Emerging Technology

Emerging Technology

1. 3D Printing

   • A process for making a physical object from a three-dimensional digital model. It uses CAD/CAM software.
     • It is made by laying down successive layers of a thin material to form a 3D product.
       • It can be used to print aircraft parts, manufacturing prototypes and even human organs using human cells.
         • Pros:
           • Can go from prototype to product quickly
             • Cheaper than labour/ workers
               • More jobs/ Need skilled engineers to work printer.
         • Cons:
           • High initial set up
             • Limited materials available
               • Fewer manufacturing jobs
                 • Limited size allowances

2. Artificial Intelligence

   • The development of computer systems that are capable of carrying out tasks that usually require human intelligence to complete such as voice recognition, speech recognition and decision-making.
     • Pros:
       • Can take on stressful/ mundane jobs so that humans don't have to.
         • Machines can completre the job quicker than humans
           • Aiding of the visually, physically mentally impaired or people with hearing disabilities.
             • Fewer errors or defects
               • Don't require breaks. Can work indefinitely.
     • Cons:
       • Lacks human touch/ impersonal
         • Can malfunction
           • People can lose their jobs.

3. Vision Enhancement

   • For car drivers:
     • Active systems: uses infra red beams from small sensor. They have a range of around 500 feet and are displayed at the bottom of the windscreen so as not to obstruct the drivers view.
     • Passive systems: use thermal imaging and have a wider range of up to 1000 feet. However there can be problems on hot days

4. Virtual Reality

   • The computer-generated simulation of a 3D reality that can be interacted with in a seemingly real way by the user when equipped with the necessary equipment
     • Pros:
       • Can be used to train students (ie. medical) without putting anyone in harms way
         • Good for those who can't leave the house
           • Used in the medical field to help stroke patients
     • Cons:
       • Expensive equipment
         • Technology is still new and experimental
           • People live in the virtual world without dealing with the real one
             • None of the same consequences of the real world training.

5. 3D & Holographic Imaging

   • Holography is the technique which allows 3D images to be made from 2D images by using lasers.
     • Gaining popularity in the gaming and film industry
   • 3D Imaging is a technique which gives the illusion of depth to an image.
     • Widely used in the medical field.

6. Quantum Cryptography

   • Uses quantum physics as the basis for encryption of computer messages, rather than the traditional mathematical approach.