The Fourth Industrial Revolution represents a fundamental change in the way we live, work and relate to one another. It is a new chapter in human development, enabled by extraordinary technology advances commensurate with those of the first, second and third industrial revolutions. These advances are merging the physical, digital and biological worlds in ways that create both huge promise and potential peril. The speed, breadth and depth of this revolution is forcing us to rethink how countries develop, how organisations create value and even what it means to be human. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is about more than just technology-driven change; it is an opportunity to help everyone, including leaders, policy-makers and people from all income groups and nations, to harness converging technologies in order to create an inclusive, human-centred future. The real opportunity is to look beyond technology, and find ways to give the greatest number of people the ability to positively impact their families, organisations and communities.
Emerging Technologies
This DyRET robot can rearrange its body to walk in new environments
Engineers have successfully tested a four-legged robot, called DyRET, to use machine learning to adapt its body to walk on new surfaces as it sees them.
Fourth Industrial Revolution
Global technology governance can succeed with the right cooperation
The speed and complexity of technological advancement is not covered by common guidelines. GTGS aims to address this through a multistakeholder approach.
Nature and Biodiversity
As seen from above: satellite images show how climate change could harm valuable mangrove forests
Satellite imagery allows researchers to monitor mangrove forests, a vital ecosystem and carbon store, and the impact climate change could have on them.
Fourth Industrial Revolution
Here's how digital infrastructure can make cities more inclusive for elderly people
To help older people integrate more into society, digital devices such as smart-watches could be adapted to highlight facilities within urban environments.
Fourth Industrial Revolution
10 pictures from space that'll change your perspective of Earth
Satellite data and imagery can offer fresh insights and understanding of the processes shaping the future of our world - from ice cover to river colour.
Fourth Industrial Revolution
An Israeli town is testing air traffic control for drones
The Israeli town of Hadera hosted a test for coordinating drones to help regulators learn what is needed to enable daily delivery drones.
Health and Healthcare Systems
Ageing: Looming crisis or booming opportunity?
There will be a shift in the global ageing population from 7% today to 20% in the next few decades. This growth will be one of the greatest social, economic, and political transformations...
Cybersecurity
4 principles for securing the digital identity ecosystem
Improved forms and standards for establishing digital identity will shore up trust between service providers, ID services and users that is the foundation of online life
Arts and Culture
NFTs and the environmental cost of owning digital art
NFT stands for 'Non-fungible token' and is a tradeable, digital ownership certificate representing the ownership of a unique asset.
Fourth Industrial Revolution
3D printing method turns goo into a hand in minutes
This work involves a 3D printing method called stereolithography and jelly-like materials (hydrogels), used to create products such as contact lenses.
Emerging Technologies
How a new technique could produce 3D holograms in real-time
A new method called tensor holography could enable the creation of real-time holograms for virtual reality, 3D printing, and more.
Fourth Industrial Revolution
4 key areas where AI and IoT are being combined
From wearable tech to smart industries, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things are being combined to change how we interact with devices.