Advanced Materials | Air Conditioners |
Aircraft | Analytics Platforms |
Architectural Technology | Artificial Intelligence |
Blockchain | Business Machines (e.g. manufacturing equipment) |
Business Systems / Systems Software | City Automation |
Cloud Computing | Computers |
Cosmetics | Cryptocurrency |
Cryptography | Data Storage Devices |
Databases | Digital Cameras |
Digital Twins | Drones |
Heating and Ventilation | Home Appliances |
Home Automation | Interior Fixtures (e.g. a modern toilet) |
Internet | Lab Technology |
Media Production Tools | Medical Technology |
Mixed Reality | Mobile Apps |
Mobile Devices | Modern Chemicals |
Modern Clothing | Modern Footwear |
Musical Instruments (e.g. a synthesizer) | Navigational Systems |
Nuclear Power | Office Productivity Software |
Personal / Home Electronics | Printers / 3d Printers |
Robotics | Rockets |
Satellites | Scientific Instruments |
Sensors | Smart Phones |
Social Media | Solar Panels |
Spacecraft | Sporting Goods |
Streaming Media | Surveillance Technologies |
Tablets | Televisions |
Toiletries | Tools / Power Tools |
Toys | Vehicles |
Video Game Consoles | Video Games |
Virtual Reality | Voice Recognition |
Wifi | Wind Turbines |
What is Modern?
Technically speaking, the modern-era starts around the year 1500. However, the term modern technology is usually applied to technologies that were released or improved in recent decades.What is Technology?
Technology is any product or service that is based on science or engineering know-how. Since the 1990s, it is common to equate technology with information technology that runs on computers. However, any product that could not possibility exist without modern science is technology. This includes a lot of nonobvious things such as everyday products made with advanced materials.Information Technology
Technology based on computers, software and networks. All of this emerged in the post-WWII era. Information technology was originally focused on expensive business systems but shifted into the home around 1980 with the commercialization of personal computers. Information technology has since experienced several revolutions with the introduction of the internet in the 1990s, smartphones in the 2000s and recent advances in artificial intelligence.
Consumer Technologies
Beyond information technology, other products purchased by individuals and households that can be considered technology. This includes goods that are engineered for performance such as sporting goods.
Chemical Products
In the 1960s, there was much awareness of the wonders being produced by the chemical industry including exotic new materials such as plastics. As these products have become familiar features of everyday life, people tend to forget that chemicals are advanced products of science that mostly didn't exist before the modern-era.
Transportation Technology
Technologies for moving people and goods. Relatively old technologies such as ships, trains and bicycles can still be modern technology based on innovation. For example, modern passenger trains that are lightweight and electric have little in common with a 19th century steam train.
Business Technology
Business technology beyond information technology. These may incorporate computers but have some physical aspect to them. For example, a robot that can do physical work or a 3D printer that can create physical things.
Other Technology
Other major areas of modern technology such as medical technology, space technology and scientific instruments.
Overview
Modern technology includes any products and services that could only be produced by a scientifically advanced modern civilization. This prominently includes information technologies based on computers, software and networks. However, modern technology also includes a broad range of products that aren't solely based on computing from cosmetics to spacecraft.
Summary
Modern technology includes both information technologies based on computers and physical technologies such as advanced materials, chemicals and products of engineering.
| Definition: Modern Technology | ||
Type | ||
Definition (1) | Modern products, services and infrastructure that are designed and built using scientific knowledge and engineering. | |
Definition (2) | Technologies that were released or improved in recent decades. | |
Related Concepts | ||
