The Fourth Industrial Revolution represents a fundamental change in the way we live, work and relate to one another. It is a new chapter in human development, enabled by extraordinary technology advances commensurate with those of the first, second and third industrial revolutions. These advances are merging the physical, digital and biological worlds in ways that create both huge promise and potential peril. The speed, breadth and depth of this revolution is forcing us to rethink how countries develop, how organisations create value and even what it means to be human. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is about more than just technology-driven change; it is an opportunity to help everyone, including leaders, policy-makers and people from all income groups and nations, to harness converging technologies in order to create an inclusive, human-centred future. The real opportunity is to look beyond technology, and find ways to give the greatest number of people the ability to positively impact their families, organisations and communities.
How monkeys can control wheelchairs with their brains
Researchers from Duke University have built a system that lets monkeys control wheelchairs with their thoughts alone.
How an app is being used to prevent blindness in children
A smartphone app developed in Kenya makes eye screening easy. It is being rolled out at schools in an attempt to identify vision problems in children early.
Can 'digital fluency' help women close the workplace gender gap?
A lack of digital skills is hindering women in the workplace, according to a new study.
Will self-driving vehicles increase car use?
Driverless cars have potential energy savings, but engineers say we should consider the possibility that the technology will intensify car use.
Why are scientists so interested in waves?
Michael Hall explains the importance of waves to science.
Could gender diversity help companies be more innovative?
In disruptive times, innovation and fresh thinking are needed like never before. Gender diversity is critical to achieving this, says Alison Kay of EY.
How will the digital revolution transform the energy sector?
Energy industry dynamics will continue to be shaped by demand and supply. But digital represents a powerful catalyst for those companies that can harness its capabilities.
Have we just discovered how to upload knowledge to our brains?
A new study shows how knowledge and skills can be transmitted into your brain.
How will smart cities evolve?
Urbanization and technology have become closely interrelated, to the point where technology now directly influences where and how urbanization happens.
Scientists identify a potential new treatment for melanoma
Researchers have identified a gene in melanoma that can dramatically affect the growth of the disease and potentially provide a new treatment.
Can video games help create a better world?
A look at how video games with social impact could help change people's behaviour for the better.
Could blockchain technology make big banks a thing of the past?
Simon Johnson says new blockchain technology could end the too-big-to-fail problem.