Technology continues making advancements faster than in previous years. Modern-day technology is now commonplace in a variety of fields that include business, health care and recreation. There are a number of new innovations that are bound to change the world.
Technological Trends
American manufacturing has taken a heavy hit as companies make their way overseas or into Mexico. However, numerous companies are experiencing a resurgence thanks to technological advances. According to an article printed in the New York Times, manufactures now report a 47 percent increase in production. The improvement is made possible using automation and robotics. Although many fear that introducing technology depletes possibilities in the job market. Employees must operate and maintain the machines, which produces more jobs.
2D to 3D Conversions
Smartphones are commonly used daily throughout the world. However, software developed by Julien Flack of Dynamic Digital Depth improves smartphone use by leaps and bounds. By turning a smartphone horizontally, users may soon be able to see three-dimensional images. The technology was first introduced in South Korea in the Samsung B710 smartphone. The device appears similar to any other current-day model. However, the phone enables owners to see 3D hologram-like images. The 3D conversion will especially be attractive to people who enjoy gaming on their phones. The 3D-equipped W960 smartphone was recently introduced. The technology is expected to become popular with consumers in the next few years.
3D Metal Printing
3D printers are now employed for a variety of home and industrial use. However, until now, all of the printed items consisted of polymer materials. Desktop Metal based in Massachusetts plans to change the market of 3D printing. Traditional metal manufacturing is largely wasteful in nature. The majority of materials used to produce metal parts are cut away and discarded. On the other hand, having the ability to print metal objects uses less energy and greatly reduces waste. Although the invention is not quite ready for the average consumer, the technology is available to medium and large businesses. However, the machinery, materials and furnace needed to create the products come with a price of approximately $120,000.
Snake Robots
The health hazards associated with people correcting nuclear plant accidents is of great concern to many world countries. However, the danger is greatly reduced when companies employ the use of snake robots. The robots are designed to mimic their real-life counterparts. They can crawl, climb and slither into tight-fitting spaces requiring inspection. When equipped with specialized cameras, the snakes can be used to make their way up and down pipes, tubes and into valves to check for possible problems. In this way, the robots feed information to technicians before major mishaps occur. Along with making nuclear plants safer for people, robot snakes might prove useful in many other industrial applications.