New and Emerging Processes and Technologies Flashcards
Artificial intelligence and Robotics
Use of computer systems to perform tasks that usually require human intelligence
- Collect information and improve performance
- Commonly used in production lines, displacing manually skilled workers
- Carry out repetitive tasks safely and to a high degree of accuracy
Biometrics
For example automated passport checks or fingerprint scanners or reporting arrival or departure times
Virtual reality
Increasingly used for training purposes
Expensive but allows training that would otherwise be impossible for example allowing pilots to practice emergency routines
Drones
Used in numerous industries from retail to manufacturing.
They have a potential to carry out courier roles resulting in job loss but also be a need for more technically skilled people to manage an efficient drone delivery network.
Miniaturisation
E.g. storage (hard drives), technological devices
3D printing
A method of adding material in layers to build a solid form.
And additive manufacturing process.
The printer prints out thin layers of plastic based of a CAD file.
- Commonly used in prototyping and the creation of bespoke parts.
- Commonly prints plastics but can also work with metal and clay and bio-materials
+ rapid prototyping
+ lighter material
Green, sustainable energy
- wind
- solar
- tidal
- hydroelectric
Circular economy
Makes maximum use of resources and reduces waste whilst recovering materials at the end of the product’s life
Recycling
Disposing of waste responsibly by re-using or using old products and making them into something new
Continuous improvement
Processes can allow companies to make small improvements to reduce errors in waste and pollution emission (from manufacturing and waste disposal)
Technology push
Research and development can lead to discovery of new technologies that can improve existing products, before consumers demand them
Market pull
When product ideas are produced in response to market forces or customer needs
Economies of scale
When companies seek to reduce the average cost per product whilst increasing the output produced
Disruptive technology
Technology that displaces an existing technology and creates a new area of industry
- virtual reality
- Internet of Things
- drones
- robotics
Can allow smaller companies to take on large companies and challenge the way we work and live - create new market demand and thinking
Computer Aided Design (CAD)
The process of creating a 2D or 3D design using computer software.
Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
The use of software and computer-controlled machinery to automate a manufacturing process
Informing design decisions
- trend/style
- culture/religion/faith
- ethics
- environment
- product enhancement
- inclusivity
- disabilities
Fair Trade
A trading partnership that ensures workers in developing countries are given suitable working condition and are paid a fair wage
Design for disassembly
When’s product can be taken apart and it’s parts reused or recycled when it has reached the end of its life
Planned obsolescence
The practice of designing products that will have a limited lifecycle and that will become obsolete and need to be replace
Product enhancement
Any change or enhancement to a product that improves its performance beyond its original capabilities
Automation
Using automatic equipment in production
- uses computerised machines to manufacture repeatedly at a high speed and reduce errors
Social and Ethical awareness
Products are made by real people so there are moral implications for all of us when we buy things.
Consider conditions of those involved in designing and making the products we buy.
E.g. the cotton industry - child labour and welfare of workers
Nanotechnology
Technology on a microscopic scale
Ethics - people may not agree with using them in medicine to transport drugs as they don’t want artificial substances inside them
Cloud computing
A network of online servers that store and manage data
Internet of Things (IoT)
Where electronic devices connect within the existing internet infrastructure, to send and receive data without human intervention
- reduces downtime
- fewer problems and defects in final products
Advantages of new and emerging technologies
- reduce manufacturing and production costs
- improve manufacturing speed, precision, efficiency and flexibility
Disadvantages of new and emerging technologies
- unemployment
- negative impact on environment
- uses large amounts of energy resources
Economies of scale definition
The cost advantages from business expansion (can depend on size, output or scale of production).
Economies of scale advantages
- decreased cost per unit as fixed costs like machinery are spread out over more units of output
- more efficient manufacturing (including less waste)
- workers need less training so more efficient as they only become highly specialised in one part of the design
- production costs are cut by having factories in other countries such as China and Malaysia
- products and prototypes can be produced in smaller quantities but still benefit form cost reduction associated with large scale production
——companies can produce bespoke products that meet the needs of individual clients much easier
——can react to fashion/trends
——reduces storage costs of final products
Virtual reality advantages
- increased flexibility to produce complex products of multiple materials and functions
- use of digital modelling and simulation tools to evaluate and plan manufacturing
- improved productivity and quality
- sustainable manufacture as a result of improved use of material resources and reduced energy consumption
Maker movement
Recent advances to digital design, engineering and simulation are already making a huge difference to manufacturing enterprises and small businesses.
- affordable small 3D printers, scanners and CAD so it can be done at home
- ability to share ideas on internet (e.g. Etsy)
E.g. Pebble smart watches - began as a prototype produced at home, then raised $10 mill on Kickstarter before being launched commercially. This lead to research in wearable tech by larger companies like Apple, Samsung and Galaxy
E.g. British Atlas V rocket (2015) - Tim Peake uploaded code from small computers designed to enhance spacecraft sensors, satellite imaging, space measurements, data fusion and measurement of space radiation. The computers only cost a few dollars and we’re coded by children as part of the the Astro Ali project
Virtual testing
Allows designers to test product before it is produced
Ergonomics
The study of how we use and interact with a system
Provide maximum comfort for user
Electric cars
- harmful lithium batteries
+ release less/no fossil fuels
New and emerging technologies
New technology or something that is going to be developed in the next 5/10 years
