4 Tech trends that will take center stage in 2021
The COVID-19 vaccine rollout has helped people and businesses visualize the possibilities and realities of the post-pandemic life. Location intelligence and last mile delivery technology has already played a crucial role in the coronavirus vaccine distribution.
In addition to mass vaccination, the year 2021 will see significant and rapid technology and business innovation changes. This week the virtual Consumer Electronic Show (CES 2021) highlighted some of the technology trends that would help us emerge from the aftermath of the pandemic.
Top trends that will shine in 2021
Here are the top tech trends that have the potential to elevate and impact your business.
1) Electric fleets and cars
In 2020, several automakers announced plans to electrify heavy-duty trucks, big delivery vans, semi-trucks, and more. With batteries getting cheaper and better, automakers are gearing up to make vehicles that can travel a longer distance on a single charge. Automaker Ford joined the electric vehicle bandwagon last year and announced its plans to develop an all-electric version of its Transit cargo van. Other auto companies plan to launch fully electric or hydrogen fuel-cell electric semi-trucks that range between 500 and 700 miles. Electric vehicles are expected to improve communication and enhance fleet management solutions.
2) Autonomous vehicles and robotics
Autonomous driving technology will also be crucial in 2021. Automaker Honda recently announced that it would mass-produce autonomous vehicles, which will not require any driver intervention under certain conditions. Chipmaker Intel’s subsidiary, Mobileye, announced at the CES 2021 that it is scaling up its autonomous vehicle (AV) program. The company plans to launch test fleets with enhanced radio- and light-based detection capabilities in at least four more cities in 2021. In addition to autonomous driving, autonomous systems will become more prevalent with the increased use of drones and robot deliveries. Innovation and automation autonomous systems can transform the supply chain and manufacturing functionalities.
3) Contactless delivery and shipping
The pandemic paved the way for new technologies like digital menus, QR codes, contactless delivery, and payment for the restaurant and food delivery industry. According to a report, the U.S. recorded a 20% increase in the preference for contactless operations. This trend we continue in 2021 as people are expected to maintain social distancing. Food aggregators like Swiggy and Zomato in India recorded a significant growth as people ordered online. To reduce their dependence on third-party aggregators, restaurants have launched their own food delivery solutions. Almost all food deliveries are now contactless to minimize physical contact. U.S.-based startups are already pushing for robotic deliveries using artificial intelligence-based applications.
4) Evolving supply chain network
The coronavirus pandemic disrupted global supply chains in 2020. According to Forrester, supply chains will become collaborative networks in 2021. The research firm expects the trend to continue in 2022 primarily because supply chains will become more resilient by manufacturers collecting data, increasing industry marketplaces, and the rapid growth of supplier trust networks.
It is essential to manage supply chains in a more flexible and adaptable way to bring products to consumers and continue innovation. Moreover, there will be further digitization of supply chains as companies with new technology and solutions that will offer full visibility over fragmented supply chains.
Looking ahead
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a shift in consumer behavior, which will help drive business and tech innovations in 2021.
Dista is an AI-enabled location intelligence platform that offers a range of business solutions like last mile delivery, food delivery, fleet management, and more. Contact us to know more about our product.
