Where to Start Learning Emerging Tech

Emerging technology development is changing with each passing day. Virtual reality, augmented reality, machine learning, robotics, Internet of Things...there is huge current potential. The good news is that learning these areas is getting easier as well. Instead of standing by, it is better to keep up with the pace of emerging technologies and actively participate in it? Here are some suggestions for learning emerging technologies.

Summary of key points

• Use existing programming skills to start learning emerging technologies. HTML, JavaScript, Python, etc. can be used as the starting point for emerging technology projects.
• Use online resources such as SitePoint, Dev Diner, QUT Robotics Academy and edX to learn emerging technologies. These platforms offer a wide range of resources and courses in a wide range of emerging technology fields.
• Get inspiration for emerging technology projects from platforms such as Hackster.io, Hackaday, Make and Instructables. These websites display community projects, often with information on how they were created.
• Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, machine learning, blockchain, augmented reality, virtual reality and 5G technology provide a wide range of job opportunities. Continuous learning is essential to understand these technologies.

From what you know

If you are a SitePoint reader, you may have already mastered some programming knowledge. The most important point in this article is that you can use your existing programming skills as a starting point. From HTML and JavaScript to Python, it can be used to start an emerging technology project. You don't even need to be very proficient! Even basic JavaScript knowledge makes it easier for you to get involved in emerging technologies.

The following are some examples of ways to apply existing knowledge to emerging technologies:

Microcontrollers and the Internet of Things

Want to start building some simple robots or networked devices using tools like Arduino and Raspberry Pi? Here are some entry points:

• Arduino (C) – Arduino is the cornerstone of many exciting IoT creations! The Arduino language is a set of C/C functions, so if you have any experience with these languages, you will have a good start!
• NodeBots (JavaScript/Node) – Use your JavaScript/Node knowledge to control the Arduino over the network. I have a free video tutorial on SitePoint for a while, on how to control an Arduino with Node.js and Johnny-Five. I also covered NodeBots on SitePoint, covering which suites you should get and where to start.
• Particle (JavaScript) - My personal favorite microcontroller is the Particle series circuit board. They have built-in cloud functionality so you can turn on the board and start coding! Their APIs are all JavaScript-based and are very easy to use. If you are not sure where to start, I highly recommend using Particle!
• pySerial (Python) – There is also a way to control the Arduino using Python.

Virtual and augmented reality

VR and AR are both exciting areas of emerging technologies that can build many interesting projects! You can choose some starting points using your existing skills:

• WebVR (JavaScript) - WebVR is the standard for owning VR content in your browser. If you already have some knowledge of web development, try creating a cross-platform browser-based VR application using A-Frame using simple HTML and JavaScript. I have a guide on SitePoint on the basics of A-Frame – it's easier than you think. If you are a fan of React, React 360 (formerly known as React VR) is a library built on React that allows you to create 3D and VR user interfaces. In SitePoint Premium's 6 JavaScript Projects e-book, Michaela Lehr describes how to build a panoramic 3D image library using React 360.
• WebXR (JavaScript) – We have an evolving set of immersive network standards designed to replace WebVR and provide a technical foundation for the development of AR experiences. This aspect is still in a relatively early stage, but I believe there will be a lot of exciting things going on here! You can get involved early by accessing the repository of the WebXR device API specification and trying something. If you want a tool that focuses on AR and exists for a long time, awe.js and AR.js also use JavaScript to bring AR to the network.
• Unity (C#, JavaScript...a bit like) - You can build VR and AR applications using the game engine Unity. Unity uses C# or its own version of JavaScript (JS developers may be easier to get started with, but there are differences!).
• Unreal Engine (C) – Another way to build VR and AR applications is to use Unity’s alternative game engine – Unreal Engine. It has a visual encoding option, so you don't need to actually encode at all, but you can use it if you have C experience.

Image Recognition

Image recognition is a small but very interesting part of giving your next project intelligence! There are some APIs that can easily add this feature to your project:

• Clarifai (JavaScript/Node, Python, Java, C#, Objective C, PHP) - Services like Clarifai allow you to perform some very smart image recognition using its APIs in a variety of different languages. For those who are keen to get started, I have a SitePoint guide on getting started with the Clarifai JS API.
• IBM Cloud (Node, Go, Python, Java, Ruby)- Similar to Clarifai, IBM Cloud's visual recognition services can also do some very smart things.
• Amazon Rekognition (JavaScript, Node, Python, Android, iOS, Java, .NET, PHP, Ruby) – Amazon has its Rekognition API, which extends to .NET and other platforms!
• Google Cloud Vision API (Node, Python, C#, Go, Java, PHP, Ruby) - Google has its own image recognition library!

Machine Learning

There are many services and APIs to try out the concept of machine learning. The image recognition above is only part of it, but there are other options that can be trained more extensively.

• TensorFlow (Python, JavaScript, C, Java, Go, Swift, etc.) - Google's TensorFlow is one of the most common machine learning libraries, and while it works with Python and other mobile platforms, for those who understand JavaScript People also have TensorFlow.js. There are a lot of things you can do with TensorFlow and there are plenty of guides online! There is also a simple TensorFlow Playground to visualize neural networks. It also provides some introductory information about neural networks.
• ml5js (JavaScript) - ml5js is built on TensorFlow and provides a simpler and easier to use layer.
• Brain.js (JavaScript and Node) - This is a neural network library written in JavaScript. Brain.js provides a 19-part free online course that teaches neural networks in JavaScript.
• scikit-learn (Python)——The scikit-learn open source tool series, which many people use as a starting point for their learning. If you know some Python, you can try it!
• ML.NET (.NET) – If you are a .NET developer, ML.NET may be your choice!

Conversational apps, smart speakers and chatbots

There are many different services in this regard, including Dialogflow, Rasa, Amazon Lex, Microsoft LUIS, Wit.ai, etc. What I often recommend to people is Dialogflow and Rasa (this is not to say other options are not worth trying!):

• Dialogflow (Node, Python, Java, Go, Ruby, C#, PHP) - Google's Dialogflow is their recommended method to create its own conversational applications (called Actions) for Google Assistant and Google Home . I have an early access course of my own, and I am migrating it to an e-book about building cross-platform conversational applications using Dialogflow.
• Rasa (Python) - This is an open source option for creating conversational applications. Rasa is very useful if you want to build a solution where everything runs on your own server.

Needless to say, there are many other options besides the ones listed above. If you have other experience, feel free to leave suggestions for other readers in the comments!

Online resources are your friends

There are a lot of resources online and you can learn a lot without going to college or paying thousands of dollars.

• SitePoint – Of course, we have a lot of articles on the topic above, as I linked before!
• Dev Diner - My own website has a lot of resources on learning emerging technologies, including a list of free methods for learning artificial intelligence and machine learning, a list of resources for building web virtual reality using JavaScript, and 5 ways to self-taught robotics.
• QUT Robot Academy (Free!) - Here are many introductory learning resources for robotics. This is a must-have resource if you want to get into this field.
• edX (Free!) – edX offers a variety of online courses from universities around the world that are available for free (or you will have to pay a small fee if you want to get a certificate). They offer courses in a variety of emerging technology fields.
• O'Reilly (various prices) – O'Reilly offers a large number of e-books and videos on a variety of emerging technology topics. While they need to be paid, they can be a very valuable resource if you are keen on learning.
• A-Frame School—This interactive course on building WebVR with A-Frame comes from the team itself. The A-Frame documentation is also very good.
• Unity Tutorials - Unity has their own tutorials that are very useful for mastering how to develop on their game engines.
• Unreal Academy—Unreal also has a lot of tutorials on their game engines!

View other projects for inspiration

If you want to get into the emerging technology field and can’t think of what to do, there are a lot of websites that showcase community projects – and often there is some information about how they do it.

• Hackster.io - Developers can submit their projects to Hackster to share their experiences, or they can compete to win prizes.
• Hackaday – The Hackaday team displays different projects found online every day. They found something really great!
• Make—Make has written articles about various emerging technologies.
• Maker Share - Maker's platform for community sharing projects.
• Instructables – This website has a lot of guides on more than just emerging technologies, but sometimes you can find some interesting emerging technology projects here as well.

Conclusion

These are just some ideas on how to start learning emerging technologies – and there are more resources and methods. I hope this provides you with enough information to start your exploration!

If you do make something cool with emerging technology, leave a comment in the comments or tweet @me (I'm @thatpatrickguy). I really want to see it!

Frequently Asked Questions about Emerging Technologies

What are some examples of emerging technologies?

Emerging technologies refer to technological innovations that represent progress and development within a field to gain competitive advantage. Some examples include artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning, blockchain, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and 5G technologies. These technologies are currently under development and may be developed over the next five to ten years, and are expected to significantly change the business and social environment.

How do emerging technologies affect the industry?

Emerging technologies have the potential to greatly affect various industries. They can drive innovation, increase efficiency, and create new business models. For example, artificial intelligence and machine learning can automate daily tasks and free up time for more strategic work. Likewise, blockchain can provide secure and transparent transactions, which is especially beneficial for industries such as finance and supply chain.

What are the potential risks associated with emerging technologies?

While emerging technologies offer many benefits, they also have potential risks. These risks may include data privacy and security issues, ethical issues, and the possibility of unemployment due to automation. When implementing new technologies, companies must carefully consider these risks.

How can I understand the latest developments in emerging technologies?

Understanding the latest developments in emerging technologies requires continuous learning. You can follow relevant blogs, attend webinars and conferences, attend online courses, and join professional networks. In addition, thought leaders and influencers focusing on the field can provide valuable insights.

What are the employment opportunities in emerging technology fields?

Emerging technology fields offer a wide range of job opportunities. These positions include artificial intelligence experts, data scientists, blockchain developers, IoT engineers, and VR/AR developers. As these technologies continue to evolve, new positions may emerge.

How do emerging technologies shape the future?

Emerging technologies are shaping the future by changing the way we live and work. They are enabling smarter homes, self-driving cars, personalized healthcare and more. They are also expected to play a key role in addressing global challenges such as climate change and resource scarcity.

How do companies use emerging technologies?

Companies can use emerging technologies to drive innovation, improve efficiency, and gain competitive advantages. This could include using artificial intelligence and machine learning for data analysis, implementing blockchain for secure transactions, or using the Internet of Things for intelligent operations.

What is the role of the government in emerging technologies?

The government plays a crucial role in the development and adoption of emerging technologies. They can fund research, create regulatory frameworks, and facilitate the use of these technologies in public services. They can also help address potential risks and ethical issues.

How do I start my career in emerging technology fields?

Starting a career in emerging technology fields often requires a solid foundation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) disciplines. You may also need to gain expertise in specific technologies through further education or on-the-job experience. Connections and understanding industry trends are also beneficial.

What is the impact of emerging technologies on society?

Emerging technologies may have profound impacts on society. They can improve quality of life, achieve new communication methods, and create new jobs. However, they can also raise ethical and social issues, such as privacy issues and the digital divide. Society must participate in discussions on these issues to ensure that the benefits of these technologies are realized while minimizing potential harms.

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