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