Technology is an integral part of our life now. Your electric brush, beard trimmer, the toaster you use to make those yummy French toast, your mobile phone, air conditioning system, your car, the laptop you work on, the projector you use for a presentation, and the coffee machine that keeps refilling your cup is all technology.
It is no secret that technology controls today’s world but do you know there are different types of technology? How many types do you know?
Well, the Marketing Tutor has explained some of the most common types of technology with real-world examples. Read on to learn more about this most important section of your routine life.
Table of Contents
What is Technology?
Technology, in simplest words, is the conversion of scientific knowledge into something practical. In other words, technology is the use of scientific information to develop products that help human beings in the following ways.
- Make things faster and effective.
- Help them improve their quality of life.
- Solve a specific problem.
The basic purpose of technology was to facilitate humanity in any possible way. Medicines, medical equipment, transportation, and communication devices are the products of technology.
7 Most Common Types of Technology
To be honest, technology can be categorized into many categories, but here are some of the most common types of technology.
Information Technology
Information technology is a broader term, and IT basically deals with storing, sharing, exchanging, advertising, presenting, managing, and protecting scientific or any sort of valuable information. Information technology also includes the channels and mediums used for the above-mentioned purposes. That may include mobile phones, computers, laptops, television, and the internet.
Modern-day corporations or enterprises maintain massive databases with the help of supercomputers and business software. These databases consist of valuable information that helps companies achieve their organizational goals.
Similarly, artificial intelligence is the latest entrant in the field of information technology. Artificial intelligence or AI basically utilizes past data and uses it to;
- Predict possible outcomes of a certain event
- Identify inefficiencies in a process, product, or system.
- Execute plans
- Analyze complex data
- Learn to become better and better.
Common examples of information technology (IT) include cloud computing, online advertisement, eCommerce, speech recognition, online banking, blockchain, quantum computing, etc.
Communication Technology
Communication technology consists of any or all devices or modes used for communication between humans. Communication can be one-way or two-way, depending on the device and medium used. Some of the early days’ communication devices include the telegraph and Morse code. Here are some modern-day examples of communication technology.
Telephone/Cell Phones
Telephones are among the initial technological developments in the field of communication. Although Morse Code technology and telegraphs have almost become obsolete, telephones are still a common communication device all over the world.
Cell phones or smartphones can be categorized as a much-improved form of telephones, but they are wireless. Smartphones can be used to send audio notes, video messages, photos, and emails, and you can make live audio/video calls from any part of the world if you have an internet connection attached to your mobile phone.
Radio
Radio is another old mode of communication that is only used for one-way communication. The radio station broadcasts live shows, advertisements, and announcements from governing bodies. The information is intercepted through a device (radio). It is important to note that radio can only transmit messages in audio form.
Television
Television is more like radio (one-way communication), but the difference between these two is video (visual) communication accompanied by audio. In simple words, you can hear the voice and see the person communicating on the television.
Internet
The internet is one of the most powerful and multi-dimensional modes of communication. However, the internet itself is of no use because you need other electronic devices such as smartphones, computers, laptops, tablets, smartwatches, etc., to use the internet as a mode of communication. With the internet, a multiple number of users can connect with each other and communicate simultaneously.
Transportation Technology
Transportation technology includes all types of devices that are directly or indirectly used to transport people and goods from one place to another place. Here are some common examples of transportation technology.
GPS
GPS, or the global positioning system, is a form of technology that helps us identify or pinpoint any location with the help of satellites. GPS is very effective in setting directions for wherever you want to go. A GPS device can be easily installed in smartphones, laptops, smart watches, tablets, etc.
Vehicles
The term “vehicles” generally represents all the devices used to transport goods, animals, and humans via roads or railway tracks. Common examples include cars, buses, motorbikes, trains, etc.
Flight
Flight technology includes machines or devices used for air travel or space travel. Flight technology came into prominence when Wright Brothers had their first flight in December 1903. After that, flight technology has come a long way. Common examples include passenger planes, cargo planes, helicopters, rockets, space shuttles, etc.
Mechanical Technology
Mechanical technology is the application of engineering mechanisms to make useable products that simplify a process or help humans in any way. Mechanical technology is centuries older than electrical technology and is still used worldwide. Here are some common examples.
Large-scale/heavy engineering
Mechanical engineers use mechanics principles to create usable products for the general public. These products or outputs may include bridges, roads, tunnels, ships, manufacturing plants, etc.
Small-scale/daily use products
Mechanics is an important part of our life now. Daily-use mechanical products include watches, bicycles, water taps, roof fans, motorcycles, moveable chairs, manual coffee machines, etc.
Electrical/Electronic Technology
Electrical technology technically deals with everything that produces and uses electricity (a power source). Similarly, products that use electricity for their functioning are called electronics. And we all know that our daily life is now surrounded by electronics.
Here are some major consumers of electrical technology.
Audio and Video technology
Audio and video electronic devices commonly include cameras, projectors, microphones, cell phones, etc.
Computers
Computers, commonly known as desktops, are one of the most amazing examples of electronics. Businesses, organizations, governments, and people use computers for different purposes such as data storage, communication, entertainment, and work-related stuff.
Circuitry
Any device that functions with the help of an electrical circuit is categorized as circuitry. Common examples include laptops, mobile phones, video games, remote controls, tablets, televisions, radios, digital clocks, etc.
Software
Software are an intangible form of electronics that are commonly used in computers, laptops, mobiles, tablets, smartwatches, etc. common examples include Windows, Adobe, and Microsoft Office. The basic purpose of the software is to streamline or simplify a complex process and minimize manual efforts.
Energy Technology
Energy Technology, as the name suggests, is used to generate useable forms of energy for different purposes. It is important to note that electricity is also a form of energy. Here is how energy is commonly produced worldwide.
Turbine Technology
Turbine technology helps generate an enormous amount of electrical or mechanical energy from water’s kinetic energy. Turbine technology is one of the most commonly used methods to produce electrical energy in most countries in the world.
Solar Panels
Solar panels are one of the latest ways to produce energy. One of the best things about solar panels is that they are the cheapest source of energy production. Solar panels produce solar energy from sunlight, and the best thing about solar panels is that you have to purchase them only once. That is why solar panels are becoming a popular source of energy production worldwide.
Wind Turbines
Wind turbines produce energy from air/wind, and due to this reason, they are effective in windy areas and oceans. The energy, after its production, is either stored in batteries or transmitted directly to the concerned source.
Batteries
Batteries do not generate energy directly, but they are a medium to store energy for later use. Batteries can be charged with solar panels, wind turbines, or electricity.
Medical Technology
Medical technology deals with everything related to medical sciences. Again, the basic purpose of medical technology is to improve public health and quality of life. Medical technology is mainly categorized into these types;
Pharmaceutical
Pharmaceutical technology deals in the research & development of medicines or drugs for curing or preventing a disease. Researchers use different types of technologies such as microenvironments, nanotechnology, and artificial organs to improve human life and cure diseases.
Diagnostics
Diagnostics deals with devices used by medical professionals to diagnose or identify diseases or medical problems. Common examples of diagnostic equipment include X-ray machines, MRIs, thermometers, stethoscopes, electrocardiographs, ultrasound machines, etc.
Surgical
Surgical equipment/technology is used by surgeons to perform surgeries or complex operations. Common examples include surgical scissors, scalpels, blades, knives, masks, clamps, etc.
Monitoring
Medical Science has not only helped people in curing and preventing diseases, but it has made it easier to monitor your vital health signs such as respiration rate, body temperature, pulse rate, blood pressure rate, etc. You can use electronic or mechanical devices that help you monitor your heartbeat rate, pulse rate, and blood pressure.
Final Words
Technology, in any form, is developed to help us in any possible way. Be it transportation, communication, education, logistics, electronics, or health, technology has surely made a huge impact on our lives.
Yes, technology has also pushed us to the brink of destruction (nuclear weapons), but its benefits can simply outweigh everything. It is due to technology that humans can replace/change vital body organs, and every single human being in this world is somehow affected by technology.
