The report adopts an integrated research perspective, combining technological analysis with social and human-centered considerations.
The TRENDS Research & Advisory virtual office in Canada has released the 17th edition of its Future TRENDS report, offering an in-depth forward-looking analysis of the rapid evolution of AI applications and their growing impact on lifestyles, quality of life, healthcare, and mental well-being. The report adopts an integrated research perspective that combines technological analysis with social and human-centered considerations.
The publication brings together a collection of applied studies that examine future trajectories of AI and explore its implications for daily living, particularly in smart homes, assistive technologies, healthcare, and mental wellbeing, as well as the overall quality of life across different age groups.
The report stresses that technological progress, while essential, does not by itself guarantee meaningful social impact unless it is supported by inclusive, human-centered design, enabling public policies, sustainable economic models, and integrated service systems capable of turning innovation into tangible societal value.
One of the report’s key contributions is a study on the future of AI-powered assistive technologies by 2030, drawing on the Bulgarian experience as a case study. The findings reflect cautious optimism about the potential of these technologies to improve quality of life and promote social inclusion, while also highlighting persistent challenges related to accessibility, affordability, and inclusive design requirements.
The report also examines advances in smart home systems, noting that integrating large language models and individual preference modeling significantly enhances user experience, satisfaction, and operational efficiency. These developments are helping transform domestic environments into more adaptive, context-aware spaces, moving beyond rigid, rule-based models.
In addressing trust in technology, the report discusses the concept of explainable AI, underscoring the importance of providing clear and comprehensible explanations for decisions made by intelligent systems. Such transparency is essential to enable non-specialist users to interact confidently with AI and to support its safe and effective use in everyday contexts.
Special attention is given to older adults through studies that explore the role of emerging technologies and intelligent robotics in supporting purposeful activities, enhancing psychological well-being, and reducing social isolation. The report emphasizes that the success of these solutions depends on high-quality design, respect for human dignity, and the continued presence of human oversight.
The Future TRENDS report concludes that AI is increasingly positioned to serve as a supportive partner to humans rather than a substitute for them. It affirms that the future of these technologies hinges on achieving a careful balance between technological innovation and social and ethical considerations, ensuring that AI is ultimately deployed in ways that serve people and improve the quality of human life.
