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Article I. Article II.

Article III. industry.

Effect of advancements in engineering on

Technology has advanced a lot in the last few decades. There have been numerous groundbreaking advancements that have revolutionised the way things are done. The internet is now an important part of any business. No brand can do business without being on the internet. Computer software, big data analysis, fiber optics, drones, image recognition, artificial intelligence and others now have a big role to play in different industrial sectors. This article will examine how modern technology is helping various industrial sectors to advance. The major industrial sector we are going to discuss are as follow:

Section 3.01

Manufacturing

The manufacturing sector is going through a technological revolution, with more and more businesses taking the plunge into investing in new technology. In this article, we look at the technologies that could have the greatest impact on factory environments. It is logical to assume that, with today’s modern cutting-edge capabilities, that factories could be heading for a more data-driven factory of the future where consumers, operators and designers will all share information on everything from initial concepts right through to installation. Operators could access all and any materials on demand, and work with robots to use them safely while relying on virtual instructions via headsets or glasses. This will then in turn enable assembly lines to produce high quality work, highly personalised products that have zero defects. Below we highlight some of the technologies that are already driving much of the change in factory environments:

(a) 3D printing Rapid advancements in 3D printing have led to UK manufacturers exploring the use of the technology in production, but what really are the possible benefits of 3D printing? Here we look at customisation, cost, flexibility and speed to market. 3D printing is certainly not new with the technology first appearing more than 25 years ago. Advancements in 3D printing continues to gain pace as manufacturers look for greater flexibility and cost-savings in production, and the technology is now being embraced in a range of manufacturing industries.

3D printing could be the key element in determining whether or not many manufacturing businesses will flourish or fail in the future. Research indicates that 3D printing is revolutionising manufacturing as we know it, which will see companies being able to fulfil consumers’ desires, creating personal specifications on orders without significant time or cost constraints. As the cost of the technology continues to fall, 3D printing now has the potential to fundamentally change the economies of scale for the smaller, pioneering companies, opening up considerable opportunities for innovation and growth.

3D printing is set to revolutionise how we manufacture It is therefore important that all UK manufacturers, whether they are a small independent firm or a large firm with an international focus, start to consider the benefits of 3D printing and the impact it may have, and is likely to have, on manufacturing over the next few years. (i) Customised, personalised manufacturing With standard, mass-production it is often too complex and too expensive to customise and personalise production. 3D printing will make this process much quicker and more cost-effective, benefiting both the manufacturer and the customer. Customised manufacturing may be particularly beneficial in the healthcare (e.g. dental) and fashion (e.g. jewellery) industries, meeting demand for bespoke products. (ii) Cost-effective production 3D printing undoubtedly offers manufacturers the potential to considerably streamline their manufacturing processes and, in turn, also brings huge financial opportunities. Through reduced machine set-up time and reduced tooling costs, 3D printing can significantly reduce the cost per unit, particularly for small production runs which do not gain cost advantages through scalability. This is becoming increasingly important; a recent report found that 51% of SME manufacturers are seeing customers request orders in smaller quantities. Manufacturers must strive to make small production runs more profitable. A product that is likely to have a short production run, or where there is uncertain demand, is sometimes overlooked by manufacturers due to the high up-front tooling costs of production. 3D printing would dramatically change this. (iii) Greater flexibility in production 3D printing will also give manufacturers greater flexibility in what materials they use during the production process. (iv) Reduced speed to market 3D printing may also give manufacturers the opportunity to compress design cycles (e.g. through identifying design errors earlier) and reduce the time it takes to take a new product to market. 3D printing allows development ideas to progress faster than ever before. Rapid prototyping can see designers have a prototype in their hand in just hours, not days, weeks or months. Whilst there are clear benefits of 3D printing, the technology also brings challenges such as the potential cost of initial set-up and the possible problems that mass customisation may bring (too many options could overwhelm customers). It will be interesting to see how many manufacturers adopt 3D printing approaches in the coming years and how that influences customer demand and buying patterns.

(b) Internet of Things (IoT) The concept of having a factory that is ‘connected’ has been gathering pace over the last few years. It essentially means expanding the ever-growing Web to link machines, computers, sensors and humans to improve efficiency by enabling new levels of information processing, monitoring, collection and analysis.

By incorporating this into factory life, it allows more precision and can translate all the data the devices collects and turn it into insights that can help determine multiple things such as; how much voltage is needed to produce a product or how temperature, humidity and pressure can impact performance.

Before businesses can invest in IoT, it is essential that the said business figures out what is most important to them and which information will be vital to future success. In addition to this, these next-gen devices will also require next-gen workers who have the ability to work with and understand complex machines but with a shortage of skilled workers, this may be difficult.

(c) Robotics Robotics have played an important role in the line of manufacturing in last few decades.Any repetitive task is a candidate for robotic manufacturing, especially if it's difficult or dangerous for a human, or takes place in a hostile environment. What’s more, adding force sensing and vision systems lets a robot adapt to changes in part position or orientation, increasing flexibility and versatility. Good jobs for robots include:      

Machine Tool Tending Material Removal Palletization and De-Palletizing Material Handling Welding, Gas Metal Arc Welding (Submerged Arc and Resistance) Assembly

Five ways robots don't eliminate manufacturing jobs:

(i) Robots used in manufacturing create efficiencies all the way from raw material handling to finished product packing. (ii) Robots can be programmed to operate 24/7 in lights-out situations for continuous production. (iii) Robotic equipment is highly flexible and can be customized to perform even complex functions. (iv) With robotics in greater use today than ever, manufacturers increasingly need to embrace automation to stay competitive. (v) Automation can be highly cost-effective for nearly every size of company, including small shops.

(d) Augmented reality With the advancements in computer science and computer vision, information technology and engineering has enabled manufacturers to use real-time guidance and information to the point of use. Workers would simply use a pair of goggles which would have text, information and instructions displayed on the lenses for the worker to read as they perform complex tasks on the factory floor.

These goggles (or anything similar for that matter) enable the workers to carry out much more complex tasks and the augmented reality will allow for great precision and accuracy, as well as notifying the worker of the risks being imposed.

Of course, businesses would need to conduct a thorough analysis of their own factory, as well as their finances, to determine whether any of these technologies would benefit their business, or would just be an expensive mistake. Therefore, all businesses should contact a professional in the manufacturing sector before purchasing any new technology.

Section 3.02 Agriculture While the phrase “industrial farming” is often used to deride modern farming operations, it is obvious that agriculture, just as other industries, has experienced leaps and bounds in productivity as computers and machines have reduced the more labor-intensive (and, often dangerous) parts of farming. In addition, many farming communities have guided their children to choose careers outside of agriculture, with fewer and fewer people willing to work on farms in the traditional, laborintensive ways of the past. As a result, high labor cropping systems (i.e. organic farming) and crops requiring a high degree of manual labor (such as strawberries and coffee) seem to be heading for a clash with trends in demographics, as the pool of low-cost, unskilled farm laborers needed for such crops and systems seems likely to continue its decline, making non-mechanization techniques increasingly less viable as an option.

(a) Increase in production Modern farming has achieved much greater productivity. Before the introduction of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, improved animal and plant breeding, better machines, and, more recently, biotechnology, pre-Industrial Era yields were stagnant and low.

(b) Increase in employment Many farming communities have guided their children to choose careers outside of agriculture, with fewer and fewer people willing to work on farms in the traditional, labor-intensive ways of the past.

(c) Reduction in the dependency of climate (d) Commercialization (e) Effective use of GIS (i) GIS ( Geographical information system ) that is a well defined system to capture ,store ,check and display data related to positions on earth’s surface . The use of remote sensing, GIS , bio engineering etc., with the help of these technologies agriculture sector performances are effectively monitored . With use of remote sensing and GIS applications better planning, advising and monitoring the status of the crops can be done. Also, it helps in giving quick responds related to crop stress conditions and natural calamities.

Through this art sensing techniques we can detect trace amounts of various chemicals and fertilisers present in the soil. Challenges of crop stress, soil problems, and natural disasters can be tackled effectively through these technologies.

Section 3.03 Medical Increased life expectancy will fuel big increases in the incidence of age-related conditions such as heart disease, dementia, stroke, pulmonary disorders, and cancer. Wireless technologies capable of detecting and treating the earliest signs of disease will become front-line defenses against these leading causes of death, while devices that help patients manage their own chronic conditions more effectively will dramatically improve their quality of life while reducing the demand for more advanced treatments Here is a selective overview of five of the most talked-about directions in medical device technologies of the past year: (a) Cancer nanotherapy Nanotechnology is fulfilling medical science’s need for more precise treatments that are less invasive, less costly, and less complicated to administer than traditional methods. That translates into better patient outcomes, lower healthcare costs, and wider access to healthcare services in under-resoursed parts of the world. Medical nanodevices and materials are already in widespread use. Inorganic nanoparticles of materials synthesized from metals such as gold or silver and ranging in size from 1 to 100 nm are commonly used as contrast agents in in vivo tumor imaging and as molecular probes for the study of cellular or subcellular function. Quantum dots fabricated from semiconductor materials are similarly valued as alternatives to fluorescent proteins, organic dyes, or radioisotopes.

(b) Brain-Machine interface In his 2015 State of the Union Address, President Obama called for a renewed focus on the development of more advanced artificial limbs and other prosthetic devices. At least 100,000 Americans live with an upper-arm amputation, and 6 million others are paralyzed. In response, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has redoubled its efforts to drive performance and reduce the six-figure price tag of existing devices that translate a user’s neural signals into computer-controlled limb movements. These brain-machine interface (BMI) technologies have advanced rapidly since their highly publicized 2012 debut. With the FDA’s approval of DARPA’s

design, other groups have launched clinical trials of newer devices designed for safe use in the home environment rather than under the supervision of laboratory personnel.

(c) New Take on a Classic Tool A new electronic take on old-school tool, the Eko Core (Eko Devices, Berkeley, CA) attaches to an analog stethoscope to provide seamless analog and digital sound, which it transmits using Bluetooth to the cloud, from where a doctor can download it to a smartphone. Selected by Time magazine as one of the top inventions of 2015, the scope does the listening for the doctor, who can visualize waveforms in real time, record and playback body sounds, share recordings, and store data in the patient’s electronic health record in compliance with federal patient privacy rules. The scope could help reduce healthcare costs related to unnecessary specialist care by helping general practitioners take more advanced measurements on their own.

Section 3.04 Construction (a) Wearables Wearables in the construction industry include tough, rugged devices designed to withstand the rigors and abuses of a job site. Smart helmets, complete with pull-down visors, are brimming with features, such as a health-monitoring headband, smart front- and rear-facing cameras with depth perception, an array of sensors, and wireless connectivity. The pull-down visors on these smart hardhats allow wearers real-time communication (including quick access to data), augmented reality overlays and the ability to record data. Other wearables designed for the construction industry include rugged health monitors and enhanced safety vests, all designed to boost worker safety and productivity. (b) 3d printing and robotics Robotic building arms and 3D printers are being used to produce building components or even entire buildings. This combination of technology uses concrete, extruded concrete, and plastics to "print" components and buildings of all kinds and is quickly being adopted on a wider scale. Dubai is home to the world's first entirely 3D-printed office building. Robots also serve other uses within the construction sector – placing bricks, excavating, demolishing, and accessing areas that are difficult or unsafe for humans. (c) BIM Building information modeling, or BIM, refers to a single, collaborative, computerized system that combines technology and solid work processes. With the ability to connect BIM models to wireless mobile devices, companies can ensure everyone has access to relevant information, including 3D digital representations of building plans. Every aspect of the project can be linked to related data, such as manuals, images or precise specifications. (d) Rugged job site devices Job site wearables haven't quite replaced mobile devices – largely because they can't yet do everything that a handheld device can – but this is changing. Unlike

regular tablets and smartphones, rugged devices are waterproof, dustproof and made with heavy-duty materials. Further, many rugged devices sport industryspecific features, such as barcode scanners for tracking shipments. These devices also allow workers to access the BIM and find up-to-date information whenever they wish. (e) Unmanned aerial vehicles Unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, are gaining in popularity. These vehicles can be controlled remotely or fly a preset path to perform site surveys and assess project progress. Advanced models can take aerial video, maps, pictures and 3D images. UAVs are also helpful in monitoring logistics, performing site inspections and assessing as-built conditions.

Section 3.05 Transport (a) Autonomous cars The advent of self-driving driving cars such as the Google car and Telsa are making the idea of autonomous cars a reality. Several, states across the country have begun passing laws to regulate the technology and encourage its development. However, the safety and public acceptance of these autonomous vehicles has been a question of public interest and concern. With continued research and development, autonomous car technology will likely become a safer alternative to human drivers, with additional economic and environmental benefits. Removing human control from the vehicle will potentially help cars reach their designed fuel economy, leading to less gas consumption and reduced cost of vehicle ownership. (b) On demand ride services Less than two years ago, Uber and Lyft dramatically changed the way people in large cities find transportation. With an app, riders can summon a vehicle to their location, any time they want it. (c) Drones Drones have now found more industrial uses than ever before. They have become more than mere recreational toys. Online shopping giant Amazon is working on drone delivery systems. In some remote parts of Africa, drones are used to deliver medical supplies. Drones are also used in hospitals to deliver supplies to various floors. Large warehouses are now being monitored by using drones. Farmers now use drones to monitor their farms and detect pests, diseased crops, and other important things faster.

Section 3.06 Services (a) Accountancy (i) Specialized Accounting Software

One by one, accountants are doing away with the traditional pen, ledger, and desk calculator. There now exist more efficient processing tools and specialized accounting software that allow quicker input and computation of data. In fact, even the act of manually entering information into software is declining as scanning technology makes it possible to simply photograph a page and let the software complete the relevant fields itself. It is important to be precise in your computations when doing accounting work, and having all your information calculated by a computer has drastically improved accuracy and reduced the margin of error. Even the slightest of errors can mean trouble, including tax penalties, board discipline, and a hit to your professional reputation. Accounting software has turned the most traditional of white-collar industries into a fast-paced and dynamic profession. (ii) Cloud-based Systems

The internet is something all businesses should learn to utilize fully. Too often, we think of the internet as nothing more than the place our company website and social media accounts reside. However, there is a momentous change that is currently sweeping across the corporate world: the cloud. Many accounting firms are now using cloud-based systems to streamline all of their information. Wherever you are, whatever time of the day, all you have to do is log on, and you will be able to immediately access your data. Having records in the digital format, and on one comprehensive system, means that you will be able to more easily manage and retrieve files when needed. Distributing accounting information to different branches within your company will also become a breeze. Moreover, using simple and ready-to-go cloud-based systems will significantly reduce Information Technology and file-keeping expenses. Security, backup, and data retrieval have also benefitted greatly from cloud technology. (iii) More Efficient Client Transactions

Digitizing data and operations is beneficial not only for those working within the ranks or your company but also for your clients. For one, there will no longer be a need for on-site consultations. Accountants and clients alike will be able to access real-time data remotely. Both parties will be able to simultaneously view, edit, and comment on their statements. They will then be able to convene and discuss in whatever manner is most convenient— including web-hosted video conference. In addition, software and applications with consumer functionality have allowed non-accounting professionals to understand what is going on with their finances more easily.

(iv) Mobile accounting

There are now mobile applications dedicated to accounting functions. These allow you to send invoices, add receipts, and create expense claims, among other tasks. You can accomplish all this with just a couple of swipes on a screen, and your data will be seamlessly backed up to the cloud. Moreover, having increased connectivity via mobile devices also allows for better relationships between accountants and clients. When an issue arises that needs an immediate answer, you will have access to the files and data you need, no matter where you are. With a smartphone or tablet and a Mobile Device Management plan from your I.T. support provider, you can take your office with you wherever you go. (b) Finance (i) Increasing investment in fintech

Fintech startups are disrupting the industry by competing with existing financial institutions. Fintech companies use online platforms to provide a better customer experience and accessibility to resources at a lower cost. These fintech startups put existing companies at risk by offering consumer banking, wealth management, and investment services online. While some incumbents feel threatened by fintech, others plan to embrace the trend by partnering with these in-vogue startup (ii) Improved customer intelligence

In the future, banks and other financial institutions will be working harder to improve customer experiences. As part of a customer-centric approach, banks will offer more services across channels. New opportunities for customer interaction increase the amount of data financial institutions can use to understand customers better. Data gathered from interactions with customer portals and mobile applications can be used to compile consumer histories that can then be analyzed to predict future behaviors. (iii) Mobile Banking

Banking customers are visiting their branches less frequently as they use mobile devices to make payments and transfers or request support. With mobile applications, customers can bank when it is most convenient for them. Mobile banking also enables account holders to receive real-time alerts regarding transaction activity and account status.

Section 3.07 Security (a) Image recognition Image recognition is helping industry sectors to advance in numerous ways. Industries now use image recognition for facial recognition, surveillance, video analysis, driverless vehicles, augmented reality (AR) etc. For example, in the

fashion industry, there are now apps that can capture images of people and give more information about the clothes those people are wearing. The person can then decide to purchase the clothing items from online stores. People can point the camera of their smartphones to objects and purchase these objects online. Hotels and others in the hospitality section can now identify guests as they walk into their premises. This will help them improve their customer service. (b) Advancements in video surveillance Ironically, the use of video surveillance in public spaces has always been suggested. There’s really no need for that feeling of insecurity anymore. You may easily spot surveillance cameras at drive-thru windows or supermarkets to capture every face that goes by. Videos are kept in a central database and later reviewed for investigations or screening of potential public safety threats. Also, most major cities have surveillance cameras set up at busy intersections, tourist destinations, etc. to allow the local police and authorities to monitor public spaces as well as compile evidence should a crime or tragedy happen. (c) Evolution of artificial intelligence AI is being utilized in major business sectors such as healthcare, mobility, and financial services. However, large-scale expansion occurs when AI is combined with machine learning and marketing. Elsewhere, AI is being used to run website chatbots, and the ability to make use of it to create dynamic ads or landing pages based on past user interaction is equally rewarding. (d) Advancements in drone technology The biggest technological advancement in drones has been that of remote piloted and autonomous drones. In the most advanced cases, these drones can sort of “think” for themselves given an expected outcome and a target. Drones are not only being used for public safety by the police and fire departments, but they’re also being used in the retail and food space to deliver everything from Amazon purchases to pizza. (e) Cybersecurity and cryptocurrency The biggest cybersecurity advancement has happened indirectly through cryptocurrency. In real life, there is no way to track each and every single coin or euro that has already been spent, but with cryptocurrency, there is no central market and since it’s based on the blockchain technology, it’s possible to determine whether a Bitcoin transaction is valid or not.