Technology is the set of  scientific notions and knowledge that human beings use to achieve a specific objective , which may be the solution to a  specific problem  of the individual or the satisfaction of one of his needs.

It is a broad concept that covers a wide variety of aspects and disciplines within  electronics ,  art  or medicine. For example: the creation of robots for the automation of repetitive tasks or  animal cloning  .

• See also: Nanotechnology

Types of technologies

Technology can be classified in different ways depending on the characteristics taken into account.

According to the type of product

• Hard technologies . They use elements of hard sciences such as  engineering , mechanics,  mathematics ,  physics ,  chemistry . The product obtained is visible and tangible, that is, it is the production of material goods. For example: the development of a mobile device.
• Soft technologies . They are based on humanistic or soft sciences, such as  sociology ,  psychology ,  economics . They are generally used to improve processes and achieve greater efficiency in institutions or companies . The product obtained is not visible or tangible, since it consists of the development of services , strategies , theories . For example: the development of software .

 American sociologist James David Thompson

• Flexible technologies .Technologies serve various purposes across different areas. For example, microchips power telephones and computers.

  Fixed Technologies
  Fixed technologies focus on producing a specific product or serving a particular area. These technologies are designed for a single purpose. For instance, rat poison targets the elimination of specific animals.

  Level of Innovation
  Cutting-Edge Technologies
  Also known as “high technologies” or “latest technologies,” these advanced technologies become available at certain times and places.

  Appropriate Technologies
  These technologies consider the environmental, social, and economic impacts on a given society.

  According to Application
  Operating Technologies
  Operating technologies emerge after extensive study, observation, and experience.

  Equipment Technologies
  Manufacturers develop equipment technologies tailored to specific products.

  Product Technologies
  Product technologies combine tools and knowledge to create specific products.

Origin and evolution of technology

Instinctively, since the beginning of history , people have sought to develop technology (techniques to improve their  quality of life )

— discoveries over the years have shaped the world as we know it today. Technology has existed since the beginning of our species, although the term only emerged in the 18th century.

Formally, technology originated when empirical techniques began to link with science, leading to structured production methods.

Throughout different periods of humanity, discoveries have transformed how people relate to themselves and their environment:

Stone Age
The Stone Age, which includes the Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic periods, featured the use of stone for making tools and the development of agriculture using rudimentary land management techniques. The discovery of fire marked one of the earliest technologies that significantly benefited humans.

Metal Age.

• It was characterized by the development of agriculture, animal domestication and the transition from nomadism to sedentarism. Copper , bronze and iron smelting was developed. The Egyptian civilization is credited with the discovery of papyrus and pottery; the Romans developed sophisticated agriculture, improved ironworking technology and developed civil and military engineering; the Chinese civilization is credited with the discovery of paper, the iron plow, the compass, the propeller, the crossbow and gunpowder
• .

• Middle Ages

•  . The appearance of the modern printing press was one of the most important milestones within this period.

• Industrial Revolution

• . It was a period of social, economic, technological and cultural transformations characterized by the development of an urban and industrialized economy. One of the most notable inventions of this era was the steam engine . During the 19th century, the telegraph, the light bulb, the telephone and the automobile emerged.

• 20th Century 

• There was great technological development with discoveries such as the airplane, the radio, television , the computer , as well as important advances in nuclear technology, technology applied to medicine and space technology. Within this century, the Information and Telecommunications Revolution or the Information Age (1985-2000) took place.

• 21st Century.

• Technological progress (also known as the scientific-technological revolution or intelligence revolution) evolved rapidly. Technology and communications transformed industry . New technologies are those that emerged after the  Second World War . Their rapid growth and integration into society brought important consequences. The risk is fundamentally given in whether the human being is able to control and dominate them.

Importance of technology

The discoveries and the emergence of new tools produced through technology were key to human and societal development . Technology provides great discoveries that allow for improved production, saving time, increasing the quality of life, making life in society easier, shortening distances, and getting to know the planet .

Technology emerged as a human need to meet individual and collective desires using scientific knowledge and techniques to solve problems and satisfy needs. It has allowed humans to thoroughly understand the environment that surrounds them and modify it to achieve their goals; over the centuries, humans have invented and modified tools to improve their lifestyle.

Technology has brought with it discoveries in the field of medicine, advances in access to information , in communication and transportation, and in the simplification of tasks.

Features of the technology

• It is present in all areas of personal life and in society, such as work, education , medicine, communication.
• It allows the creation of new objects: through it, human beings modify the environment that surrounds them.
• He is responsible for most of man’s discoveries.
• If used properly, it improves the quality of human life; if used poorly, it can cause serious damage to individuals and society.
• It is subject to change (technological changes occur discontinuously).
• Their developments imply cultural, labor and social changes.
• Uneven technological development can create social and economic gaps within a community or between regions or nations .

Examples of technologies

Robotics
Robotics combines tools and knowledge from various disciplines, such as electronic engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science, to design and manufacture robots. These robots perform automated tasks that are routine and tedious for humans, helping to reduce production costs in industries.

Biotechnology
Biotechnology uses technology to create products from biological systems and living organisms. This discipline has led to the development of vaccines and antibodies and finds applications in medicine, agriculture, industry, and environmental care.

Cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrencies are digital currencies that utilize distributed ledger technology, allowing multiple users in different locations to record and synchronize transactions.

3D Printing
3D printing is an additive manufacturing process that efficiently creates unique parts and complex geometries from a wide variety of materials. This technology builds three-dimensional objects by layering materials and serves numerous industries for various applications.

Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence focuses on creating machines that mimic human cognitive functions. This technology applies across various fields, including economics, medicine, transportation, video game software, system control, handwriting recognition, speech recognition, and pattern recognition in online assistants.

Autonomous Vehicles
This technology develops driverless cars programmed to replicate human driving and control capabilities. These vehicles sense their surroundings using laser systems, radars, and computer vision. Several programs are currently testing this technology to assess its potential for widespread use.

Relationship Between Science and Technology
Science and technology are interconnected; advancements in science often lead to technological innovations, while technology can facilitate scientific discovery.

The concept of technology is often confused with that of science . On the one hand, science is an ordered set of knowledge that is obtained through observation and experimentation .

On the contrary, technology takes knowledge and techniques from different sciences and uses them to develop tangible and intangible goods or services that contribute to human development .

Conclusion

Technology plays a vital role in shaping modern society and driving progress across various fields. It enhances our daily lives, improves efficiency in industries, and fosters innovation. As we continue to advance in technology, it is essential to balance its benefits with ethical considerations and environmental impacts. Embracing appropriate technologies can help us build a sustainable future, ensuring that advancements serve humanity and the planet.

FAQs about Technology

What is technology?

Technology refers to the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, including the creation of tools, machines, and systems that improve quality of life and solve problems.

How does technology impact our daily lives?

Technology influences almost every aspect of our daily lives, from communication and transportation to healthcare and entertainment, making tasks easier and more efficient.

What are cutting-edge technologies?

Cutting-edge technologies, often called “high technologies,” represent the latest advancements in

Appropriate technology refers to tools and systems designed with consideration for their environmental, social, and economic impacts, ensuring they meet the needs of specific communities.

How do operating technologies differ from equipment technologies?

Operating technologies emerge from extensive research and experience in a field, while equipment technologies are developed specifically by manufacturers to create a particular product.

What role does innovation play in technology?

Innovation drives the development of new technologies and improvements to existing ones, enabling societies to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world. various fields, providing innovative solutions and enhancing capabilities.

What is appropriate technology?