Article I.

Article II.

Article III. Effect of advancements in engineering on

industry.

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, labor-
intensive 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 industry-
specific 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.