What Are the 7 Must‑Know Tech Trends Shaping 2020?

Looking back at history as a series of inventions, the rise of the Internet has reshaped how people interact, turning Moore’s law into a societal law and accelerating technological progress.

In 2020, several key trends are reshaping enterprises and must be closely watched.

1. Hyper‑Automation

Hyper‑automation combines AI, machine learning, automation tools, and software packages to execute and improve repetitive tasks, reducing errors. It enables the creation of a digital twin of the organization (DTO), a virtual replica that visualizes, monitors, and analyzes performance to identify optimization opportunities.

2. Edge Computing

Gartner defines edge computing as a distributed topology where data processing occurs near the edge, close to where data is generated and consumed. By processing data nearer to its source, edge computing reduces latency, saves bandwidth, improves network performance, and offers security benefits, helping businesses scale.

3. Artificial Intelligence

AI has become a major innovation adopted by many enterprises to automate processes, enhance customer experience, and drive digital marketing. Companies use AI for drone and robot deliveries, virtual assistants, chatbots, predictive algorithms, and personalized e‑commerce, making the technology increasingly affordable for even small businesses.

4. Human Augmentation

Human augmentation enhances physical and cognitive abilities through devices such as electronic glasses, exoskeletons, and prosthetics, improving strength, endurance, and perception. Enterprises can leverage these technologies to make better decisions and increase productivity.

5. DARQ

DARQ—Distributed Ledger, Artificial Intelligence, Extended Reality, and Quantum Computing—represents four emerging technologies. According to Accenture, 89% of companies are testing at least one DARQ technology. For example, Volkswagen uses extended reality to train 10,000 employees for automotive warranty services.

6. Internet of Things (IoT)

IoT connects devices, sensors, and software to collect and exchange data. Gartner predicts over 21 billion IoT connections by 2020. The massive data generated requires robust AI capabilities and infrastructure for analysis, driving efficiency, comfort, energy savings, and safety across consumer and industrial applications.

7. Personalized Healthcare

With growing data access and technology, healthcare providers can deliver unprecedented personalized care. IoMT and AI enable devices and applications to share and analyze data, supporting precision medicine, remote monitoring, and predictive health management. By 2020, over 160 million healthcare IoT devices are expected, improving patient outcomes and reducing costs.

Beyond these trends, technologies such as multi‑experience platforms, virtual reality, and robotic process automation also merit attention.