Introduction
According to Matt Davies Stockton, we are currently in the era of fifth-generation computers which feature the smallest, most power efficient, and most powerful computers humanity has ever used. Gone are the days when computers used to be bulky machines that needed large amounts of power to run a single program. Nowadays, computer technology has evolved to the point it is being put to use in every field imaginable. However, the future of computing looks even more promising.
The Details
Let’s have a look at the potential new generation of computers:
- Improved AI integration – Modern computer systems use a combination of Ultra Large-Scale Integration(ULSI) technology (Millions of transistors on a single chip) and parallel-processing method (running simultaneous tasks with the help of two or more microchips) to give them a massive advantage over their predecessors and improve their performance by leaps and bounds.
However, it is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technology that has improved their power efficiency, made these machines more intelligent, and capable of even more diverse tasks. AI technology is still in its infancy and already made a significant impact in the area of medicines, entertainment, voice recognition, and intelligent computing. Thus, as AI continues to develop, the future generation of computers would include improved AI tech integration on a hardware level that will give it a massive performance boost.
- Quantum computers – Quantum computers have been one of the most exciting possibilities for a new generation of computers since they don’t work like traditional computers. Conventional computers process information in bits — one or zero. However, quantum computers have the capability to process quantum bits which could be one, zero, or anything in between due to quantum technology.
Currently, quantum computers are extremely difficult to make and are expensive. However, they are improving at a rapid rate and can help solve complex problems such as warp drive, cold fusion, general artificial intelligence, and more.
- Graphene-based transistors – Currently, we use silicon-based microprocessors that include billions of transistors to power our daily computing needs. However, due to the electrical and conductive properties of graphene, it has been long since considered a great replacement for silicone transistors. Transistors made from graphene would be thinner (one-carbon thick), more power efficient, and faster
- Photonic computers – Current generation of computers run on electricity and are thus limited by the speed of electrons. Photonic computers would use optical technology that would power computers system with light or photons which would literally allow them to perform computations at the speed of light!
Optical computing is still at the very earliest stages, but it has a lot of potential since it can enable high-speed data transmission with lower processing and better power efficiency.
Conclusion
There are many more exciting possibilities that can completely transform the future generation of computers. These include neuromorphic technology, DNA data storage, distributed computing, and more. Matt Davies Stockton suggests you do some more research if you are interested in the topic to learn more about the potential future generation of computers.
