It seems as if the world is evolving faster than we can breathe…And it’s becoming harder and harder to keep up. Behind the scenes – tucked away in labs, factories and private buildings – smart and innovative people are developing the most remarkable tech with the potential to disrupt industries and the global economy. And today, I’d like to share two innovations rapidly making their foray into the mainstream.
After all, like previous tech disruptions, they will unleash some serious profit-opportunities in the coming years.
Let’s get into them…
Tech Mega Trend #1: Autonomous Vehicles (AVs):
Once science-fiction, AVs are fast-becoming a reality. And on track to turn the global transportation services market – estimated to be worth more than $8 trillion – on its head.
Leading this mega trend in the US is Alphabet’s (Google) self-driving unit, Waymo. The company is already completing over 100,000 fully autonomous rides across San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Austin, weekly.
2025 is a year of expansion with plans to expand to 10 new cities. Plus, the company has partnered with Uber to autonomously deliver food through Uber Eats in select locations.
Additionally, Tesla has unveiled its full self-driving cars – the CyberCab and CyberVan. And in China, Baidu is operating a self-driving ridesharing network that is of similar size to Waymo.
Simply put – the Age of AVs is upon us, and I think 2025 will be the year AVs go mainstream. In the most recent issue of The South African Investor, we reveal our favourite way to profit from this burgeoning megatrend.
Tech Mega Trend #2: Robotics:
The idea of robots powered by AI has fascinated and ignited our imaginations for decades. But what was once science fiction is now becoming reality for many businesses.
• Amazon uses robotics to enhance workplace safety and expedite deliveries.
• DoorDash employs AI robots for security.
• Apple uses them for recycling iPhones.
• Walmart has robots for inventory management.
And what about Figure? An AI robotics company backed by heavyweights such as Microsoft, OpenAI Startup Fund, NVIDIA, Jeff Bezos (through Bezos Expeditions), Parkway Venture Capital, Intel Capital, Align Ventures, and ARK Invest. In 2024, Figure raised $675 million to develop general purpose humanoid robots.
Alphabet recently invested in humanoid robotics startup Apptronik, and Nvidia recently launched a new family of foundational AI models called Cosmos, which are specifically designed to help humanoid robots navigate the real world.
From factory floors to elder care, these machines could easily reshape industries.
Simply put – it’s worth keeping your eye on these two mega trends as they evolve throughout 2025. If you want to stay on top of these trends, then make sure you read our 6 exclusive mega trend reports produced by South African Investor. You can find out how to download them here.
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