20 Types of Technology: Definitions and Examples

Most people use some form of technology every day of their lives. There are many different types of technology, each with unique functions that aim to make certain processes more efficient. With a better understanding of different types of technology, you can learn how each type of technology can help improve your daily life, and this knowledge can even help you develop a desire for a career in technology.

In this article, we discuss what technology is and list 20 common types of technology.

What is technology?

Technology is the product of transferring scientific knowledge to practical use. Different forms of technology are the result of people trying to find more efficient ways to do things and testing new ideas. Technology is constantly improving and generally aims to make processes easier for people. For example, the internet makes communication easier and more efficient.

Related: 12 Essential Technology Skills (And How To Improve Them)

Common types of technology

While a single piece of technology often overlaps into different areas, there are generally six different categories of technology: communication, electrical, energy, manufacturing, medical and transportation. Here are the six different categories of technology with examples for each:

Communication

Communication technology consists of any technology people use to communicate with one another. Some early examples of communication technology include Morse code and the telegraph. Below are some examples of more modern communication technologies:

1. Television

Television sets transmit signals we can listen to and view audio and visual content. People use television for entertainment, information and news, advertisements and marketing, and educational purposes, among other activities. Most televisions receive signals from a cable wire or over the internet, which relays signals that tell a television what content to display. The digital signals help compress the audio and visual data, which helps optimize bandwidth usage, allowing for seamless high-definition content.

2. Internet

Many people consider the internet the most popular and powerful communication technology. It allows people from around the world to interact through written messages and audio and video messages in real-time. The internet is a powerful tool for businesses, charities, governments and individuals to use for marketing, communication and outreach, information broadcasting, social interactions and information sharing.

3. Cell phones

Cell phones are a modern improvement over the telephone, enabling the transfer of text, audio, and video content over the internet. With a cell phone, people can call other phones and converse with people worldwide. Cell phones are also equipped with applications that allow individuals to easily access information from anywhere in the world, take pictures and videos, communicate globally over social media and perform their professional duties. People can now use mobile devices to navigate, monitor their health, make payments, and integrate them with other smart devices.

Related: 16 Communication Technology Examples To Use at Work https://miksemar.id/

Electrical

Many pieces of modern technology use electricity in some form. A few examples of electrical technology include:

4. Computers

Computers operate through a rapid pulsing of electrical currents. The core foundation of computers is binary code, which determines whether there is an electrical current. The machine codes in the form of binary instructions, a combination of zeroes and ones, prompting the computer to perform various functions, including arithmetic calculations, logical operations, image processing and language translation.

Computers are vital in storing and retrieving information, performing complex mathematical and scientific calculations, and executing software. Apart from simpler tasks, they’re also used in machine learning applications, big data analytics, and robotic and automation tasks.

5. Circuitry

A collection of electrical components that perform a particular function is a circuit. An example of an electrical circuit is a computer processor, a small component that translates electrical signals into computer code. Another example of an electric circuit is the audio amplifier used in speakers that amplifies electrical signals to produce sound. Electrical circuits exist in many modern-day items, such as computers, remote controls, cell phones and appliances.

6. Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a computer system designed to make decisions and perform actions autonomously. Many of our daily tasks have varying degrees of artificial intelligence sophistication. For example, online navigation apps use artificial intelligence to analyze the best route for a traveler based on traffic, road closures and more. Another example is search engines, which use artificial intelligence to determine the best results to display for each unique user.

Artificial intelligence uses machine learning algorithms to identify patterns, recognize trends and aid decision-making. Advanced AI systems use natural language processing (NLP) to understand and generate human language, which forms the core of chatbots, voice assistants, and translation systems. Another use of AI systems is in image processing and deep learning to identify, detect, and classify objects in images and videos, making them integral in medical imaging, facial recognition, and AR and VR.

7. Software

Software contains a set of instructions and code that instructs the computer to function as intended. Developers build and deploy software to enhance user experience, automate processes, and make tasks more efficient. For example, word processing software makes it easier to create and edit documents when compared to older forms of technology, such as a typewriter. Another example is Chrome, a software application that allows users to access and navigate the internet.

8. Audio and visual technology

Audio and visual technology comprises items such as cameras, microphones and projectors. The systems use sensors to convert analog signals, here light and sound, to digital data. Their purpose is to capture and display audio and visual mediums to users.

Audio and visual technology often integrate with other forms of technology, such as cell phones, to provide camera functionality, for example. These devices use embedded systems and software to control and enhance audio-visual functionalities, offering familiar features such as autofocus, image stabilization and advanced audio processing.

Related: Electrical Technology vs. Electrical Engineering: Definitions and Differences

Energy

Energy technology aims to help generate, store and transmit energy for various purposes. Common examples of energy technology include:

9. Solar panels

Solar panels harness sunlight to generate electricity. People use these panels to power buildings, homes, outdoor lighting systems, water heating systems and more. Solar panels are a form of renewable energy, which is becoming a more popular form of energy generation due to its lack of carbon emissions.

Related: Guide To Becoming a Solar Installer

10. Wind turbines

Wind turbines use the kinetic energy of the wind to generate electricity. Wind turbines are typically tall pillars located in open plains or within the ocean where winds are the strongest. As propellers spin, they generate energy, which the turbine stores in a battery or transmits directly to a desired source.

11. Batteries

Batteries store energy for later consumption, and people use these to power other forms of technology, such as a television remote. They range in size—from small batteries in items such as watches to larger batteries for use inside cars or large solar panel installations. There have been significant improvements in battery technology recently, with batteries now able to store more energy for longer periods.

For example, research on solid-state batteries offers several advantages, including higher energy density and faster charging times. There have also been significant developments in recyclable and biodegradable battery components.

Related: 26 Types of Energy Careers To Pursue

Mechanical

Mechanical technology is the application of engineering principles to achieve tasks more efficiently. People use this technology in a wide variety of machinery, with some common examples of mechanical technology including:

12. Manufacturing

Manufacturing technology aims to produce goods faster and in a more cost-effective manner. A popular example of manufacturing technology is an assembly line, which greatly improved the speed of production processes. Manufacturing technology’s benefits also include product quality improvements, better tracking and systems analysis, faster shipping speeds and enhanced employee safety. The introduction of predictive maintenance through the use of sensors, data analytics tools, and machine learning algorithms is also prominent, as it helps make machine maintenance less expensive and more proactive than reactive.

13. Heavy engineering

Heavy engineering technology helps professionals perform tasks such as building bridges or digging tunnels and other construction activities more precisely, accurately and easily while improving safety.

For example, using robotics in heavy engineering has eased tasks like bricklaying and concrete pouring. Another example is the use of smart construction materials with embedded sensors that aid in monitoring structural health and predictive maintenance.

Related: 17 Mechanical Engineer Tools

Medical

Medical technology helps improve people’s quality of life in several ways. Some examples include:

14. Diagnostics

Diagnostic technology helps medical professionals attain more information about a patient. Examples of diagnostic technology include thermometers, MRIs, X-ray machines, electrocardiographs and stethoscopes. The tools can help medical professionals diagnose conditions, assess injuries and plan appropriate treatments without invasive procedures.

15. Pharmaceutical

Researchers learn more about how different substances impact humans using pharmaceutical technologies, such as nanotechnology, microenvironments and artificial organs. They can then develop new prescription drugs, with the aim of curing or significantly decreasing instances of harmful disease. AI and machine algorithms expedite the process of identification of novel compounds to optimize the drug development process. A recent example is AlphaFold, which uses deep learning algorithms to predict the 3D structure of proteins, which is essential in drug discovery.

16. Surgical

Surgical technology allows surgeons to perform complex operations. Some recent examples include smart surgical glasses that display essential information directly within a surgeon’s glasses and remote robotics, which allow surgeons to operate remotely with increased precision. Surgical technology assists in every type of surgery—from basic procedures such as appendectomies to more complex types such as spinal or brain surgery.

Related: Learn About Being a Surgeon

17. Monitoring

Healthcare professionals increasingly rely on technology to monitor a patient’s health and status. A common example is smartwatches, which can monitor biometric data such as heart rates and sleep quality. Other monitoring technology includes devices implanted directly into a patient, providing even more advanced monitoring capabilities to healthcare professionals. Another example is using biometric sensors and patches that adhere to the skin to monitor vital signs such as heart rate and respiratory rate.

Related: 57 Careers To Pursue in Medical Technology

Transportation

Thanks to technological improvements, it’s much easier to travel than it once was. Examples of transportation technology include:

18. GPS

GPS, or a Global Positioning System, is a technology that can pinpoint locations on Earth from satellites in Earth’s orbit. The satellites emit signals that are received by GPS receivers in devices on the ground. GPS can accurately determine a device’s location by triangulating signals from multiple satellites. Using this technology, we can now receive real-time directions, monitor the transit of different objects or record precise time measurements.

GPS is a feature in many devices, such as smartwatches and larger tracking systems used by corporations and governments. It is also vital in applications like fleet management and asset tracking.

19. Flight

Flight technology has become safer and more efficient over time due to innovations in materials, aerodynamics and engineering. We use flight technology in several ways—from the construction of planes to navigation equipment on an aircraft. Due to improvements in flight technology, such as advancements in GPS, navigation systems, and radar systems, there is increased precision in flight routes and safe take-offs and landings.

Improvements in flight technology are even more apparent in space flight, which occurs fairly regularly. For example, the concept of reusable rocket technology can significantly reduce space exploration costs.

20. Vehicles

Similar to flight technology, vehicles are now faster and safer. In addition, they are more fuel-efficient and comfortable and often provide entertainment options. Vehicle technology has improved how engines run, the safety features within vehicles, such as airbags, and the entertainment options available in a car.

The improvement in vehicular technology is so prominent that it has allowed for autonomous driving cars, electric and hybrid vehicles, and connected vehicles. There is also significant research in advanced materials, such as carbon fiber composites and high-strength alloys, to reduce weight and improve fuel efficiency.