In this technological driven society, almost everyone knows what the general uses are of a computer.  Almost every business uses a computer in one way or another, from simple communication to complex automations.  The uses of a computer are simply endless.

While most people know what the basic uses of a computer are, many may not know the complex uses of a computer in different business sectors.  Technological advancements have enabled people to do what seemed impossible only a few years ago.

Computers used in agriculture

You may be surprised to know that computers are used by farmers in the agricultural industry. Farmers can now use computers to predict weather conditions, track costs involved in production and transport, assess farmland and automate equipment.  The use of computer technology has resulted in a tremendous increase of production capacity and simplified communication between farmers and their suppliers.

Computers used in space

Not only do computers help astronomers explore the universe, but cosmologists use computers to help them understand the universe by comparing the outcome of a computer simulation to the current universe. The Hazel Hen computer in Germany is the 19th fastest computer in the world, and currently houses different cosmological simulations of the Universe to learn more about how galaxies are formed.

Computers used in medicine

Computers are used in everywhere in medicine, from x-rays to patient monitoring.  One recent innvovation of the computer in medicine is in the area of robotics.  A robotic hand developed by Swiss and Italian scientists, allows amputees to sense the limb’s position in space and to regain their sense of touch.  Amputees can now feel in real time and can sense an object’s shape, consistency, size and position without needing to look at it.

Computers used in the military

Computers play an important role in the military.  Computers analyze intelligence, control smart weapons and manage tasks for soliders and military personnel.  In the future, experts are predicting that computer uses in the military will include micro-drone swarms, auto-targeting and AI robots.

Computers used in archeology

Archeologists don’t just take a laptop to an excavation site and type in data.  They also use computers for artifical intelligence and complex research and formulation of data.  Computational Archaeology involves taking data and using specially designed computer software applications to compute complex mathematical equations, replicate entire archeological sites and rebuild missing architecture into interactive 3-d movies.

Computers used in the auto industry

Computers have been used in the auto industry for many years and go hand in hand.  Computers are used to design the newest vehicles and manufacture parts.  In the coming years, the auto industry is expected to progress even further with computers using predictive vehicle technology, self-driving vehicles, and developing more fuel-efficient vehicles.

Computers used in banking

It’s hard to think of the banking industry without computers.  Banks use computers to deposit customer money, forecast future trends, and carry out day-to-day operations.  In the upcoming years, computer advancements will revolutionze the banking industry even more with Blockchain technology (financial management through a widepread network of computers and transactions broken into encrypted “blocks”), upgraded ATMs with contactless payments, automated financial service employees, artificial intelligence and smartwatches.

Computers used in construction

Rapid advancements in computer technology have led to more efficient construction job sites, reduced costs, and increased profits. Construction workers are able to wear rugged computer devices on job sites which include: helmet cameras, health monitors, enhanced safety vests and pull-down visors for real time communication.  Construction companies can use robotic building arms and 3D printers to produce entire buildings and unmanned drones are used to perform site surveys, monitor logistics and perform site inspections.

Computers used in sports

Computers have revolutionized the sports industry from statistical data storage to equipment development.  Hawk-Eye technology which uses 6-7 high-end cameras above the playing field, analyzes the flight and trajectory of the ball being used in a sport such as tennis, rugby or volleyball.  The health of sports players is monitored through wireless health monitoring systems, and some sports teams have players ingest thermometer pills which observe body temperature and transmits data back to the team’s doctor and medical personnel.