How Are Agencies Leveraging Emerging Tech?

As we swiftly advance towards the close of 2018, time flies, it has been fascinating to look back at the growth this year in public sector pursuit of and utilization of emerging technologies. From robotics, to artificial intelligence (AI) and “x” reality solutions, to 3D printing, government agencies have been vigorously involved in leveraging these solutions.

I’ll point out, an analysis of our data shows, while there is the usual elevated activity from federal entities, we are seeing a growth in pertinent solicitations from state and local agencies, as well.

In particular, the growth in requests and purchases of robotics solutions has been interesting. As with their private sector counterparts, public sector agencies are applying robotics in healthcare, security, science, information technology, military, and a myriad of other applications.

To some, robotics, or the mere discussion of the topic, raises concerns. Some of the criticism is centered around the perspective that robots will unnecessarily replace people in performing various jobs/tasks. The counter to this is to accept robotics for what it is and what the technology can do in improving processes and services.

Despite misgivings from some people, governments near you have recognized the possibilities and have moved full steam ahead. As you will see, the U.S. public sector has come to understand there are certain situations in which robots are more precise and can work quicker, longer and offer more efficiency than humans.

The following is a snapshot of a just a fraction of requests for robotics originating over the past twelve months.

On a recent episode of ‘The Big Bid Theory’, Nat Dukan, from RobotLab, who has earned the reputation as a spokesperson on, and champion for, STEM education discussed the importance of growth in education on robotics. In particular, across the Americas and Europe.

Dukan proceeded to look ahead to the future of robotics, also known as, technological applications which government agencies will certainly be involved in developing and implementing.

It doesn’t end with robotics. Back in June ‘17, Robert Scoble visited ‘The Big Bid Theory’. A self-described “spatial computing catalyst”, with over 415k followers on Twitter, Scoble is dialed in more so than others on the latest in mixed, virtual and augmented reality. Since that point, we trust the timing is coincidental, government types have been seizing on the massive development in MR, VR, and AR.

So, what have federal and SLED agencies been up to? In analyzing activity for “x” reality, federal and education entities have submitted a significant portion of the bids / RFPs.

A summary of what has been sought and bought:

• Technology, software, and applications
• Goggles
• Kits
• Labs and equipment
• Training solutions
• Simulators
• Photography and videography

Apparently, the “x” reality industry overall has bright days ahead. Just two months ago, ResearchAndMarkets.com published a report, ‘Future of Global Digital Reality Market, Forecast to 2021 – VR Application in the Manufacturing Sector is Projected to Increase by 98.9% Between 2017 and 2021’. In summary, the report suggests, “The AR and VR market revenue is expected to reach $55.01 billion by 2021”.

Regardless if it’s systems, software, training, or somewhere else within the sphere of these technologies, it would be a poor bet to suggest governments will not be extensively involved.

While government introduced requests for 3D printing solutions decelerated somewhat in 2018, it is still classified as an emerging technology and there is enough happening to warrant review.

Since its emergence roughly thirty years ago, 3D printing has been closely associated with the manufacturing industry. However, a variety of areas within the public sector use the high level precision provided by 3D printers to produce a number of outputs.

In part, we have seen tremendous results for prototypes and finished product results within a variety of healthcare specialties, public safety, construction, science, and the military.

As Nat Dukan touched upon above, what is the future of STEM, robotics, AI, and other emerging technologies? Who knows? However, we can all understand and agree that government agencies, across the United States, will place a continued focus on evaluating and putting the technologies to use.

To see more information on the relevant bids / RFPs, and to review the associated solicitation documentation, call us at 888.808.5356 or visit BidPrime.