FuturistU > Tactics > Future of Tech > Module 1 / 4

Intro to the Three Phases of Futurism

Instructor: Sean Watson
Future of Tech
Download the Future of Tech Trend Report
In today's world, modern technology is evolving at a pace that is often hard to properly keep up with and track. From its impacts on the consumer and retail experience to health care and even labor, technology is so deeply embedded in every aspect of our lives. It helps create more seamless shopping experiences while also providing us with information at lightning speed.

This course examines the bright and potentially dark future of technology, diving into what this means for both consumers and brands. Will robots take over your job? Will voice activation replace touch once and for all? How is technology reinventing brick and mortar? Discover the 3 Phases of Futurism with Trend Hunter's Sean Watson.
Related Trend Report: Future of Tech
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Insights by Trend Hunter AI

Preventive Health
Consumers seek data-driven peace of mind through preventive health scans
Trend - Full-body preventive scans, from MRI and CT imaging to 3D body composition analysis and at-home biometric monitoring, are expanding rapidly in the private wellness market. These services promise early detection of serious conditions like cancer and cardiovascular disease, while also providing detailed data on body composition, muscle decline, and longevity markers.
Workshop Question - How could your brand give consumers the peace of mind that comes from being ahead of the game instead of chasing it?
8.2
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Automated Vision Tests
Automated Vision Tests
Walmart And Sam’s Club Pilot Fast Self-Service Eyebot Kiosks
Walmart and Sam’s Club quietly piloted new Eyebot kiosks that deliver rapid vision checks inside select optical centers. The self-service stations, currently being tested at 16 locations across... MORE
Preventive Full-Body Scans
Preventive Full-Body Scans
Prenuvo Offers Elective MRIs to Detect Early Disease
Prenuvo operates a growing network of clinics specializing in full-body preventive MRI scans designed to catch medical conditions before they become symptomatic. The technology screens for... MORE
Preventative Body Health Scans
Preventative Body Health Scans
A Neko Body Scan Provides a Comprehensive Health Assessment
Neko Health is gearing up to open the doors to it first United States clinic in NYC this spring, and it's set to offer a comprehensive Neko Body Scan, billed as "a preventive health check for your... MORE
Preventive Blood-Testing Platforms
Preventive Blood-Testing Platforms
Ultrahuman and InsideTracker Partner for Blood Vision
Ultrahuman and InsideTracker have partnered to launch ‘Blood Vision’ in the United States, combining advanced blood-testing technology with personalized health insights. Powered by ‘... MORE
Artificial Synergy
Artificial intelligence is used to translate human intent into natural action
Trend - Artificial intelligence has evolved to replicate human biology, helping people regain accessibility, mobility, or even senses that were lost. Utilizing assistive and restorative medical technologies, these systems can understand what the user wants to do and act like a natural extension of the body.
Workshop Question - How can your brand leverage AI to create experiences that feel naturally human?
8.2
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Smart Bionic Hands
Smart Bionic Hands
Kawatek Introduces Next-Gen Smart Bionic Hands With AI-Assisted Precision
Smart bionic hands are taking a leap forward with Kawatek’s introduction of the RYO prosthetic, a next-generation device blending robotics and AI for unprecedented usability. Designed by the... MORE
AI-Powered Outdoor Exoskeletons
AI-Powered Outdoor Exoskeletons
The Hypershell X Ultra Enhances Running, Cycling, Climbing & More
Exoskeletons are commonly associated with industrial tasks and heavy lifting, but the Hypershell X Ultra is redefining their potential by bringing the technology to outdoor adventure, empowering... MORE
True Lightweight AR Glasses
True Lightweight AR Glasses
Meta Unveiled the 'Orion AR' as its First Dedicated AR Wearable
Meta has recently introduced Orion, its first true augmented reality (AR) glasses, which represent a significant advancement in AR technology. Orion combines the aesthetics of regular eyewear with... MORE
Surgically-Implanted Brain Computers
Surgically-Implanted Brain Computers
Neuralink’s First Human Patient Shares a Life-Changing Impact
Neuralink’s first human participant, Noland Arbaugh, has shared how his life has transformed 18 months after receiving the company’s brain-computer interface implant. Arbaugh, who became... MORE
Bionic Knee Prostheses
Bionic Knee Prostheses
Enhancing Mobility with Integrated Tissue Technology
Imagine a world where prosthetic limbs feel as natural as your own. MIT Media Lab is making this a reality with their innovative bionic knee prosthesis, seamlessly integrated into tissue. This... MORE
AI Upscaling
Hardware brands advance digital visuals with intelligent enhancement tools
Trend - Computer hardware brands are launching AI-powered upscaling and frame generation applications that refine image quality and boost frame rates in real time. These tools utilize deep learning algorithms to sharpen low-resolution images, enhance textures, and generate additional frames for smoothing.
Workshop Question - How can your brand leverage AI-driven enhancements to elevate visual experiences across gaming, content creation, and professional workflows?
5.4
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
AI-Upscaling Gaming Monitors
AI-Upscaling Gaming Monitors
The G80SD OLED from Samsung Improves Visual Quality on its Own
The Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 is a cutting-edge gaming monitor that incorporates the company’s proprietary Quantum Dot OLED technology. It features a 32-inch display with a 4K UHD resolution and a 16:... MORE
play_circle_filledUltra-Smooth Frame Insertion Features
Ultra-Smooth Frame Insertion Features
AMD's FSR 3.0 Competes with NVIDIA DLSS 3.0 in Upscaling
With AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution 3 (FSR 3), AMD offers a new version of its open-source upscaling technology that boosts both the speed and the visual quality of compatible games. FSR 3 has two... MORE
Software-Enhanced Game Consoles
Software-Enhanced Game Consoles
Sony and AMD are Releasing FSR 4 Support for the PS5 Pro
Sony and AMD are collaborating to bring FidelityFX Super Resolution 4 (FSR 4) support to the PlayStation 5 Pro, with a targeted launch in 2026. This initiative, known as Project Amethyst, aims to... MORE
Real-Time Frame Generation Features
Real-Time Frame Generation Features
AMD is Adding Fluid Motion Frame Support on the Driver Side
AMD, a leading manufacturer of graphics cards and processors, has recently introduced a new feature called Fluid Motion Frames (AFMF) to its software driver, meaning this will work on all supported... MORE
Extrapolation-Based Frame Generators
Extrapolation-Based Frame Generators
Intel is Testing its 'ExtraSS' Frame Generation Feature
Intel is testing a new frame generation feature titled ‘ExtraSS’ for its ARC-branded discrete and integrated GPUs. ExtraSS, which is a short form for Extrapolation Super Sampling, is... MORE
AI Experience
Brands increasingly use artificial intelligence to power live retail experiences
Trend - Brands are leveraging artificial intelligence to bring personalized, interactive shopping experiences to malls and brick-and-mortar stores. By integrating machine learning and augmented reality (AR), they create immersive, tech-driven demonstrations that connect consumers with branded products.
Workshop Question - How can your brand create stronger in-store connections with consumers?
7.2
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Entertaining AI-Driven Experiences
Entertaining AI-Driven Experiences
Lotte and Arbitrum Partner for the Coalesced 'Lotte Caliverse'
Lotte Group has launched the ‘Lotte Caliverse,’ an AI-driven, 3D entertainment experience integrated with blockchain technology. This innovative virtual world is supported by over 90... MORE
AI-Powered Bakery Pop-Ups
AI-Powered Bakery Pop-Ups
The Betty Crocker Dream Bake Studio Beats "Baker's Block" with AI
To inspire bakers and engage people with a sweet tooth, the Betty Crocker Dream Bake Studio is launching at The Trafford Centre, Manchester to serve up inspiration and interaction. At the pop-up,... MORE
Transformative AI Shopping Experiences
Transformative AI Shopping Experiences
Omoda and Google Cloud Partner for Generative-AI Shopping
Omoda and Google Cloud have partnered to enhance Omoda’s online shopping experience using AI. Through this collaboration, Omoda has introduced ‘Omoda Stylist,’ a conversational AI... MORE
Gamified In-Airport Activations
Gamified In-Airport Activations
Haribo's Mobile Games Gives People of All Ages the Chance to Win
In the UK and Europe, confectionary brand Haribo launched gamified in-airport activations that give people of all ages the chance to win branded items and fan-favorite Haribo Goldbears. The gamified... MORE
Rewarding AI Shopping Apps
Rewarding AI Shopping Apps
The ShopUp App Revolutionizes In-Store Shopping with AI Data
AI technology has made significant advancements to the online shopping experience and the ShopUp app elevates in-store shopping experience by sharing real-time sales and tailored recommendations.... MORE
Omnichannel Acceleration
Brands diversify retail presence across digital & physical channels
Trend - As traditional DTC models face growing challenges from supply chain disruptions and shifting consumer preferences, brands are rapidly expanding their presence across multiple retail channels. This expansion includes leveraging retail media networks, exploring social commerce, maintaining brick-and-mortar locations, and creating seamless experiences between digital and physical touchpoints.
Workshop Question - How can your brand create more seamless connections between its various retail channels?
5.3
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
AI-Powered Ecommerce Technologies
AI-Powered Ecommerce Technologies
Hugo Boss Launches a New AI-Powered Product Content Feature
Hugo Boss is enhancing its online customer experience by incorporating artificial intelligence technologies that streamline product discovery and interaction. Launching globally, the brand hopes... MORE
Efficient Omnichannel Fulfillment Centers
Efficient Omnichannel Fulfillment Centers
National Logistics Services is Building in Caledon
National Logistics Services has announced the construction of a new, highly automated omnichannel fulfillment center in Caledon, Ontario. This 624,000 square foot facility, which will feature state-... MORE
Omnichannel Automotive Services
Omnichannel Automotive Services
Automotive Mastermind has Adapted to Modern Consumer Patterns
Automotive Mastermind has adopted an omnichannel approach to automotive sales to address the evolving consumer patterns in the industry. This strategy integrates various channels, including online... MORE
Omnichannel Messaging Platforms
Omnichannel Messaging Platforms
DIDWW Aims to Streamline Global Business Communications
With global business communications on the rise, leading telecom operator DIDWW recently announced the launch of its omnichannel Messaging Platform to streamline international communication.... MORE
Employee-Free Retailer
Brick and mortar stores are turning to AI to mitigate labor costs
Trend - Retailers and grocers are testing fully automated locations to lower costs. By saving on the many complications associated with labor, these retailers are able to offer reduced prices for the benefit of the consumer. These often begin as solo test locations before expanding based on demand.
Workshop Question - How could your brand alter its operations to reduce costs of its products or services for consumers?
6.4
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Grab-and-Go Employee-Free Retailers
Grab-and-Go Employee-Free Retailers
Lotus Launched a 'Pick & Go' Location in Thailand
Lotus’s Pick & Go employee-free store in Thailand represents a significant step forward in retail innovation. The store, which operates without any staff on the premises, leverages... MORE
Employee-Free Smart Stores
Employee-Free Smart Stores
The 'Teo' Employee-Free Store in Germany is a Success Story
The Teo unmanned smart store concept in Germany, developed by the German supermarket chain tegut showcases a unique direction of retail. Initially launched in Fulda in November 2020, this store has... MORE
Smart Shopping Cart Rollouts
Smart Shopping Cart Rollouts
ZeroQs Raised Over €457 Thousand to Invest in Smart Shopping Carts
Warsaw-based retail startup ZeroQs has successfully raised €457,000 in funding from Freya Capital to further develop and expand its smart shopping cart technology. The company’s innovative... MORE
Cashier-Free Grocer Expansions
Cashier-Free Grocer Expansions
Aisle 24 Continues to Expand in Canada Amid Success
Aisle 24, a cashierless grocery retailer, continues its expansion across Canada with the launch of a new, larger store concept. Founded in 2016, Aisle 24 operates 24/7, fully automated stores that... MORE
Retail Lounge
Retailers are launching experiential events to enhance connections to consumers
Trend - Retailers in various industries, such as department stores, luxury brands, and more, are launching in-store lounges and experiential events. These events are designed to enhance the comfort of shoppers while deepening the connection between the shoppers and the brand.
Workshop Question - How can we create experiential in-store events that enhance consumer engagement and strengthen their connection to our brand?
7.1
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Experiential Intimates Spaces
Experiential Intimates Spaces
Knix Opens Immersive Retail Location at Premium Shopping Centre
Knix is elevating the intimate apparel shopping experience with its new 1,800-square-foot pop-up at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre. The Canadian brand’s fifteenth North American... MORE
Zen-Inspired Experiential Retail Concepts
Zen-Inspired Experiential Retail Concepts
One Golden Thread Opens Its Innovative Space
One Golden Thread, the regenerative apparel brand based in LA, has announced the grand opening of its Flagship Experiential Retail Concept on Abbot Kinney in Venice Beach. The innovative space... MORE
Immersive Lifestyle Stores
Immersive Lifestyle Stores
Gelato Pique Has Inaugurated Its Standalone Store in South Korea
Gelato Pique’s latest retail activation is strategically located in the vibrant Hannam-dong area of Seoul. This significant launch introduces a unique lifestyle space encompassing a garden... MORE
Tranquil Retail Environments
Tranquil Retail Environments
NEOM Wellbeing Has Launched Its First U.S. Storefront in New York
NEOM Wellbeing’s storefront in New York’s West Village marks an important step in its global expansion. The store spans 481 square feet and is designed as a tranquil retreat from the... MORE
Luxury Jeweler Boutiques
Luxury Jeweler Boutiques
Château D'ivoire Renovated Its Downtown Montreal Location & It's Stunning
Château D’Ivoire, a longstanding luxury jeweler in Montreal, has reopened its downtown location following a significant renovation. The revamped store offers over 20,000 square feet of space... MORE
Visual Aid
Brands are designing packaging to be accessible for consumers with visual impairments
Trend - Brands are creating packaging designs with smart solutions for consumers with visual impairments. These solutions include scannable codes or symbols that interact with smart applications to provide either easier-to-read or audio-based information, more effectively supporting shoppers.
Workshop Question - How can we leverage technological solutions to make our products more accessible for a wider range of consumers?
6.7
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Accessibility-Focused Packaging Designs
Accessibility-Focused Packaging Designs
Müller Debuts Accessible Packaging Designs
Müller has announced a significant update to its product offerings as the brand debuts its new accessible packaging designs. The venture seeks to make shopping more accessible for visually impaired... MORE
Inclusive Shopping Labels
Inclusive Shopping Labels
Coca-Cola Debuts NaviLens QR Codes for Visually Impaired Consumers
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP)’s Great Britain Christmas can multipacks will now include NaviLens codes on its cardboard packaging designed to aid partially sighted or visually impaired... MORE
Scannable Infant Products
Scannable Infant Products
SMA Nutrition Introduced NaviLens Codes into its Product Packaging
SMA Nutrition, a division of Nestlé, has incorporated NaviLens technology into its infant nutrition product packaging. This development is intended to improve the shopping experience for parents... MORE
Visual Impairment-Friendly Packaging
Visual Impairment-Friendly Packaging
Haleon and Microsoft Have Partnered for Inclusive Packaging
Haleon and Microsoft have partnered on a new packaging initiative to help those with low vision or who are blind to read labeling on a range of products. The partnership coincides with World Sight... MORE
AI-Assisted Cooking Partnerships
AI-Assisted Cooking Partnerships
Unilever and Be My Eyes Partnered to Support Shoppers
Unilever and Be My Eyes have announced a new partnership that will support blind and low-vision shoppers using the latest technology for an easier shopping experience. The partnership builds on... MORE
AI Kiosk
Smart kiosks that provide recommendations and point-of-sale support are being deployed
Trend - Retailers are deploying in-store kiosks powered by artificial intelligence (AI). These AI kiosks interpret and make recommendations for consumers interacting with them, thus streamlining the retail process. The advent of AI kiosks also reduces the required staff and, thus, costs for retailers.
Workshop Question - How could your brand improve its consumers' experiences by employing artificial intelligence, or other, smart features?
6.8
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
AR Retail Kiosks
AR Retail Kiosks
BIG Digital and DeepAR Bring Mobile & Desktop Try-Ons to Store Settings
Virtual try-on experiences for apparel and accessory products have revolutionized the way consumers shop online, and BIG Digital and DeepAR are bringing immersive experiences to retail settings with... MORE
AI-Powered Payment Systems
AI-Powered Payment Systems
Mashgin Introduces a New AI-Powered Checkout System with Verifone
Mashgin, an innovative leader in artificial intelligence (AI)-based self-checkout systems, is joining forces with Verifone, a global pioneer in payment solutions. The core of this innovation lies... MORE
Intuitive Self-Service Order Kiosks
Intuitive Self-Service Order Kiosks
The GoTab Self-Ordering Kiosks Support Quick Service and More
The GoTab Self-Ordering Kiosks are the latest solution from the hospitality technology brand that’s engineered with an intuitive customer experience in mind to support quick ordering, hybrid... MORE
Self-Service Commerce Kiosks
Self-Service Commerce Kiosks
Cantaloupe Go Brings Buy-and-Go Expereinces to Customers
Cantaloupe Go is a new product line of self-service commerce solutions and it was recently unveiled by Cantaloupe at The National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) Show 2023. At the event,... MORE
Automated Hot Food Kiosks
Automated Hot Food Kiosks
Sodexo and Automated Retail Technologies Teamed Up for New Kiosks
Sodexo and Automated Retail Technologies (ART) have teamed up to provide consumers with a quick meal at their leisure that’s easy for them to access at their leisure. The partnership will see... MORE
Barcode-Free Checkout
Artificial intelligence is used to identify barcode-less items at checkout
Trend - Artificial intelligence has been adapted to enable barcode-less product scanning, facilitated by algorithms that analyze images and videos of objects to identify unique features. This technology accurately accounts for retail items in real time, providing shoppers with seamless checkout experiences.
Workshop Question - How can your brand use automation to appeal to consumer's demand for convenience?
6.9
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
AI-Powered Smart Trolleys
AI-Powered Smart Trolleys
Instacart Unveils a New AI-Powered Shopping Cart Partnership with Aldi
Instacart and Aldi South Group are set to broaden their global partnership. As part of this expansion, Instacart will deploy its Connected Stores technologies across Aldi’s US locations. This... MORE
AI-Powered Payment Systems
AI-Powered Payment Systems
Mashgin Introduces a New AI-Powered Checkout System with Verifone
Mashgin, an innovative leader in artificial intelligence (AI)-based self-checkout systems, is joining forces with Verifone, a global pioneer in payment solutions. The core of this innovation lies... MORE
AI-Augmented Retail Checkouts
AI-Augmented Retail Checkouts
This Checkout Solution Helps Prevent Theft and Scanning Errors
Diebold Nixdorf, a multinational retail technology company that offers a variety of products and services that are associated with self-checkout and self-service transactions and point-of-sale, is... MORE
Computer-Vision Self-Service Kiosks
Computer-Vision Self-Service Kiosks
Toshiba's Vision Kiosk Identifies Items Without Barcodes
At EuroCIS 2024, Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions will give retailers the chance to experience transformational business solutions like the Toshiba Vision Kiosk. This cutting-edge retail solution... MORE
Barcode-Less Product Scanners
Barcode-Less Product Scanners
SeeChange Taps Diebold Nixdorf to Create AI Checkout Tools
SeeChange Technologies, a company known for its retail-focused computer vision AI technology, has announced a strategic partnership with Diebold Nixdorf, a global leader in retail consumer and staff... MORE