The holidays are fast approaching and the year is drawing to a close, so like you, I’m gearing down in preparation for some rest and relaxation with my family.

So I figured I would do what college and high school students have been doing all year and let an AI chatbot take on some of my workload.

I provided Claude, Anthropic’s impressive chatbot, with some samples of my writing and asked it to create a year-in-review.

So here’s RoboRay’s look back at a historic year in technology…

2023 and Beyond: A Big Year For Tech

As we wrap up 2023 and look ahead to the new year, it’s a fitting time to reflect on the key technology stories and trends that defined the past 12 months. While also peeking into our crystal ball at the tech innovations that might shape our world in 2024 and beyond.

Let’s recap some tech highlights first.

Without a doubt, 2023 will be remembered as the year when AI chatbots became celebrities. Seemingly overnight, futuristic systems like ChatGPT that can converse naturally and generate human-sounding text, exploded in popularity. And in 2023 the AI hype train kept on rolling, with these bots making their way into everything from search engines to creative tools.

The implications are mind-boggling. As developers refine these AI models, they’ll transform healthcare, manufacturing, you name it. However, possible downsides like job loss or misinformation will require continued vigilance too.

Quantum computing also saw huge progress in 2023. IBM launched its 433-qubit machine and is prepping an even mightier 1,121-qubit system. As I’ve noted before, quantum rigs could someday crack even the toughest encryption protecting our data today. Industries need to start preparing now for this fast-approaching quantum future.

In 2023’s space race storylines, NASA’s plans to return astronauts to the moon stayed on track. The agency revealed the four astronauts that will fly by the moon in 2024/2025. Plus continued planning the 2026 Artemis III crewed lunar landing. But China also wants in on the lunar action, aiming for its own manned moon mission before the decade closes. Game on!

There were also encouraging health breakthroughs. Scientists developed a technique using ultrasound and bubbles to precisely deliver drugs past biological barriers in the body. Huge for better treating cancers or Alzheimer's. Human testing is already underway too. This new delivery system could transform medicine if proven safe.

And with EVs booming, interest grew around deep sea mining of metal-rich rocks on the seafloor. Land sources struggle to meet battery mineral demand. Tapping these underwater deposits could help secure the electric future. There are open questions around ecological impacts though.

Of course that just skims the surface of the torrent of tech developments across AI, quantum, space, health, energy and more that defined a breakneck 2023.

And my crystal ball says to expect an even wilder tech ride in 2024. Buckle up!

I foresee more powerful AI chatbots like Google’s Sparrow and Anthropic’s Claude advancing steadily, moving closer to passing stern Turing Tests. New commercial uses will spread while policymakers consider potential risks.

In the quantum arena, IBM and others inch closer to key quantum advantage milestones on systems packing 2000-5000+ qubits. We may even see the first definitive cracking of RSA encryption, setting off a new crypto arms race.

NASA is still targeting a 2026 Artemis III lunar landing but delays could push it to 2027. Regardless, success secures sustained American presence on the moon for the first time since Apollo!

Revolutionary gene editing techs like CRISPR get further refined too. Soon they could treat first patients in regulated human trials - kicking off the path to curing genetic diseases.

Offshore wind and underwater mining boost rare mineral flows for the ongoing EV and energy storage surge, quickening the sustainable power transition.

The list goes on — self-driving cars, private space stations, 6G wireless, personalized medicine. What we know for sure is that technology will keep rapidly transforming life in 2024. Opening up tremendous opportunities while also raising new challenges that compel informed perspectives.

I look forward to making sense of this non-stop, shape-shifting landscape with you in 2024 and beyond. Please keep sending feedback on what emerging tech interests you most as we head into the unknown together. Just write to me anytime at feedback@technologyprofits.com.

Here’s to your health, happiness and prosperity in our tech-charged future!

Ray Blanc-O