Emerging technologies
3-D Printing
Definition: "3D printing is a form of additive manufacturing technology where a three
dimensional object is created by successive layers of material. Advanced 3D printing
technologies yield models that closely emulate the look, feel and functionality
of product prototypes." 3D printing allows people to replicate an object by putting in a digital model, the printer will add materials in different shapes to create that object.
Uses: 3D printing has many uses. It has become more affordable, so smaller companies can purchase one and give them the ability to, "to print parts and assemblies made of several materials with different mechanical and physical properties in a single build process." 3D printing uses an additive process, which is different than normal machinery that is usually a summative machine where they cut or take away materials. 3D printing has many uses for many different fields of work, such as in jewelry, footwear, architecture, dental and medical industries.
Potential Problems: With high-tech emerging technologies comes many potential problems and drawbacks. A major problem with 3D printing is a supply problem. The RepRap Machine requires bespoke plastic parts and the knowledge on how to build and run this 3D printer. The RepRap machine also requires certain plastic parts, and these are hard to find and make so it's difficult because of limited resources.
Definition: "3D printing is a form of additive manufacturing technology where a three
dimensional object is created by successive layers of material. Advanced 3D printing
technologies yield models that closely emulate the look, feel and functionality
of product prototypes." 3D printing allows people to replicate an object by putting in a digital model, the printer will add materials in different shapes to create that object.
Uses: 3D printing has many uses. It has become more affordable, so smaller companies can purchase one and give them the ability to, "to print parts and assemblies made of several materials with different mechanical and physical properties in a single build process." 3D printing uses an additive process, which is different than normal machinery that is usually a summative machine where they cut or take away materials. 3D printing has many uses for many different fields of work, such as in jewelry, footwear, architecture, dental and medical industries.
Potential Problems: With high-tech emerging technologies comes many potential problems and drawbacks. A major problem with 3D printing is a supply problem. The RepRap Machine requires bespoke plastic parts and the knowledge on how to build and run this 3D printer. The RepRap machine also requires certain plastic parts, and these are hard to find and make so it's difficult because of limited resources.
Wearable Technology
Definition: Wearable technology, such as Google Glass, is a wearable computer that goes on a pair of glasses and has similar characteristics of a smartphone but it is hands free. There is a touchpad on the side which allows the user to control the device and what is displayed on the screen.
Uses: Wearable technology has a large array of uses. It's very convenient due to it's small size and that the user can wear them like a normal pair of glasses and they don't interfere with vision. Google Glass is just like a smartphone, and acts as a mobile computer. You can control it through voice commands or the touchpad and access the web and see current events, the weather or view pictures.
Potential Problems: Although the idea of wearable technology sounds like a great idea, it does have its draw backs. There are some safety concerns, such as when operating a motor vehicle. The user could easily get distracted with Google Glass and will be looking at the computer screen on their glasses instead of the road and cause an accident. Other major concerns regard privacy issues. Because Google Glass has a computer, there is the possibility of people taking unknown pictures or videos of people, and Google has had some concerns with foreign countries such as Russia and other post-USSR countries using it as a spy gadget.
Definition: Wearable technology, such as Google Glass, is a wearable computer that goes on a pair of glasses and has similar characteristics of a smartphone but it is hands free. There is a touchpad on the side which allows the user to control the device and what is displayed on the screen.
Uses: Wearable technology has a large array of uses. It's very convenient due to it's small size and that the user can wear them like a normal pair of glasses and they don't interfere with vision. Google Glass is just like a smartphone, and acts as a mobile computer. You can control it through voice commands or the touchpad and access the web and see current events, the weather or view pictures.
Potential Problems: Although the idea of wearable technology sounds like a great idea, it does have its draw backs. There are some safety concerns, such as when operating a motor vehicle. The user could easily get distracted with Google Glass and will be looking at the computer screen on their glasses instead of the road and cause an accident. Other major concerns regard privacy issues. Because Google Glass has a computer, there is the possibility of people taking unknown pictures or videos of people, and Google has had some concerns with foreign countries such as Russia and other post-USSR countries using it as a spy gadget.