Technology is the application of knowledge to achieve practical goals in a sustainable way. It can refer to tangible tools such as utensils and machines, or to intangible concepts such as software. The term is most often associated with science and engineering, but the concept precedes these fields by many centuries. It also applies to the human activity of tool-making, which was an intrinsic part of the development of our early society.
The most common applications of technology are in the business world, where it helps to increase output while decreasing inputs (workers or resources). Technological resources can help companies make better decisions by handling large amounts of data quickly and accurately. They can also reduce the potential for errors that may arise from manual operations. The widespread use of technology in the workplace is creating fears among some workers that their jobs are at risk of being eliminated by automated systems.
In the realm of scientific research, technology provides the eyes and ears as well as the muscle to advance studies of weather systems, gene structure, population patterns, and more. It is essential for measurement, sample collection and processing, transport to remote research sites (such as Antarctica and the ocean floor), and communication.
The creation and use of technology is a complex process, requiring knowledge of human factors, sustainability, engineering, materials, and more. It is a multidisciplinary field that is constantly evolving to meet the needs of both the present and the future.