Trends Identified

Bio Computing – Using Nature‘s Computation
One way to solve the limits of current miniaturization is to use biological molecules for computing. Biological computing uses synthesized biological components – mostly DNA – to store and manipulate data, analogous to processes in the human body. It computes by using enzymes that react with DNA strands. Biological computing allows very small and fast and potentially paralell computing process, with great accuracy and unmatched energy efficiency. The first DNA based computer was launched in 2002 but the technology is still in very early prototype stage, with the MIT being one of the most prolific research institutes. Present barriers result in low accuracy, the need for new methodologies, and interoperability issues with other computing systems. Use cases would be ID cards, DNA chips, cryptography, and genetic programming.
2018
Trend Report 2018 - Emerging Technology Trends
SAP
4D Printing – Shape-Shifting and Dynamic Materials
In 4D printing, invented by MIT Self-Assembly Lab, the material used has dynamic capability and can change function, color, confirmation or properties, when certain qualities are changed, such as chemical, electronics, particulates or nanomaterials. The application of 4D printing will allow a completely new and re-design of currently used materials. Shape-shifting materials could disrupt many industries. The technology is in very early prototyping stage with an evolving intellectual property landscape with over 10 years before this technology becomes mainstream. Shape-shifting materials have already been leveraged in the automotive, aerospace, defense and medical industries. Further examples are transformable tissues that can support cell growth or NASA’s space chain mail, which can flexibly create a shield in space. Challenges are to obtain the exact shape-shifting results as designed and well as modeling the geometries, determining interactions for changing states and calculating the energy.
2018
Trend Report 2018 - Emerging Technology Trends
SAP
Responsive Housing Technology
[Definition] Eco-friendly housing with spatial/functional/lighting variability to actively manage risks from outside and respond to user needs, using IoT-based intelligent flooring, active sensor and display technology. [Application]. User-customized housing in which lighting or flooring responds to the preferences, emotions and activities of users. Resolves safety issues caused by the increase in the number of single-person households and elderly, while providing a more convenient residential environment to the users
2018
KISTEP 10 Emerging Technologies 2018
South Korea, Korea Institute of S&T Evaluation and Planning (KISTEP)
Life-log Virtual Assistant Software Technology
[Definition] Intelligent Virtual Assistant software technology which accumulates knowledge and provides customized services by analyzing life-log data (daily lives, health conditions and behavioral patterns of the individual). [Application]. Is being developed into a problem-solving agent which deals with various needs and provides solutions in reflection of one’s life pattern, through convergence with AI, voice recognition, smart home, and autonomous vehicle
2018
KISTEP 10 Emerging Technologies 2018
South Korea, Korea Institute of S&T Evaluation and Planning (KISTEP)
Smart Tattoo Technology
[Definition]. Adhesive biometrics monitoring sensor (patch or tattoo type) involving a thin layer of electric circuit that includes sensors to monitor health condition and memory chips. [Application]. Enables convenient self-diagnosis without having to collect blood with color changing tatoos based on blood glucose level. Can also be used as a wearable storage/control device through which the stored information can be loaded or music can be played by scanning the tattoo image.
2018
KISTEP 10 Emerging Technologies 2018
South Korea, Korea Institute of S&T Evaluation and Planning (KISTEP)
Soft Robot Technology
[Definition] Robots manufactured with soft and flexible material, in contrast to traditional robots made with hard and rigid material. [Application]. Offers better flexibility and shock resistance compared to normal robots built with steel, and can be used in a more diverse environments which require physical interaction with humans.
2018
KISTEP 10 Emerging Technologies 2018
South Korea, Korea Institute of S&T Evaluation and Planning (KISTEP)
Connected Car Technology
[Definition] Future human-friendly vehicle infrastructure and mobility technology which allows vehicles to recognize the surrounding environment, minimize driver fatigue through autonomous control, and provide safe driving and connected services through the convergence of hi-tech sensors, information technology and intelligent control. [Application]. Enables real-time interactive communication with road network system, providing automatic collision alarm, speeding and safety alarm, ideal route navigation, and intelligent transportation systems (ITS).
2018
KISTEP 10 Emerging Technologies 2018
South Korea, Korea Institute of S&T Evaluation and Planning (KISTEP)
Modular Public Transportation System
[Definition]. Automatically assembled block-type transportation system operated based on smart technologies including IoT, remote control and autonomous driving. [Application]. Enables door-to-door transportation of the elderly, disabled and vulnerable. Modules can be assembled or disassembled to assume the form of taxi (up to 3 passengers), van (up to 6) or bus (dozens).
2018
KISTEP 10 Emerging Technologies 2018
South Korea, Korea Institute of S&T Evaluation and Planning (KISTEP)
Wireless Power Transfer Technology
[Definition] Technology which allows wireless power transfer to fixed/mobile devices in the same space using WiFi hotspot. [Application]. Enhances the usability of smart products and services by conveniently supplying power to mobile phones, home appliances, wearable devices and IoT sensors.
2018
KISTEP 10 Emerging Technologies 2018
South Korea, Korea Institute of S&T Evaluation and Planning (KISTEP)
Smart Farm Technology
[Definition]. Technology which controls the entire process of agriculture, livestock and fisheries industries in an intelligent manner and enhances productivity, efficiency and stability based on information and communication technology. [Application]. Resolves safety issues in the entire process of food production, distribution and consumption, and contributes to alleviating the qualitative and quantitative polarization of food resources through enhancement of productivity and efficiency.
2018
KISTEP 10 Emerging Technologies 2018
South Korea, Korea Institute of S&T Evaluation and Planning (KISTEP)