In today’s society we constantly struggle with our work life balance. A longer working life and the dominance of smartphones means modern society works longer, harder and without any of the stability enjoyed by our parents. Of course, the truth is that ever since man stepped out of the cave working life has been a struggle. However, if recent research is any indicator our future work place may be something we can finally get excited about.
- Depth Perception
Depth perception sensors are the natural inheritors to touchscreen technology allowing for an even easier user navigation. The sensors are placed in cameras, embedded in computers and will mean our gestures will replace our touch. It is a far cleaner and slicker operating method. And for those of us who are tired of catching an inevitable cold every winter this may well be the answer to your prayers. Alongside this is the advances that are being made in voice recognition software, which should allow for audio control over your device. With the flick of a hand and a simple voice command, your working day just got that bit easier.
- Robots
Robots have always been feared – whether they come dressed as Arnie Schwarzenegger or encased in the more traditional metal, humans are pretty edgy around these forms of the future. And yet, they are still being designed, manufactured and tested. In fact, at a recent forum, “The Future of the Workforce: How the Robotics Revolution will shape the Employment and Labour Law Landscape” (now say that three times fast) it was predicted that by 2025 half the jobs in the United States will be performed by intelligent systems. The jury is out on whether they will help or hinder our employment cycle. A study at the University of Oxford predicts that automation will place 47% of jobs in the U.S at “high risk,” whilst optimists view the inevitable transition as a displacement that will see workers move from one industry to easier and more stimulating alternatives.
- Motion sensors
Smartwatches arrived with a bang. Which was quickly deafened by low sales figures and an unexcited consumer. The smartwatch was not what it was meant to be, no more convenient than the phone only with a teeny tiny screen it filed to catch our imagination. However, an addition is about to be released on Kickstarter that could change the game. The Aria add on band measures movement in the wrist allowing you to control the smartwatch with finger gestures. It is unlikely that this will be compatible with the Apple watch, but used rather with Pebble Time and the android.
- Flexible screens
Technology may be portable, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t often extremely bulky. Carrying around a laptop, can by the end of the day, result in some stiff necks and tender backs. However, a new flexible screen could well change the future for chiropractors everywhere, allowing viewers to roll up a screen inside a cylinder, once connected to Wi-Fi it would act like any other screen – except so much better.
- Smart Spaces
Many offices already have sensors that control lighting, but this could be taken even further. In the next few years offices will be increasingly managed by sensors – helping provide the optimum temperature, humidity for your perfect working day. There is even the possibility that a sensor in your desk chair could detect back tension and then signal for your chair to give you a massage. Making your work day that much easier.
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