Engineers are developing amazing technologies that promise to transform society. Scientists have developed robots and programs that can complete a range of tasks, from complex manual labor to helping physicians diagnose patients. In fact, the employment landscape could change drastically over the next four decades. While the processing power of computers has yet to challenge the human mind, recent scientific advancements have been nothing short of stunning. This progress indicates a future that's powered by advanced computing and technology such as artificial intelligence.

 The following 3 sections highlight innovations worth watching that are changing the shape of commerce and society.

Innovation 1: Robotics

Landslides, hurricanes and wildfires wreak havoc on the land. Often, these events result in property damage, physical injuries and deaths. Researchers do not have the capability to predict every natural disaster. Globally, disasters have caused 700,000 fatalities and caused $1.4 trillion of damage between 2005 and 2014. Government agencies have started using new robotic and drone technology as a life-saving solution for disaster safety and recovery. Increasingly, engineers are designing robots to accomplish complex task and take the place of human beings. However, some resources for finding a more effective use for robot and drones, such as safety applications and disaster recovery.

Analysts forecast that the demand for unmanned aircraft will reach 4.7 million units by the year 2020, generating revenue of $2 billion to $127 billion. To date, drones have proven to be an effective resource for disaster relief. The technology reduces the risk of harm typically face by disaster workers and volunteers. Disaster workers can use drones for beneficial tasks, such as supply deliveries, reconnaissance and structural maneuvering. Drones are also cost-effective and provide operators with viewing capabilities beyond that of manned aircraft.

Innovation 2: Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Major enterprises such as GE, Baidu, Amazon, Google and Microsoft are leveraging technology to transform the business landscape. Their research and development has resulted in technologies such as cloud-based artificial intelligence and neural networks that make decisions by interacting with each other. A new AI technology, called GANs (generative adversarial networks), gives computers what equates to a human imagination. Some technologies already in widespread use, while others will soon be commercially available.

These innovations will have a profound impact on society.

In the past, such advanced technology has remained solely within the grasp of the research and development units of major corporations. Many of the artificial intelligence systems currently available are expensive and difficult to implement. However, tech firms are working on AI technology inexpensive, cloud-based and easy-to-use. It's currently unclear who will emerge as a leader in offering cloud-based artificial intelligence services for small- and mid-size enterprises. Analysts forecast that the opportunities for leaders in this field are staggering and that cloud-based AI services are essential for widespread adoption across industries in the United States.

Innovation 3: Market Research and Data Visualizations

Market intelligence specialists forecast that data collection will grow increasingly automated. Still, the final evaluation of big data reports will always remain a human task. Researchers have solved the problem of gathering and storing information. However, making meaningful use of that information is still a challenge. As a result, researchers are using technology to leverage the power of information and produce meaningful, easy-to-read reports. Enterprises are increasingly using visualization methods and interactive media sharing information.

Nearly 78-percent of market intelligence experts forecast that big data technology will have a profound impact on operations by the year 2020. Data mining will grow more important, as will the ability to produce easily understood visual reports. Marketing budgets have grown consistently among American enterprises over the last three years. A significant number of market intelligence specialists expect this trend to continue, and almost two-thirds of theses specialists expect their organizations to adopt new information sharing strategies to make the most of available information. To leverage this information, growing number of enterprises will incorporate new organizational strategies such as cross-functional integration to make the most of the reports generated by big data analysis.

News stories about self-driving cars and computers that can write autonomously dot the media continually. Today, digital assistants can order sundries and groceries as needed. In California, farmers are turning to robotic crop pickers to fill a growing labor shortage. Even though innovations such as robotics and artificial intelligence have received a significant amount of media attention, is difficult for most people to understand the impact that these technologies will have on society. Despite this, emerging technologies will take over many roles of people in society as time moves forward.