The Rise of Technology

Technology has grown by leaps and bounds since I was in college in the late 1980s.  I was fortunate enough to work in an environment that advanced past the use of programming cards, but I do remember having limited access to computers in a computer lab on campus to complete class projects ... oftentimes late at night, but that was probably due to my own lack of planning.  In recent times, we have seen 3D printing of simple concrete structures become a reality and have also stretched the limits of wood-frame construction with the introduction of cross-laminated timber and further advancements in fire-resistive assemblies.  Artificial Intelligence is still a relatively new field of study with relation to engineering, but there is a lot of excitement brewing over the possibilities -- think of smart cars, personalized instruments with relation to health science, and factory machines working together to streamline production.

My hope is that as we advance, improve, and embrace technology, we don't forget the human factors that make societies thrive.  We've all become accustomed to email, text messaging, and even online conferences, but those conveniences cannot replace good old face-to-face meetings and warm handshakes.  People are social beings who need personal interaction to maintain a healthy livelihood.  As engineers, we should also be aware of the need for diverse interactions with friends, family, colleagues, clients, and others who can help expand our database of solutions to problems that we can help solve throughout the world.

I believe the identity of an engineer of the future must be based on the human aspect of our education and training.  We should always be aware that any form of technology we bring into our toolbox will be for the purpose of improving human life, liberty, and happiness.  Clean water, safe roads, smart buildings, renewable energy … all of these issues requiring engineering solutions have a focus on improving life.  Societies should also be committed to protecting and creating jobs, promoting and maintaining a high quality of education, and embracing diversity as fellow human beings striving for many of the same things.  Engineers must always remember that technology … even "smart" technology … is only a tool that can be used for the benefit of society and should never replace the human aspect of what we were educated and trained to do.