Technology is the use of tools or methods to achieve specific goals, such as food production, building construction, transportation and communications. It encompasses both tangible tools and intangible systems such as information processing. It may draw on scientific, engineering, mathematical, linguistic, historical and philosophical knowledge to achieve its results. It is often seen as a part of the progression of human knowledge, and it contributes to economic development and social change. Nevertheless, it is also associated with environmental harms and social alienation. It is the focus of ongoing philosophical debates on whether it improves the human condition or worsens it. The neo-Luddite movement and anarcho-primitivism criticize the pervasiveness of modern technology, while proponents of ideologies such as transhumanism believe that continued technological progress will improve human life.
Technological innovations can be applied to all aspects of daily life. They can be used to improve the efficiency of a workplace, create new products and services, communicate with clients or partners, or simply to make work tasks easier and more enjoyable. For example, companies like Apple & Samsung employ current technology to build their smartphones and other electronic devices.
Modern technology also makes it easier for businesses to stay competitive. Smart factories that can automate processes for greater productivity, smart robots to assist in manufacturing, and advanced educational software are all examples of technology that has been applied to business. But the most recognizable aspect of technology is electric-powered devices that process and transmit information. These include laptops, tablets, cell phones and televisions as well as communication systems such as satellite networks and the Internet.