The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), a technical professional organization and public charity, together with the IEEE Computer Society, has announced its 2026 Technology Predictions.
The report presents a forecast of technology trends expected in the coming year, with a focus on the role of artificial intelligence in business operations, electric power systems, and medical applications.
According to the report, AI agents are expected to become standard within business environments and take on repetitive and routine work tasks.
The report also states that future electric power grids are expected to rely on artificial intelligence to operate in a predictive manner with increasing levels of autonomy.
In the area of health technology, the report indicates that adaptive bio–AI interfaces are expected to continuously sense and interpret human biological signals in order to enable real-time adjustment of therapies.
Artificial intelligence–based megatrends across health, energy, space, robotics, and emerging sectors are shaping future developments in work, medicine, and software development. In addition to artificial intelligence applications, the report identifies developments related to data center energy management and space-based communications.
It states that increasing demand for artificial intelligence in data centers is expected to drive innovation in energy production, energy management, and heat dissipation, leading to reduced carbon emissions, lower energy costs, and higher levels of automation.
For space-based communications, the report concludes that satellite direct-to-cell and direct-to-device technologies are expected to improve reliability and coverage for mobile phones, Bluetooth, and related technologies, while also enabling expanded service in previously unconnected regions.
The report further identifies several high-risk, high-reward technology areas described as “ones to watch,” citing their potential to disrupt existing systems.
These areas include Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing vehicles, fusion energy, synthetic biology, and increased convergence among quantum computing, high-performance computing, and artificial intelligence.
A dedicated section of the report outlines recommended actions for industry, government, academic institutions, and professional organizations to support and advance emerging technologies.
For the computer science and engineering community, the report calls on academic institutions to conduct research and develop prototypes related to space communications and engineered therapeutics.
It also encourages the IEEE Computer Society and other professional organizations to define standards and best practices for identity resilience, AI agent benchmarking, future coding practices, and wearable technologies for fall detection and health monitoring.
Click here to read the original press release.
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