NCERT Textbook: Emerging Trends

 Page 1


2.1 Introduct Ion to Em Erg Ing t r Ends Computers have been around for quite some time 
now. New technologies and initiatives emerge 
with each passing day. In order to understand the 
existing technologies and have a better view of the 
developments around us, we must keep an eye on 
the emerging trends. Many new technologies are 
introduced almost every day. Some of these do not 
succeed and fade away over time. Some of these 
new technologies prosper and persist over time, 
gaining attention from users. Emerging trends 
are the state-of-the-art technologies, which gain 
“Computer science is no more about 
computers than astronomy is about 
telescopes” 
— Edsger Dijkstra
In this chapter
 » Introduction to 
Emerging Trends
 » Artificial Intelligence (AI) 
 » Big Data 
 » Internet of Things (IoT)
 » Cloud Computing 
 » Grid Computing
 » Blockchains 
Emerging 
Trends
Chapter 
2 
Chap 2.indd   15 19-Jul-19   3:06:47 PM
2024-25
Page 2


2.1 Introduct Ion to Em Erg Ing t r Ends Computers have been around for quite some time 
now. New technologies and initiatives emerge 
with each passing day. In order to understand the 
existing technologies and have a better view of the 
developments around us, we must keep an eye on 
the emerging trends. Many new technologies are 
introduced almost every day. Some of these do not 
succeed and fade away over time. Some of these 
new technologies prosper and persist over time, 
gaining attention from users. Emerging trends 
are the state-of-the-art technologies, which gain 
“Computer science is no more about 
computers than astronomy is about 
telescopes” 
— Edsger Dijkstra
In this chapter
 » Introduction to 
Emerging Trends
 » Artificial Intelligence (AI) 
 » Big Data 
 » Internet of Things (IoT)
 » Cloud Computing 
 » Grid Computing
 » Blockchains 
Emerging 
Trends
Chapter 
2 
Chap 2.indd   15 19-Jul-19   3:06:47 PM
2024-25
16
Informat Ics Pract Ices – c lass XI
popularity and set a new trend among users. In this 
chapter, we will learn about some emerging trends 
that will make a huge impact (in the future) on digital 
economy and interaction in digital societies.
2.2 Art If Ic IAl Int Ell Ig Enc E (AI) 
Have you ever wondered how maps in your smartphone 
are able to guide you to take the fastest route to your 
destination by analysing real time data, such as traffic 
congestion? On uploading a photo on a social networking 
site, has it ever happened that your friends in the 
photograph were recognised and tagged automatically? 
These are some of the examples of application of 
Artificial Intelligence. The intelligent digital personal 
assistants like Siri, Google Now, Cortana, Alexa are 
all powered by AI. Artificial Intelligence endeavours to 
simulate the natural intelligence of human beings into 
machines, thus making them behave intelligently. An 
intelligent machine is supposed to imitate some of the 
cognitive functions of humans like learning, decision-
making and problem solving. In order to make machines 
perform tasks with minimum human intervention, they 
are programmed to create a knowledge base and make 
decisions based on it. AI system can also learn from 
past experiences or outcomes to make new decisions.
2.2.1 Machine Learning
Machine Learning is a subsystem of Artificial 
Intelligence, wherein computers have the ability to learn 
from data using statistical techniques, without being 
explicitly programmed by a human being. It comprises 
algorithms that use data to learn on their own and make 
predictions. These algorithms, called models, are first 
trained and tested using a training data and testing 
data, respectively. After successive trainings, once these 
models are able to give results to an acceptable level of 
accuracy, they are used to make predictions about new 
and unknown data.
2.2.2 Natural Language Processing (NLP) 
The predictive typing feature of search engine that 
helps us by suggesting the next word in the sentence 
while typing keywords and the spell checking features 
are examples of Natural Language Processing (NLP). 
It deals with the interaction between human and 
A knowledge base is 
a store of information 
consisting of facts, 
assumptions and 
rules which an AI 
system can use for 
decision making.
Activity 2.1
Find out how NLP is 
helping differently-
abled persons? 
Chap 2.indd   16 19-Jul-19   3:06:47 PM
2024-25
Page 3


2.1 Introduct Ion to Em Erg Ing t r Ends Computers have been around for quite some time 
now. New technologies and initiatives emerge 
with each passing day. In order to understand the 
existing technologies and have a better view of the 
developments around us, we must keep an eye on 
the emerging trends. Many new technologies are 
introduced almost every day. Some of these do not 
succeed and fade away over time. Some of these 
new technologies prosper and persist over time, 
gaining attention from users. Emerging trends 
are the state-of-the-art technologies, which gain 
“Computer science is no more about 
computers than astronomy is about 
telescopes” 
— Edsger Dijkstra
In this chapter
 » Introduction to 
Emerging Trends
 » Artificial Intelligence (AI) 
 » Big Data 
 » Internet of Things (IoT)
 » Cloud Computing 
 » Grid Computing
 » Blockchains 
Emerging 
Trends
Chapter 
2 
Chap 2.indd   15 19-Jul-19   3:06:47 PM
2024-25
16
Informat Ics Pract Ices – c lass XI
popularity and set a new trend among users. In this 
chapter, we will learn about some emerging trends 
that will make a huge impact (in the future) on digital 
economy and interaction in digital societies.
2.2 Art If Ic IAl Int Ell Ig Enc E (AI) 
Have you ever wondered how maps in your smartphone 
are able to guide you to take the fastest route to your 
destination by analysing real time data, such as traffic 
congestion? On uploading a photo on a social networking 
site, has it ever happened that your friends in the 
photograph were recognised and tagged automatically? 
These are some of the examples of application of 
Artificial Intelligence. The intelligent digital personal 
assistants like Siri, Google Now, Cortana, Alexa are 
all powered by AI. Artificial Intelligence endeavours to 
simulate the natural intelligence of human beings into 
machines, thus making them behave intelligently. An 
intelligent machine is supposed to imitate some of the 
cognitive functions of humans like learning, decision-
making and problem solving. In order to make machines 
perform tasks with minimum human intervention, they 
are programmed to create a knowledge base and make 
decisions based on it. AI system can also learn from 
past experiences or outcomes to make new decisions.
2.2.1 Machine Learning
Machine Learning is a subsystem of Artificial 
Intelligence, wherein computers have the ability to learn 
from data using statistical techniques, without being 
explicitly programmed by a human being. It comprises 
algorithms that use data to learn on their own and make 
predictions. These algorithms, called models, are first 
trained and tested using a training data and testing 
data, respectively. After successive trainings, once these 
models are able to give results to an acceptable level of 
accuracy, they are used to make predictions about new 
and unknown data.
2.2.2 Natural Language Processing (NLP) 
The predictive typing feature of search engine that 
helps us by suggesting the next word in the sentence 
while typing keywords and the spell checking features 
are examples of Natural Language Processing (NLP). 
It deals with the interaction between human and 
A knowledge base is 
a store of information 
consisting of facts, 
assumptions and 
rules which an AI 
system can use for 
decision making.
Activity 2.1
Find out how NLP is 
helping differently-
abled persons? 
Chap 2.indd   16 19-Jul-19   3:06:47 PM
2024-25
Em Erging Tr Ends 17
computers using human 
spoken languages, such as 
Hindi, English, etc.
In fact it is possible to 
search the web or operate or 
control our devices using our 
voice. All this has been possible 
by NLP. An NLP system can 
perform text-to-speech and 
speech-to-text conversion as 
depicted in Figure 2.1. 
Machine translation is a rapidly emerging field where 
machines are able to translate texts from one language 
to another with fair amount of correctness. Another 
emerging application area is automated customer  
service where a computer software can interact with 
customers to serve their queries or complaints.
2.2.3 Immersive Experiences 
With the three-dimensional (3D) videography, the 
joy of watching movies in theatres has reached to 
a new level. Video games are also being developed to  
provide immersive experiences to the player. Immersive 
experiences allow us to visualise, feel and react by 
stimulating our senses. It enhances our interaction and 
involvement, making them more realistic and engaging. 
Immersive experiences have been used in the field of 
training, such as driving simulators (Figure 2.2), flight 
simulator and so on. Immersive experience can be 
achieved using virtual reality and augmented reality.
(A) Virtual Reality 
Everything that we experience in our reality is perceived 
through our senses. From this came the idea that 
if we can present our senses with made-up or non-
real information, our perception of reality would also 
alter in response to that. Virtual Reality (VR) is a 
three-dimensional, computer-generated situation that 
simulates the real world. The user can interact with and 
explore that environment by getting immersed in it while 
interacting with the objects and other actions of the user. 
At present, it is achieved with the help of VR Headsets. 
In order to make the experience of VR more realistic, it 
promotes other sensory information like sound, smell, 
motion, temperature, etc. It is a comparatively new field 
Figure 2.2: Driving Simulator
Figure 2.1: Use of natural language processing
Figure 2.3: VR Headset
Chap 2.indd   17 19-Jul-19   3:06:48 PM
2024-25
Page 4


2.1 Introduct Ion to Em Erg Ing t r Ends Computers have been around for quite some time 
now. New technologies and initiatives emerge 
with each passing day. In order to understand the 
existing technologies and have a better view of the 
developments around us, we must keep an eye on 
the emerging trends. Many new technologies are 
introduced almost every day. Some of these do not 
succeed and fade away over time. Some of these 
new technologies prosper and persist over time, 
gaining attention from users. Emerging trends 
are the state-of-the-art technologies, which gain 
“Computer science is no more about 
computers than astronomy is about 
telescopes” 
— Edsger Dijkstra
In this chapter
 » Introduction to 
Emerging Trends
 » Artificial Intelligence (AI) 
 » Big Data 
 » Internet of Things (IoT)
 » Cloud Computing 
 » Grid Computing
 » Blockchains 
Emerging 
Trends
Chapter 
2 
Chap 2.indd   15 19-Jul-19   3:06:47 PM
2024-25
16
Informat Ics Pract Ices – c lass XI
popularity and set a new trend among users. In this 
chapter, we will learn about some emerging trends 
that will make a huge impact (in the future) on digital 
economy and interaction in digital societies.
2.2 Art If Ic IAl Int Ell Ig Enc E (AI) 
Have you ever wondered how maps in your smartphone 
are able to guide you to take the fastest route to your 
destination by analysing real time data, such as traffic 
congestion? On uploading a photo on a social networking 
site, has it ever happened that your friends in the 
photograph were recognised and tagged automatically? 
These are some of the examples of application of 
Artificial Intelligence. The intelligent digital personal 
assistants like Siri, Google Now, Cortana, Alexa are 
all powered by AI. Artificial Intelligence endeavours to 
simulate the natural intelligence of human beings into 
machines, thus making them behave intelligently. An 
intelligent machine is supposed to imitate some of the 
cognitive functions of humans like learning, decision-
making and problem solving. In order to make machines 
perform tasks with minimum human intervention, they 
are programmed to create a knowledge base and make 
decisions based on it. AI system can also learn from 
past experiences or outcomes to make new decisions.
2.2.1 Machine Learning
Machine Learning is a subsystem of Artificial 
Intelligence, wherein computers have the ability to learn 
from data using statistical techniques, without being 
explicitly programmed by a human being. It comprises 
algorithms that use data to learn on their own and make 
predictions. These algorithms, called models, are first 
trained and tested using a training data and testing 
data, respectively. After successive trainings, once these 
models are able to give results to an acceptable level of 
accuracy, they are used to make predictions about new 
and unknown data.
2.2.2 Natural Language Processing (NLP) 
The predictive typing feature of search engine that 
helps us by suggesting the next word in the sentence 
while typing keywords and the spell checking features 
are examples of Natural Language Processing (NLP). 
It deals with the interaction between human and 
A knowledge base is 
a store of information 
consisting of facts, 
assumptions and 
rules which an AI 
system can use for 
decision making.
Activity 2.1
Find out how NLP is 
helping differently-
abled persons? 
Chap 2.indd   16 19-Jul-19   3:06:47 PM
2024-25
Em Erging Tr Ends 17
computers using human 
spoken languages, such as 
Hindi, English, etc.
In fact it is possible to 
search the web or operate or 
control our devices using our 
voice. All this has been possible 
by NLP. An NLP system can 
perform text-to-speech and 
speech-to-text conversion as 
depicted in Figure 2.1. 
Machine translation is a rapidly emerging field where 
machines are able to translate texts from one language 
to another with fair amount of correctness. Another 
emerging application area is automated customer  
service where a computer software can interact with 
customers to serve their queries or complaints.
2.2.3 Immersive Experiences 
With the three-dimensional (3D) videography, the 
joy of watching movies in theatres has reached to 
a new level. Video games are also being developed to  
provide immersive experiences to the player. Immersive 
experiences allow us to visualise, feel and react by 
stimulating our senses. It enhances our interaction and 
involvement, making them more realistic and engaging. 
Immersive experiences have been used in the field of 
training, such as driving simulators (Figure 2.2), flight 
simulator and so on. Immersive experience can be 
achieved using virtual reality and augmented reality.
(A) Virtual Reality 
Everything that we experience in our reality is perceived 
through our senses. From this came the idea that 
if we can present our senses with made-up or non-
real information, our perception of reality would also 
alter in response to that. Virtual Reality (VR) is a 
three-dimensional, computer-generated situation that 
simulates the real world. The user can interact with and 
explore that environment by getting immersed in it while 
interacting with the objects and other actions of the user. 
At present, it is achieved with the help of VR Headsets. 
In order to make the experience of VR more realistic, it 
promotes other sensory information like sound, smell, 
motion, temperature, etc. It is a comparatively new field 
Figure 2.2: Driving Simulator
Figure 2.1: Use of natural language processing
Figure 2.3: VR Headset
Chap 2.indd   17 19-Jul-19   3:06:48 PM
2024-25
18
Informat Ics Pract Ices – c lass XI
and has found its applications in gaming (Figure 2.3), 
military training, medical procedures, entertainment, 
social science and psychology, engineering and 
other areas where simulation is needed for a better 
understanding and learning.
(B) Augmented Reality 
The superimposition of computer generated perceptual 
information over the existing physical surroundings is 
called as Augmented Reality (AR). It adds components 
of the digital world to the physical world, along with 
the associated tactile and other sensory requirements, 
thereby making the environment interactive and 
digitally manipulable. Users can access information 
about the nearest places with reference to their current 
location. They can get information about places and 
choose on the basis of user reviews. With thet help of 
location-based AR App, travellers can access real-time 
information of historical places just by pointing their 
camera viewfinder to subjects as depicted in Figure 2.4. 
Location-based AR apps are major forms of AR apps. 
2.2.4 Robotics 
A robot is basically a machine capable of carrying out one 
or more tasks automatically with accuracy and precision. 
Unlike other machines, a robot is programmable, which 
means it can follow the instructions given through 
computer programs. Robots were initially conceptualised 
for doing repetitive industrial tasks that are boring or 
stressful for humans or were labour-intensive. Sensors 
are one of the prime components of a robot. Robot can 
be of many types, such as wheeled robots, legged robots, 
manipulators and humanoids. Robots that resemble 
humans are known as humanoids. Robots are being 
used in industries, medical science, bionics, scientific 
research, military, etc. Some examples are: 
• NASA’s Mars Exploration Rover (MER) mission is 
a robotic space mission to study about the planet 
Mars (Figure 2.5).
• Sophia is a humanoid that uses artificial intelligence, 
visual data processing, facial recognition and also 
imitates human gestures and facial expressions, as 
shown in Figure 2.6.
• A drone is an unmanned aircraft which can be 
remotely controlled or can fly autonomously through 
Unlike Virtual Reality, 
the Augmented Reality 
does not create something 
new, it just alters or 
augments the perception 
of the underlying physical 
world through additional 
information. 
Robotics is an 
interdisciplinary branch 
of technology requiring 
applications of mechanical 
engineering, electronics, 
and computer science, 
among others. Robotics is 
primarily concerned with 
the design, fabrication, 
operation, and application 
of robots.
Figure 2.4: Location based 
Augmented Reality
Activity 2.2
Find out what role are 
robots playing in the 
medical field? 
Chap 2.indd   18 19-Jul-19   3:06:48 PM
2024-25
Page 5


2.1 Introduct Ion to Em Erg Ing t r Ends Computers have been around for quite some time 
now. New technologies and initiatives emerge 
with each passing day. In order to understand the 
existing technologies and have a better view of the 
developments around us, we must keep an eye on 
the emerging trends. Many new technologies are 
introduced almost every day. Some of these do not 
succeed and fade away over time. Some of these 
new technologies prosper and persist over time, 
gaining attention from users. Emerging trends 
are the state-of-the-art technologies, which gain 
“Computer science is no more about 
computers than astronomy is about 
telescopes” 
— Edsger Dijkstra
In this chapter
 » Introduction to 
Emerging Trends
 » Artificial Intelligence (AI) 
 » Big Data 
 » Internet of Things (IoT)
 » Cloud Computing 
 » Grid Computing
 » Blockchains 
Emerging 
Trends
Chapter 
2 
Chap 2.indd   15 19-Jul-19   3:06:47 PM
2024-25
16
Informat Ics Pract Ices – c lass XI
popularity and set a new trend among users. In this 
chapter, we will learn about some emerging trends 
that will make a huge impact (in the future) on digital 
economy and interaction in digital societies.
2.2 Art If Ic IAl Int Ell Ig Enc E (AI) 
Have you ever wondered how maps in your smartphone 
are able to guide you to take the fastest route to your 
destination by analysing real time data, such as traffic 
congestion? On uploading a photo on a social networking 
site, has it ever happened that your friends in the 
photograph were recognised and tagged automatically? 
These are some of the examples of application of 
Artificial Intelligence. The intelligent digital personal 
assistants like Siri, Google Now, Cortana, Alexa are 
all powered by AI. Artificial Intelligence endeavours to 
simulate the natural intelligence of human beings into 
machines, thus making them behave intelligently. An 
intelligent machine is supposed to imitate some of the 
cognitive functions of humans like learning, decision-
making and problem solving. In order to make machines 
perform tasks with minimum human intervention, they 
are programmed to create a knowledge base and make 
decisions based on it. AI system can also learn from 
past experiences or outcomes to make new decisions.
2.2.1 Machine Learning
Machine Learning is a subsystem of Artificial 
Intelligence, wherein computers have the ability to learn 
from data using statistical techniques, without being 
explicitly programmed by a human being. It comprises 
algorithms that use data to learn on their own and make 
predictions. These algorithms, called models, are first 
trained and tested using a training data and testing 
data, respectively. After successive trainings, once these 
models are able to give results to an acceptable level of 
accuracy, they are used to make predictions about new 
and unknown data.
2.2.2 Natural Language Processing (NLP) 
The predictive typing feature of search engine that 
helps us by suggesting the next word in the sentence 
while typing keywords and the spell checking features 
are examples of Natural Language Processing (NLP). 
It deals with the interaction between human and 
A knowledge base is 
a store of information 
consisting of facts, 
assumptions and 
rules which an AI 
system can use for 
decision making.
Activity 2.1
Find out how NLP is 
helping differently-
abled persons? 
Chap 2.indd   16 19-Jul-19   3:06:47 PM
2024-25
Em Erging Tr Ends 17
computers using human 
spoken languages, such as 
Hindi, English, etc.
In fact it is possible to 
search the web or operate or 
control our devices using our 
voice. All this has been possible 
by NLP. An NLP system can 
perform text-to-speech and 
speech-to-text conversion as 
depicted in Figure 2.1. 
Machine translation is a rapidly emerging field where 
machines are able to translate texts from one language 
to another with fair amount of correctness. Another 
emerging application area is automated customer  
service where a computer software can interact with 
customers to serve their queries or complaints.
2.2.3 Immersive Experiences 
With the three-dimensional (3D) videography, the 
joy of watching movies in theatres has reached to 
a new level. Video games are also being developed to  
provide immersive experiences to the player. Immersive 
experiences allow us to visualise, feel and react by 
stimulating our senses. It enhances our interaction and 
involvement, making them more realistic and engaging. 
Immersive experiences have been used in the field of 
training, such as driving simulators (Figure 2.2), flight 
simulator and so on. Immersive experience can be 
achieved using virtual reality and augmented reality.
(A) Virtual Reality 
Everything that we experience in our reality is perceived 
through our senses. From this came the idea that 
if we can present our senses with made-up or non-
real information, our perception of reality would also 
alter in response to that. Virtual Reality (VR) is a 
three-dimensional, computer-generated situation that 
simulates the real world. The user can interact with and 
explore that environment by getting immersed in it while 
interacting with the objects and other actions of the user. 
At present, it is achieved with the help of VR Headsets. 
In order to make the experience of VR more realistic, it 
promotes other sensory information like sound, smell, 
motion, temperature, etc. It is a comparatively new field 
Figure 2.2: Driving Simulator
Figure 2.1: Use of natural language processing
Figure 2.3: VR Headset
Chap 2.indd   17 19-Jul-19   3:06:48 PM
2024-25
18
Informat Ics Pract Ices – c lass XI
and has found its applications in gaming (Figure 2.3), 
military training, medical procedures, entertainment, 
social science and psychology, engineering and 
other areas where simulation is needed for a better 
understanding and learning.
(B) Augmented Reality 
The superimposition of computer generated perceptual 
information over the existing physical surroundings is 
called as Augmented Reality (AR). It adds components 
of the digital world to the physical world, along with 
the associated tactile and other sensory requirements, 
thereby making the environment interactive and 
digitally manipulable. Users can access information 
about the nearest places with reference to their current 
location. They can get information about places and 
choose on the basis of user reviews. With thet help of 
location-based AR App, travellers can access real-time 
information of historical places just by pointing their 
camera viewfinder to subjects as depicted in Figure 2.4. 
Location-based AR apps are major forms of AR apps. 
2.2.4 Robotics 
A robot is basically a machine capable of carrying out one 
or more tasks automatically with accuracy and precision. 
Unlike other machines, a robot is programmable, which 
means it can follow the instructions given through 
computer programs. Robots were initially conceptualised 
for doing repetitive industrial tasks that are boring or 
stressful for humans or were labour-intensive. Sensors 
are one of the prime components of a robot. Robot can 
be of many types, such as wheeled robots, legged robots, 
manipulators and humanoids. Robots that resemble 
humans are known as humanoids. Robots are being 
used in industries, medical science, bionics, scientific 
research, military, etc. Some examples are: 
• NASA’s Mars Exploration Rover (MER) mission is 
a robotic space mission to study about the planet 
Mars (Figure 2.5).
• Sophia is a humanoid that uses artificial intelligence, 
visual data processing, facial recognition and also 
imitates human gestures and facial expressions, as 
shown in Figure 2.6.
• A drone is an unmanned aircraft which can be 
remotely controlled or can fly autonomously through 
Unlike Virtual Reality, 
the Augmented Reality 
does not create something 
new, it just alters or 
augments the perception 
of the underlying physical 
world through additional 
information. 
Robotics is an 
interdisciplinary branch 
of technology requiring 
applications of mechanical 
engineering, electronics, 
and computer science, 
among others. Robotics is 
primarily concerned with 
the design, fabrication, 
operation, and application 
of robots.
Figure 2.4: Location based 
Augmented Reality
Activity 2.2
Find out what role are 
robots playing in the 
medical field? 
Chap 2.indd   18 19-Jul-19   3:06:48 PM
2024-25
Em Erging Tr Ends 19
software-controlled flight plans in their embedded 
systems, working in conjunction with onboard 
sensors and GPS (Figure 2.7). Drones are being 
used in many fields, such as journalism, filming 
and aerial photography, shipping or delivery at short 
distances, disaster management, search and rescue 
operations, healthcare, geographic mapping and 
structural safety inspections, agriculture, wildlife 
monitoring or pooching, besides law-enforcement and  
border patrolling.
2.3 BIg d At A 
With technology making 
an inroad into almost every 
sphere of our lives, data 
is being produced at a 
colossal rate. Today, there 
are over a billion Internet 
users, and a majority of 
the world’s web traffic is 
coming from smartphones. 
Figure 2.8 shows that at 
the current pace, around 
2.5 quintillion bytes of data 
are created each day, and 
the pace is increasing with 
the continuous evolution of 
the Internet of Things (IoT).
This results in the 
generation of data sets 
of enormous volume and 
complexity called Big 
Data. Such data cannot 
be processed and analysed 
using traditional data 
Figure 2.5: NASA’s Mars 
Exploration Rover (MER) 
Figure 2.6: Sophia : a 
Humanoid
Figure 2.7: an unmanned 
aircraft
Think and Reflect
Can a drone be helpful 
in the event of a 
natural calamity?
Figure 2.8: Sources of big data (numbers are approximate)
Chap 2.indd   19 19-Jul-19   3:06:50 PM
2024-25