There is no getting away from it. Digital innovations are shaping the way all of us carry out of day to day activities, from catching the bus to work to the way we buy our groceries. This digital transformation is having an impact on all of us and no matter how much, or how little you embrace the technology available to you, there are things going on that you might not even be aware of that are helping to make your life easier and more seamless.

This digital transformation is accelerating at a pace not seen before and in the next five years, it is likely we will see technology that was once the stuff of science fiction becoming a reality.

Here are some of the digital innovations that are shaping the world around us.

Transportation

For most of us, the daily commute to work typically involves some form of transportation except for the lucky few that can walk to work or work from home.

From buses to trains, cars to bikes, all these modes of transportation are slowly starting to adopt technology that helps to make our journeys smoother. Smart transportation solutions are helping to reduce traffic congestion, provide real-time updates to passengers on buses about expected arrival times, helping you to plan your journey in advance, whilst in some countries, artificial intelligence (AI) is helping to control rail networks to prevent delays and ensure you get to work when you should.

In countries like Norway, they are encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles by embracing the opportunities presented by smart technology. Oslo is also using small licence plate detectors to understand traffic flow around the city and develop a data-driven way to improve traffic congestion. Oslo is also committed to creating car-free zones throughout the city, creating a culture where biking is a safe option and adopting smart technology to help to facilitate this change.

Retail

The way we shop is already very different from 10 years ago. The boom of e-commerce has been significant and over the past two years, global events have seen e-commerce grow by 10 years in just 3 months at the beginning of 2020.

Driving the change in the way we shop is the move to digital platforms. Online shopping has become the default for a lot of people. The ability to quickly browse, compare prices and find out everything you need to know about a product or service means that online shopping is much more practical for busy lives.

Whether you are a large supermarket chain or a small, independent toy store, retailers are embracing new technologies, from pay-by-face to staff-free stores to personalised advertising as you browse the aisles – all of these technologies are helping retailers to sell more and to retain their customers.

Within the next five years, deliveries by drone are likely to become more common and contactless experiences are already a must for many retailers.

Consumers are becoming more aware of the impact on the environment and sustainability is a big consideration for retailers. Through online platforms, retailers are able to convey their commitment to sustainability and provide customers with reassurances about their supply chain – an important consideration.

Banking

Another industry embracing technological advances is the banking sector. As we move towards a more cashless society and payments shift from cash to card to phone to watch, the way we conduct our banking activities continues to shift.

Most of us will already be familiar with online banking and we may also be using technology such as facial recognition, voice recognition or fingerprint recognition to access our online banking platforms.

Blockchain is another technology that is being widely adopted by banks to improve the security of money transfers and payments, helping to reduce fraud and provide a more secure environment for customers.

Sports

The way we both watch and bet on sporting events is already changing. Data analytics is helping sports teams to understand the performance of their athletes, enabling them to adjust the diets and training plans of individual players to get the best out of each member of the team.

Sporting venues are also benefiting from digital technology, allowing the fan experience to be personalised. Embracing the power of the Internet of Things (IoT), sports stadiums around the world are using sensors and video footage to provide fans with real-time information about the length of queues to the restrooms or food and beverage outlets, how busy gates are and directions to facilities at the ground.

When it comes to sports betting, most online sports gambling sites already offer in-game sports betting with cash-out options and the ability to bet on nearly every aspect of a game. Sports betting is as much about entertainment as it is betting on the outcome of the game. 

Leading online sports betting site Betway say, “We don’t just offer odds on the outcome of events. We share the thrill of those events by creating an immersive betting experience. And we enable our customers to get closer to the action with a real time, in-play experience. Our goal is to fit a super-sized sports offering into the palm of your hand, making betting accessible and engaging, no matter where you are or what you’re doing.”