Introduction
Computers are some of the most important inventions of the modern world. They have revolutionised the way we live, work, and communicate. They have transformed many aspects of our daily lives, from the way we access information and communicate with others, to the way we conduct business and control our homes. Computers are electronic devices that process and store data using complex algorithms and software programs. They can perform a wide range of tasks, from simple arithmetic calculations to complex simulations and data analysis. The ability of computers to process vast amounts of information quickly and accurately has made them indispensable in many industries, including finance, healthcare, and education.
The future of computers
The world of computers is a rapidly evolving field with huge potential. With continued advancements in technology, computers are becoming increasingly miniaturised, intelligent, and integrated into every aspect of daily life. The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning, the popularity of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, and hardware revolutions like virtual reality and 3D printing all point to the promising growth of computers in the future. Here are some of the future trends in the computing world.
1. The use of graphene-based transistors in future computers
A transistor is a basic building block of electronic circuits and is responsible for controlling the flow of electricity in a circuit. In traditional computer transistors, silicon is used as the semiconducting material. However, silicon is reaching its limits in terms of miniaturisation and performance, making it difficult to continue advancing the capabilities of computers of the future. Graphene, on the other hand, has a much higher electron mobility compared to silicon, making it a promising alternative material for transistors. However, the economic feasibility of this solution is yet to be tested (Source: Smithsonian).
Graphene is a two-dimensional material made of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. Its unique properties, such as high electrical conductivity, high mechanical strength, and high thermal conductivity, make it a promising material for a wide range of applications in various fields, including electronics. The high electron mobility of graphene allows for faster switching speeds, which translates into faster and more efficient computers. Additionally, graphene has a high thermal conductivity, which helps to dissipate heat more efficiently and reduces the risk of overheating and component failure. Graphene is also an extremely thin and flexible material, making it ideal for use in flexible and wearable electronics.
Despite its many benefits, there are still several technical challenges that need to be overcome before graphene-based transistors can become a feasible replacement for silicon in future computers. First and foremost, controlling the flow of electrons in graphene is a major challenge. In traditional silicon transistors, the flow of electrons is controlled by introducing impurities into the semiconducting material. However, in graphene, controlling the flow of electrons is much more challenging, as graphene is an elemental material with no impurities.
The scalability of graphene-based transistors is currently not economically feasible. It is difficult to produce large quantities of high-quality graphene at a reasonable cost, which makes it nearly impossible to integrate graphene into existing electronics manufacturing processes. Additionally, compatible processing and fabrication technologies must be developed from scratch to make graphene-based transistors a reality. Only time will tell if graphene will replace silicon in the future.
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2. Quantum Computing Evolution
Quantum computing is an emerging field of computing that has the potential to revolutionise computing and information processing. Unlike traditional computers, which rely on binary digits (bits) to process information, quantum computers use quantum bits (qubits) to perform calculations. At its core, quantum computing relies on the principles of quantum mechanics, which describe the behaviour of matter and energy at the atomic and subatomic levels. One of the key features of quantum mechanics is superposition, which allows quantum bits to exist in multiple states simultaneously. This is in stark contrast to classical bits, which can only exist in one of two states (0 or 1). Another important principle of quantum mechanics is quantum entanglement, which allows quantum bits to be correlated with each other even when they are separated by large distances.
Quantum computing has the potential to perform certain calculations much faster than traditional computers. For example, certain types of cryptography algorithms can be solved much more quickly on a quantum computer compared to a classical computer. Additionally, quantum computers can perform parallel processing, which allows them to process multiple tasks at the same time.
Despite its many benefits, there are still several technical challenges that need to be overcome before quantum computing can be used. One big challenge is the issue of quantum decoherence, which refers to the loss of coherence in a quantum system over time. This can cause errors in the computation and make it difficult to obtain accurate results. The development of practical and scalable quantum hardware is also a major challenge. At present, quantum computers are relatively small and have limited capabilities (Source: Scientific American). Hence, they are unfit for real-world applications. Along with the hardware, the development of optimised software and algorithms for quantum computing is largely unexplored.
3. DNA Data Storage Technology in future computers
DNA data storage technology is a rapidly evolving field with the potential to revolutionise data storage and information processing in the future. Unlike traditional data storage methods, which rely on electronic or magnetic media, DNA data storage uses the naturally occurring genetic material found in all living organisms to store information. DNA is an incredibly dense and stable molecule that can store vast amounts of information in a tiny space. All the genetic information necessary to create a human being can fit into a single cell! This remarkable property of DNA makes it an ideal candidate for data storage, as it offers a much higher density of information storage compared to traditional data storage methods. According to some researchers, the entire world's yearly data storage needs can be met with a cubic metre of powdered DNA of E.coli (Source: Scientific American)
DNA data storage also has better longevity. Unlike traditional data storage methods, which can become obsolete or lose data over time, DNA data can remain stable and readable for hundreds or even thousands of years. This makes it ideal for archival and long-term data storage, where the preservation of information is critical. DNA data is highly resistant to tampering or corruption, making it difficult for unauthorised access or information alteration. DNA data is also immune to electromagnetic interference, which makes it ideal for use in environments where electromagnetic radiation is a serious health concern.
Despite so many benefits, there are still several technical challenges to overcome before DNA data storage can be used in a practical sense. The biggest challenge is the cost of synthesising and reading DNA data. Currently, the process of synthesising DNA is still relatively expensive and time-consuming, making it difficult to use for large-scale data storage! Additionally, as the technology is in its infancy, the development of efficient and reliable methods for reading DNA data is also necessary to make this technology a reality. The development of appropriate software and algorithms for DNA data storage. Unlike traditional data storage methods, which use binary code, DNA data storage uses a four-letter code (A, C, G, and T) to represent the genetic information. The development of appropriate software and algorithms that can process this information efficiently is necessary to take full advantage of the benefits of DNA data storage.
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4. The impact of Artificial Intelligence on future computers
Artificial intelligence (AI) is arguably one of the most exciting and rapidly evolving fields in technology today. With the advent of machine learning and deep learning algorithms, computers are now capable of performing tasks that were once thought to be the exclusive domain of humans. As an example of the scale of the invention in AI, 2,300 out of 9,130 patents received by IBM inventors in 2021, were AI-related (Source: BuiltIn). AI can now recognise patterns, make decisions, and even translate languages without human supervision. AI will give machines the ability to learn and adapt. With machine learning algorithms, future computers will be able to process vast amounts of data and identify patterns that were previously unheard of. This will enable them to make predictions and decisions that are more accurate and informed than ever before. As AI algorithms continue to improve, computers will become better at understanding the context and meaning behind the data they process, allowing them to make more sophisticated decisions.
AI can also be used to perform tasks that are too complex or dangerous for humans. For example, AI algorithms could be used to control autonomous vehicles, which would reduce the risk of accidents and make transportation safer and more efficient as we witness the evolution of self-driving vehicles. AI algorithms could be used in healthcare to identify diseases and predict patient outcomes, allowing doctors to make more informed decisions and improve patient care. Moreover, AI has the potential to transform the way we interact with technology. With the advent of natural language processing and computer vision, computers will be able to understand and respond to human speech and gestures, making them more intuitive and user-friendly. This will have a significant impact on the way we interact with technology in our daily lives, making it more accessible and convenient for everyone.
For all the benefits of AI, potential risks also come along with the package. The main concern is the impact of AI on employment and, thus, on the economy. As machines become more capable, there is a risk that they will replace human workers, leading to job losses and economic displacement. There are also other concerns about the ethical implications of AI, particularly concerning its use in military and law enforcement applications.
5. The possible evolution of Photonic Computers
The concept of photonic computer systems is an exciting one, even though they are not yet in existence. The fundamental idea behind this technology is to use photons instead of electricity to perform computations. Since electrons can only travel at a certain speed, whereas photons travel at the speed of light, it is theoretically possible to create a computer system capable of handling information at the speed of light. Recently, researchers from IBM and the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology developed a functioning photonic switch that could replace silicon-based transistors (Source: Nature). By operating on photons, photonic computers could be thousands of times faster than today's binary supercomputers and require less energy to operate. In the next three decades, this technology could mature to the point where we may see level-five autonomous vehicles. At this level of autonomy, a vehicle could operate itself without human oversight and entirely off the grid. This could be achieved by squeezing a tiny photonic computer into a car that uses significantly less energy while producing 100 to 1,000 times more power than its traditional counterpart.
Conclusion
The development of new computer technologies such as graphene-based transistors, quantum computers, photonic computers, DNA data storage, and AI computing is likely to shape the future of computing. Graphene-based transistors have the potential to increase the speed and efficiency of data processing, while quantum computers can perform complex calculations at an exponential rate and solve problems that classical computers cannot. Photonic computers can handle information at the speed of light by using photons instead of electricity, potentially making them thousands of times faster than current supercomputers. DNA data storage could provide a more compact and durable way of storing and accessing data. AI computing, meanwhile, is rapidly evolving to provide more intelligent and autonomous systems that can learn and adapt to new situations. These advancements in computer technology could revolutionise various fields, including healthcare, transportation, and finance, among others, creating new opportunities and challenges for businesses, governments, and individuals.
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Citations
Fawn Fitter, Dan Wellers. “6 Surprising Innovations for the Future of Computing | SAP Insights.” SAP, www.sap.com/insights/viewpoints/6-surprising-innovations-for-the-future-of-computing.html. Accessed 08 Feb. 2023.
Greene, Tristan. “The 4 Computer Systems of the Future (and What We’ll Use Them For).” TNW | Neural, 3 Nov. 2021, https:/thenextweb.com/news/4-computer-systems-future-what-well-use-them-for.