(BPT) - The world around you is changing. Technology is transforming how people live, from the cars they drive to the appliances they use in their homes to the services they rely on every day. But this is only the first wave of technology transformation. Are you ready for the second wave?
"The promise of artificial intelligence and the machine economy is limitless," said Kevin Dallas, president and CEO at software company Wind River. "Software-driven digital transformations that can harness the power of data at the right time and place will dominate the future in every industry. This elevates society to achieve more while keeping people safer and healthier."
One broadly recognized example is how technology enables self-driving vehicles. Not only are they capable on the roads and help people save time, they can also have predictive intelligence that, for instance, anticipates and fixes problems before they arise. Just imagine a car that notifies you of a weak wheel rim before you get a flat tire that may very well cause a dangerous accident that would impact you and others.
Personal vehicles are just one example. The automotive and transportation industry as a whole will be transformed by a new class of intelligent systems, especially the various machines at the edges of the network that directly engage with humans or objects in the real world. Self-driving trucks and autonomous trains can help solve supply chain woes with connected devices and sensors that monitor timing and inventory, communicating continuously with manufacturing organizations. As more people rely on technology to get what they need at the exact time and place it's needed, this becomes essential.
Of course benefits go beyond simple conveniences like getting your favorite coffee delivered to your door. Consider emergency services and how technology can help them better serve society. Think of the relief when an ambulance arrives faster and with the necessary supplies to help as efficiently and effectively as possible. Then that ambulance safely transports you to the hospital, while staff are monitoring your vital signs and remotely sharing diagnostic data about your vital signs in real time in order for medical professionals to be ready to treat you accurately and immediately as you arrive at the hospital.
"A software-defined future provides nearly endless possibilities that can benefit all," said Dallas. "The second wave of digital transformation is the migration from the IT world to the operational technology world, meaning the infrastructure in the physical world around us. Intelligent machines fueled by advanced software can transform how we all live."
Increasingly intelligent machines will be autonomous systems that operate with little or no human intervention, which often saves time and money. According to PWC, the machine economy populated by intelligent systems will make up to 70% of gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the global economy between now and 2030, with approximately $15 trillion in the U.S. alone.
"In this evolving economy, intelligent systems at the edge can increase the volume, type and quality of work that is possible in every industry. Organizations in both the public and private sectors should learn more about the digital transformation era and plan to invest in the software necessary to realize their full potential," said Dallas.
To learn more about how software can define the future of technology visit WindRiver.com/Intelligent-Systems.