Technology trends to track in the COVID-19 pandemic

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Technology trends to track in the COVID-19 pandemic



1. Online Shopping and Robot Deliveries



2. Digital and Contactless Payments

Cash might carry the virus, now, contactless digital payments, either in the form of cards or e-wallets, are the recommended payment method to avoid the spread of COVID-19. Digital payments enable people to make online purchases and payments of goods, services and even utility payments, as well as to receive stimulus funds faster. Contactless digital payments can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and keep business flowing

3. Remote Work

Many companies have asked employees to work from home. Remote work is enabled by technologies including CRM Softwares, voice over internet protocols (VoIP), virtual meetings, cloud technology, work collaboration tools and even facial recognition technologies that enable a person to appear before a virtual background to preserve the privacy of the home. In addition to preventing the spread of viruses, remote work also saves commute time and provides more flexibility. Will COVID-19 make working from home the norm?

4. Distance Learning

Many educational institutions started offering courses online to ensure education was not disrupted by quarantine measures. Technologies involved in distant learning are similar to those for remote work and also include Learning Management Systems (LMS).

5. Telehealth


6. Online Entertainment

Although quarantine measures have reduced in-person interactions significantly, human creativity has brought the party online. Online streaming of platforms such as Netflix have gain traction around the world. s. There has also been a surge in online gaming traffic since the outbreak. 

7. Robotics and Drones

COVID-19 makes the world realize how heavily we rely on human interactions to make things work. Labour-intensive businesses, such as retail, food, manufacturing and logistics are the worst hit.COVID-19 provided a strong push to roll out the usage of robots and research on robotics. In recent weeks, robots have been used to disinfect areas and to deliver food to those in quarantine. Drones have walked dogs and delivered items. 

A robot helps doctors treat COVID-19 patients in hard-hit Italy. While there are some reports that predict many manufacturing jobs will be replaced by robots in the future, at the same time, new jobs will be created in the process. Policies must be in place to provide sufficient training and social welfare to the labour force to embrace the change.

8. 5G and Information and Communications Technology (ICT)

All the aforementioned technology trends rely on a stable, high-speed and affordable internet. The adoption of 5G will increase the cost of compatible devices and the cost of data plans. Addressing these issues to ensure inclusive access to the internet will continue to be a challenge as the 5G network expands globally.COVID-19 shows that as the 5G network expands globally, we need to ensure inclusive access.The importance of digital readiness

COVID-19 has demonstrated the importance of digital readiness, which allows business and life to continuing as usual as much as possible during pandemics. Building the necessary infrastructure to support a digitized world and stay current in the latest technology will be essential for any business or country to remain competitive in a post-COVID-19 world, as well as take a human-centred and inclusive approach to technology governance.