Tesla’s self-driving
cars, Smart Cities.
Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0)
The Fourth Industrial Revolution, also known as 4IR, or Industry 4.0,[1]
is a neologism describing rapid technological advancement in the 21 st
century.[2] It follows the Third Industrial Revolution (the “Information
Age”). The term was popularised in 2016 by Klaus Schwab, the World
Economic Forum founder and former executive chairman,[3][4][5][6][7]
who asserts that these developments represent a significant shift in
industrial capitalism.

What is industry 4.0 Technology?

Industry 4.0, also known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, is all about
making business smarter and more automated. Where the Third
Industrial Revolution focused on switching mechanical and analog
processes to digital ones, the Fourth Industrial Revolution focuses on
deepening the impact of our digital technologies by making our
machines more self-sufficient, able to “talk” to one another, and to
consider massive amounts of data in ways that humans simply can’t—
all in the name of efficiency and growth. Industry 4.0 technology
represents a foundational shift in how businesses operate, as
fundamental as the change from steam power to electricity in the
Second Industrial Revolution.
 Impact of 4.0 Industrial Revolution

 Industrial Impact: Transformation of traditional factories into

smart factories where machines communicate, automate tasks,
and self-monitor. This leads to higher efficiency, reduced errors,
cost savings, and increased productivity.
 Workforce Impact: Rising demand for digital skills, creativity, and
problem-solving abilities. At the same time, repetitive manual jobs
decline as automation and AI replace routine tasks.

 Political & Ethical Impact: Governments face challenges of

regulation, privacy, data security, and ethics in areas such as
genetic editing, AI-based decision making, and surveillance. There
is a growing need for policies to balance innovation with public
safety and rights.

Introduction to digital transformation in business

Digital transformation means using modern digital technologies

(like computers, the internet, mobile apps, cloud, AI, etc.) to
improve how a business works.

It is not only about using machines or software, but also about

changing the way a company provides services, manages work,
and connects with customers.

What is Digital Transformation in Business?

Digital transformation in business is the process of using digital
technologies to change how a company works, serves customers,
and creates value.
 It means moving from traditional methods (manual work,
paperwork, offline services) to modern digital methods
(automation, online services, data-driven decisions).

For example: A bank that once relied only on passbooks and

branch visits now provides mobile banking apps for easy access.

Features of Digital Transformation in Business

Technology Integration: It uses modern technologies like cloud

computing, AI, IoT, and data analytics in various business
operations.

Process Automation: Routine tasks are automated to save time,

reduce errors, and improve efficiency.

Customer-centric Approach: Focuses on providing personalized,

faster, and better services to customers.

Data-Driven Decision: Businesses use data and analytics to make

smarter and more accurate decisions.

Improved Efficiency & Productivity: Speeds up workflows &

reduces costs through digital tools

1. Enabling Technologies
Enabling technologies are the technological foundations that allow
digital transformation and Industry 4.0 to take shape. They don’t just
improve existing processes; they open entirely new possibilities for
products, services, and business models.

Here are the most important enabling technologies:

a) Cloud Computing

Cloud computing delivers computing resources—servers, storage,

databases, networking, and software—over the internet.

 How it enables transformation:

 Provides scalability (businesses can scale up or down quickly).

 Reduces cost (no need to invest in expensive on-site
infrastructure).
 Enables remote access and collaboration.

 Real-life examples:
 Netflix uses cloud computing to store movies and stream to
millions of users worldwide.
 Startups can launch apps without building data centers, simply
using AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud.
  Banks are shifting to cloud-based platforms to provide secure
mobile banking apps.

b) Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

AI refers to machines simulating human intelligence, while ML allows

systems to learn and improve from data without explicit programming.

 How it enables transformation:

 Automates tasks previously done by humans.
 Provides advanced analytics for better decision-making.
 Enhances customer experience through personalization.

 Real-life examples:

 Amazon uses AI for product recommendations.

 Healthcare: AI systems detect diseases in X-rays faster than
doctors.
 Chatbots (like airline support systems or food ordering bots)
reduce customer service costs.

c) Internet of Things (IoT)

IoT connects everyday physical devices to the internet so they can
collect and share data.

 How it enables transformation:

 Improves monitoring and maintenance of devices.
 Provides real-time data for decision-making.
 Makes environments smarter and more efficient.

 Real-life examples:

 Smart Homes: Devices like Amazon Alexa, Google Nest, or smart

refrigerators that notify when groceries are low.
 Industry: Sensors in factories predict equipment failures before
they happen (predictive maintenance).
 Agriculture: Soil sensors measure moisture to optimize irrigation
and increase crop yield.

d) Big Data and Analytics

Big Data refers to extremely large and complex datasets, while analytics
provides tools to extract meaningful insights.

 How it enables transformation:

 Identifies trends and patterns that humans cannot see.
  Supports evidence-based decision-making.
 Improves customer understanding.

 Real-life examples:

 Retail: Walmart processes petabytes of customer data daily to

manage supply chains.
 Healthcare: Hospitals use patient data to predict disease
outbreaks.
 Social Media: Platforms like Instagram and TikTok analyze user
data to customize feeds.

e) Robotics and Automation

Robotics involves machines performing physical tasks, while automation

is about reducing human intervention in processes.

 How it enables transformation:

 Increases efficiency and speed.
 Reduces human errors.
 Enhances productivity in industries.

 Real-life examples:
 Amazon warehouses use robotic arms and automated guided
vehicles to move goods.
 Car manufacturing (Tesla, BMW) uses robots for assembly lines.
  Restaurants in Japan use robots to serve food.

f) Blockchain

Blockchain is a distributed digital ledger technology known for its

security and transparency.

 How it enables transformation:

 Eliminates fraud through secure transactions.
 Ensures transparency in supply chains.
 Enables decentralized financial services.

 Real-life examples:
 Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
 Supply chain: Walmart uses blockchain to trace contaminated
food.
 Banking: Blockchain reduces fraud in cross-border payments.

g) 5G and Advanced Networks

5G offers extremely fast internet speeds and low latency, enabling real-
time connectivity.

 How it enables transformation:

 Powers smart cities and connected cars.
 Supports massive IoT networks.
  Enables immersive experiences like AR and VR.

 Real-life examples:
 Autonomous vehicles require 5G for safe real-time navigation.
 Remote surgery becomes possible with near-zero delays.
 Smart traffic management in cities like Seoul and Singapore.

Business technology adoption

Business technology adoption in the near future will focus on rapid
integration of AI-driven tools, cloud computing, and disruptive digital
systems that reshape operational models for greater efficiency and
innovation. Worldwide IT spending is projected to grow substantially,
especially on technologies that automate processes, enhance data-
driven decision-making, and deliver secure, scalable platforms.

Key Trends for 2025

Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI and machine learning are central to
automation and data analytics, transforming everything from customer
service to supply chain management. Generative AI, especially,
empowers creativity and operational agility, enabling businesses to
personalize content and streamline workflows.

Quantum Computing: Though still emerging, quantum technologies will

soon accelerate complex problem-solving in cryptography,
pharmaceuticals, and predictive analytics, offering new competitive
advantages.

Cloud Computing: There is a shift towards industry-specific cloud

solutions (“industry clouds”), supporting scalable, smart enterprise
operations and seamless remote collaboration.

Cybersecurity & Blockchain: Protecting digital assets and transitioning

to blockchain-based systems are top priorities, ensuring transparency,
trust, and resilience in business processes.

IoT (Internet of Things): IoT adoption will fuel real-time data insights
and automation in manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and energy.

AR/VR Technologies: Augmented and virtual reality are evolving quickly,

offering immersive experiences for training, marketing, and product
visualization—particularly in retail and real estate.

Industry and Business Model Impacts

Agentic Enterprises: Businesses are developing AI-powered agents and
bots to automate decision-making, customer consulting, and internal
processes, often extending legacy software lifecycles and shifting
investment into plug-and-play AI solutions rather than large
infrastructure upgrades.
  Hybrid Work & Digital Transformation: Most sectors are
prioritizing hybrid work environments, investing in collaboration
platforms, remote security, and digital upskilling. Spending on
digital transformation initiatives continues to surge, with logistics
and manufacturing leading adoption.

 Smart Machines & Robotics: Robotics and digital twins are being
deployed for predictive maintenance, production automation, and
enhanced operational monitoring.

 Data-Centered Business: The competitive edge increasingly lies

with organizations that standardize their data infrastructure,
enabling AI-powered experimentation and insights at scale.

IT Spending and Adoption Curve

Global IT spending is forecasted to reach $5.74 trillion (up 9.3% from
2024), as enterprises accelerate digital transformation plans. The most
impactful technologies generally follow an S-curve, moving from
frontier innovation, through experimentation and pilot phases, to wide-
scale adoption and mature integration.
Human Machine Interaction
HMI is a field study that refers to communication between the human
user and a computer system. Here, interface refers to a medium or
interaction between the computer and the end user. It is also known as
CHI or MMI. It is concerned with design, evaluation, and
implementation. It is used to provide a user-friendly environment.

Objective
Human users use digital devices to perform various activities. HCI is to
design a system in such a way that makes them efficient, suitable,
usable, and attainable (achievable).

Lack of communication can result in poor designed user interfaces.

Models are ways to reduce design time through various talk models.
There are some disciplines contributing to HMI.

Components of HMI

 User: Human who interacts with the machine.

 Machine/System: Computer, mobile, ATM, robot, etc.
 Interface: Medium that connects user and machine (screen,
keyboard, voice, gesture, etc.)

Use Cases of Human Computer Interaction

 Smart Homes
 Integration of communication technology for automation and
remote control.
  Control of air conditioning, heating, and lighting via voice
(speakers) or mobile apps.
 Home security systems with smart alert for burglary or unusual
activity.

 Biometric Sensors

 Integration of communication technology for automation and

remote control.
 Use of human biometrics (fingerprint, face, iris, voice) in
technology.
 Common in access control (unlocking smartphones, logging into
computer, or security systems).

Virtual Assistants
 Intelligent software agents that perform tasks or answer
questions.
 Examples: Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant.
 They interpret human speech and give voice outputs.

Introduction to programmable network

A programmable network is a type of computer network where the

behavior of network devices (such as routers, switches, and firewalls)
can be controlled by software, instead of being limited by fixed
hardware functions.
A programmable network is a type of computer network that can be
controlled using software instead of only relying on fixed hardware (like
routers and switches).
Router is a network device that connects different networks together
(like your home network to Internet).
Ex: Your wifi router connects your laptop/phone to the internet.

Switch
A switch is a device that connects multiple devices inside the same
network (like computers, printers, server).

In a programmable network, you can control the whole network from

one place using software, just like updating settings on your phone with
one app.

Why is it called “Programmable”?

Because you can write programs (or use software) to decide how the
network should work:

Where data should go

How traffic managed
How security rules are applied
Example
Imagine you run a big company with thousands of computers.

In a traditional network → you must go to each router/switch and set

rules manually.

In a programmable network → you just use one software, set the rules
once, and it applies everywhere automatically.

 Advantages of Programmable Network

 Flexibility: You can easily change network rules and functions

using software.
 Automation: No need to configure/setup/arrange or modify each
device manually, everything can be managed centrally.
 Cost Saving: Reduces the need for expensive/specialized
hardware.
 Scalability: Easy to expand the network as the business grows.
 Faster Deployment: New services & applications can be launched
quickly.
 Better Security: Security rules can be updated instantly across the
whole network.
  Disadvantages of Programmable Network

 Complexity: Requires skilled professionals to design & manage.

 Initial cost: Setting up programmable network can be expensive at
the start.
 Security Risks: If the central software is hacked, the whole
network can be affected.
 Dependency on software: If the controlled software fails, the
network may stop working.
 Compatibility issues: Not all old hardware supports
programmability.

Programmable devices

Programmable devices are hardware components that can be

configured, controlled, or updated through software instructions, rather
than being permanently fixed in function.
They allow flexibility, adaptability, and computing environments.

Examples:

Network devices: Routers, switches, firewalls with SDN support

IoT devices: Smart bulbs, sensors, thermostats
Embedded systems: Microcontrollers (Arduino, Raspberry Pi)
  Advantages of Programmable devices

 Flexibility
Same hardware can perform multiple roles (e.g., router acting as
firewall/load balancer)
 Cost Effective:
Updates via software reduce the need for new hardware purchases.
 Remote & centralized control
Network admin can configure devices from a central system.

 Scalability
Easily adapts to large, complex networks like cloud data centers.
 Faster customization
Can be programmed for specific tasks depending on organization needs.

 Disadvantages of Programmable Device

 Security Risks
If misconfigured or hacked, attackers can control the device.
 Complexity
Requires skilled administrators or programmers to manage.
  Dependency on software
Bugs or software crashes are often Can disrupt device functionality.
 Higher initial cost
Programmable devices are often more expensive than fixed-function
devices.
 Performance issues
May not match raw speed of dedicated hardware for every very high-
performance task.