Concept, Origin, Types and Evolution

We explain what is the technology and the types of technology that we can identify.The origin and evolution of this knowledge.

The technology includes the creation of robots for automating repetitive tasks.

What is Technology?

Technology is a set of notions and knowledge used to achieve a precise objective , which leads to the solution of a specific problem of the individual or to the satisfaction of some of their needs It is an extremely broad concept that is able to cover a huge variety of aspects that can range from electronics to art or medicine.

Some examples: the creation of tablets capable of performing the work of a computer, being excessively light and portable, is a merit of technology, as well as the creation of robots for the automation of repetitive tasks, or an animal cloning.

We can identify the two main types of technologies :

• Hard technologies. Those that use elements of the hard sciences such as engineering, mechanics, mathematics, physics, chemistry and others .In this way it can be used as an example of hard technology, the one applied to the field of computer science, biochemistry, electronics, etc.Another characteristic of these is that the product obtained is not only visible but also tangible; that is, it is about the production of material goods.


• Soft technologies. Those that rely on humanistic or soft sciences, such as sociology, psychology, economics , etc.Usually used in order to achieve improvements within institutions or companies that allow them to achieve their objectives in a more effective way.In this case the product that is obtained is not visible or tangible, since it consists of the elaboration of services, strategies, theories and others.

In short, hard technologies give us tangible goods , such as a wooden spoon, and soft technologies provide us with intangible goods, such as the creation and development of software.It is usual to relate soft technologies to the field of economics, management and administration while, on the contrary, hard technologies are closely related to the area of ​​physics and chemistry.

On the other hand, we can find a flexible technology that massifies technologies in different areas (for example, the microchip that is used in both phones and computers) as well as the fixed technology that encompasses the set of technologies for a particular product or area (for example, rat poison is used for the particular elimination of that animal).

See also: Exact Sciences.

Origin and evolution of technology

The invention of the wheel facilitates the movement of people more quickly.

Instinctively, from the beginning of the story, people sought to develop technology (techniques to improve their quality of life).In the beginning, for example, stones were transformed into spears and wood was used to make fire.

It is the discovery of fire the first technology that provides the human with notorious benefits either by increasing the possibilities and alternatives of food, or by using it as a method of defense before the dangers of their habitat.In turn, the invention of The wheel facilitates the movement of people more quickly and safely, controlling the surrounding environment.

Formally speaking, technology has its origin when the technique (initially empirical) begins to be linked to science and in this way the production methods are structured.This relationship allows a theoretical reflection of the “do” and establish an analysis about the products that resulted from those processes.

At present, in this capitalist, globalized and demanding world, demands constant evolution, through the advancement of its techniques and the study, research and discovery of new technologies (called "cutting edge") to continue achieving increases in the quality of life.

The new technologies are those that arise after the Second World War and involve some striking characteristics.For example, its rapid growth and insertion in society , entail consequences of great importance and have an incredible transcendence , never given before.The risk is fundamentally that the human being is able to control and dominate them, not allowing an irreversible point to be reached where it begins to generate incalculable damage.