Members Login
Become a Member

Artificial Intelligence and Automation in Engineering

Introduction

In today’s fast-paced world, technology is advancing at an unprecedented rate. This evolution has brought with it a wave of change and innovation to the field of engineering that will continue into the future. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) as well as automation in engineering is revolutionizing the way we design, build, and maintain infrastructure and systems. It is allowing tasks to evolve as well as help machines do on their own things they were not able to do before. Below are the most significant ways AI and automation are impacting the world of engineering.

What is AI?

While artificial intelligence feels like the new kid on the block, it has actually been around for years. AI was first conceived and put to use back in 1956. It’s been within the last decade that significant progress has been made on the technology so it can be widely used and applied in many different industries. Today, AI is emerging as the fastest growing type of technology. Automation and machine learning takes AI one step further, allowing machines to take in information, analyze the data, and then take a specific action based on that data.

How are AI and Automation Changing Engineering?

Conclusion
The incorporation of artificial intelligence and automation in engineering is reshaping the industry. Engineers are now equipped with powerful tools that enhance design, project management, decision-making, and sustainability efforts. Additionally, automation simplifies repetitive tasks, while robots and AI-driven systems improve safety and productivity.
As the world continues to advance, engineers who embrace these technological advancements will find themselves at the forefront of innovation. The synergy between human expertise and AI capabilities promises a future where engineering is more efficient, sustainable, and tailored to the unique needs of our evolving world. The engineering industry is on the cusp of a new era, and AI and automation are leading the way.

Robotics Engineering and Automation in Manufacturing

Robotics engineering and automation is changing the face of manufacturing across the globe. With its ability to increase efficiency while reducing costs, more and more we are turning to robots to do the job that people did only a few years ago. While the first industrial robot was put to work many years ago (1961), with the innovation of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) robotics are becoming more advanced than ever before. Engineers in this field are on the forefront of creating the technology of tomorrow.

What is Robotics Engineering?

Robotics is an interdisciplinary branch that brings together communications, computer science, and electronics all in a base of engineering. It involves the design and construction of robots and machine automations to improve society at large. Most often, these technologies are applied in manufacturing products at both simple and large scales.

Innovations in Robotics Engineering:

More and more, robots are migrating from the manufacturing warehouse to pharmacies, automobiles, and beyond. While they already contributed greatly to manufacturing by reducing risk, cost, and improving efficiency, artificial intelligence has introduced a whole new level of robot; one that more closely resembles something out of Star Wars.
Google’s Worker Robots
These robots are not the cyber bots of the past. Google has now patented the technology for their worker robots. Engineers will work with each robot to download several different personalities to access when interacting with humans over the internet.
ASIMO
Asimo is a humanoid robot developed by Honda. It is able to walk, run, hop and climb stairs as well as has hand dexterity. This robot is also capable of voice and facial recognition, even in a crowd, with the ability to predict a person’s next move based on his previous actions with astounding accuracy.
Spot
Boston Dynamics is best known for their development of a robotic dog named Spot. This robot can run, walk, trot and kick all while staying upright. Spot can be programmed to work day in and day out for you and is marketed to companies for security, safety, and site monitoring.
Kuratas
Resembling something out of the Transformers, this powerful robot was recently brought to life in Japan. It is rideable and user operated, billed as “the world’s first giant boarding robot.” (Wikipedia) It is over twelve feet tall, weighs five tons, and has on it a BB Gatling Cannon that can shoot six thousand bullets per minute.
Foldimate
It’s official: we have invented a robot for the most common of household chores. Developed in America and released in 2012, this machine has the one purpose: no more folding laundry. This machine lets you fold and iron an entire load of laundry in less time than it takes to make a cup of coffee.
Insect Robots
Small and light, these tiny robots can fly, jump, and stand on water. Developed by the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard, these machines are being used for surveillance, communication, environmental studies and emergency response. Some insect robots have the ability to lift up to twenty two times their own weight, while others are used to gather data from the environment to protect our land and farms.

What does the future hold?

The future potential of robotics engineering is great and vast. Each day, more innovation is making work safer and more efficient for companies while saving time and improving accuracy. We can expect that many manufacturing jobs that were previously done by humans will be taken over by robotics in the future. With the dawn of artificial intelligence and machine learning, the robots of tomorrow will most likely be in both the work and home environments, making our lives easier and leaving more time for leisure. While robotics will never replace the creativity of the human mind, these new engineering innovations will continue to improve automations and manufacturing.

Biomedical Engineering Innovations

Biomedical engineering is one of the fastest growing fields of engineering. With a 27% increase in recent years (according to the Bureau of Labor 2021), there have been new innovations in everything from vaccines, prosthetics, imaging technology and more. With so much growth, it’s not surprising that what was once science fiction is now becoming reality as engineers push the boundaries of science, medicine, and healthcare.

What is Biomedical Engineering?

Biomedical engineering (or medical engineering) is the application of engineering principles and design concepts to medicine and healthcare. It covers a wide variety of medical topics and often is involved in the newest breakthroughs in the healthcare field. Where other types of engineering deal with the environment, machinery, construction, etc. all of biomedical engineering will deal with the health and the human body.

Trends in Biomedical Engineering:

Biomedical engineering is a constantly evolving field and recent years are seeing trends that are changing the way we approach healthcare. Some of the most popular trends include:
Wearable Health Monitoring Devices
This type of technology has taken healthcare and wellness by storm. These types of devices are worn by an individual either externally or internally and can monitor things like heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature. The devices will either store the information or transfer it daily to the patient or healthcare professionals. This technology is proving incredibly useful for patients with chronic illnesses who need daily monitoring as well as the fitness enthusiast who wants to keep a check on calories burned during a workout.
Gene Editing Technology
This type of technology allows scientists to manipulate the genes that makeup an organism’s DNA, potentially allowing us to cure genetic diseases in the future. While the ethical debate continues around this type of technology, the fact remains that this may be revolutionary for patients suffering from incurable diseases in the future.
Bioprinting
This is a relatively new type of technology and has the potential to completely change the way we think about organ and tissue transplants. Bioprinting uses 3D printing to make tissues and organs using live cells and biomaterials. This technology could replace the need for organ donors in the future.
Nanorobots
Nanorobots are introducing robots to the human body at a micro level! These tiny robots are usually only a few nanometers long and are programmed to monitor and record all sorts of different things inside the human body. The uses for this could include drug delivery, cancer monitoring, drug distribution, blood cell count, etc. While this technology is in its infant stages it holds great potential for the future.
Artificial Intelligence
Also known as AI, artificial intelligence is changing the way we predict the future in medicine. Engineers are using machines to analyze vast amounts of data and put it all into an algorithm. This information could help us better diagnose patients and suggest medical treatment in the future as well as predict prognosis in the case of terminal illness.

Newest Biomedical Engineering Breakthroughs:

Some of the biomedical breakthroughs in recent years are bringing science fiction out of the movies and into real life. Many of these devices are already helping patients in real time while others are sure to change lives in the next five years.
The AbioCor Artificial Heart
In 2021, medical professionals in Louisville KY established a new generation of an artificial heart in a patient. While doctors have used artificial hearts before, this technology is revolutionary as it lives completely inside the human body and has no tubes or valves to the outside. The battery is kept separately that the patient can wear on a belt. This allows patients full autonomy, a new feature for this field.
Bio-Artificial Liver
Another organ replacement advancement, a new bio-artificial liver has been developed that is composed of both manufactured and biological parts. By doing this, it allows the patient’s own blood to circulate through the device, greatly reducing the chance of organ rejection. In 2001, Time Magazine named this the invention of the year and the technology has only continued to improve since then.
The Camera Pill
This technology is exactly what it sounds like; a tiny camera housed in what looks like a pill capsule. The camera pill is now used by professionals to detect the earliest stages of cancer and other diseases and was designed to take photos of the smallest spaces inside the human body.
Berkeley Bionics Exoskeleton 
Also called eLEGS, this device was developed for patients suffering from paraplegia. It is easy to wear and is a complete set of bionic, artificial intelligent, legs. This technology allows users who were previously unable to move on their own the ability to stand, walk, and even climb stairs.
Bionic Contact Lens
Developed by the University of Washington in Seattle, this device brings the common contact lens together with an imprinted electronic circuit. This allows users to see images from all over the world by superimposing them over their own vision. This technology could be used by pilots in the future to show them everything from the weather to maps while operating a plane. It can also be used to monitor various health conditions in the body, such as cholesterol level or the presence of bacteria, and send the information to medical professionals.

What does the future hold?

With so much new innovation, the field of biomedical engineering will only continue to grow in the future. New technologies will change the way we live, the way we interact with disease, and how we monitor our health in the future. This advancement is critical for curing some of the world’s greatest epidemic diseases and finding answers to the most challenging medical questions.

Space Exploration and Aerospace Engineering

Ever since mankind first launched a rocket into the stars, engineers have been on the forefront of space exploration. From the latest missions and technologies to materials development and manufacturing, aerospace engineers consistently have an impact on the way we might live and travel tomorrow with the work they do today. Already their contributions have been massive, and while some engineering concepts may seem to be impossible, within the next few years ideas we hold to be science fiction very well may become a part of our daily lives.

What is Aerospace Engineering?

Engineers in the space sector design, build and maintain systems and spacecraft. They also develop and test aircraft, satellites and missiles. They are responsible for the innovations that contribute to future space travel.

Aerospace Engineering Trends:

With the recent innovations of Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain technology, 3D printing and nanotechnology, two key trends have emerged in the aerospace engineering field: a decrease in launch costs and an increased capability of small satellites.
Due to the advancements in materials engineering and 3D printing, the cost of materials has significantly decreased. This has had a ripple effect on launch costs and the entire space industry. With these innovations, spacecraft have experienced a notable decrease in the weight of materials which has resulted in billions of dollars saved on the cost of fuel needed for launch. The reduction in launch costs has increased interest in smaller satellites.
Small satellites are taking the stars by storm; in fact, 94% of all spacecraft launches in the past 10 years have been small satellites. With the advances in 3D printing, engineers are now able to troubleshoot these satellites from space and the process is easier than ever before. These satellites are staying in orbit longer and are able to gather more intricate data.

Newest Aerospace Engineering Innovations:

James Webb Space Telescope
Named “Innovation of the Year” in 2022, this telescope has been in the works for two decades and took 9.7 billion dollars to make. It is three times more effective than the Hubble Telescope. It sits hundreds of thousands of miles further away from the earth than the Hubble Telescope, in earth’s shadow. This telescope will never see sunlight. The atmosphere around it lands at a chilly -370 degrees Fahrenheit and this machine is protected by a shield thinner than a human fingernail. Amazingingly, this telescope can view forming star clusters, galaxies in their infancy, and peer back twelve billion years to what may have been the formation of our own Milky Way.
Parallel Reality by Delta
If at any point you’ve found yourself scrambling at an airport, trying to find the information for your flight on a screen, this technology is here to change that. At Detroit Metro airport, an installation of Parallel Reality can now show passengers individualized information. Imagine looking at the overhead screen in a flight terminal and only seeing the information for your flight. A scan of your boarding pass in McNamara Terminal is one way the system can tell who you are and will only show you personalized information from there on out. The technology works because the pixels in the screens shine in 18,000 directions, enabling multiple people to see different information on the same screen at the same time.
DART by NASA and Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab
If you’ve ever worried that an asteroid might collide with earth and cause the apocalypse, you can begin to put your fears to rest. While this concept has been popular in the movies, engineers and scientists are working to make this science fiction. On September 26th, 2022 a 1,100 lb spacecraft intentionally collided with an asteroid at 14,000 MPH. NASA confirmed that this collision redirected the asteroid, the first time this has been accomplished in space. This shows that we may be able to do this in the future, should we be worried an asteroid or meteor is heading for earth.
Starliner by Boeing 
Boening’s much awaited Starliner finally took flight from Florida in an uncrewed test and made it safely to the International Space Station and then returned to earth. They are now looking to launch the first crewed flight this year (2023). This will be the first time NASA has more than one option to get astronauts to the International Space Station.

What does the future of aerospace engineering hold?

There is no doubt that this field of work will continue to be a steady source for high paying careers in the future. According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, aerospace engineering will grow 6% through 2031. Innovations in aerospace engineering will change the future of how we travel and the information we have about the future of our planet. While some of this technology seems like something out of the movies, it will most likely become a reality within the next decade.
Urban Air Mobility
This technology looks to provide a new form of transportation for urban areas. This is a new focus of aerospace that involves the use of small, electric, vertical take-off and landing aircraft to transport passengers and cargo. This is being done with the hopes of reducing congestions and to provide more effective and fast transportation.
Space Tourism
This is an emerging market in the aerospace industry where private companies such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic are developing programs that will allow civilians to travel into space. The concept is to offer programs that will allow passengers to experience zero gravity flight as well as view earth from orbit.
Aerospace engineers are on the forefront of technology that quite literally enables us to reach the stars. Most likely in the next decade, the contributions of these engineers will change how we travel, our understanding of the history of our planet, and how we plan to build our future. This market is only growing with new ideas and careers in this field will expand substantially. At every level, space exploration is dependent on engineers for new and improved technology that will build a better tomorrow.

Sustainability in Civil Engineering Projects: Balancing Innovation and Environmental Responsibility

The engineering landscape is undergoing a transformative shift, placing sustainability at the forefront of projects and design. In an era marked by environmental concerns and resource constraints, engineers are tasked with not only designing functional infrastructure but also embracing innovative practices that minimize their projects’ ecological footprint. This blog post delves into the world of sustainable design principles within civil engineering, shedding light on how engineers are striking a delicate balance between innovation and environmental responsibility.

Understanding Sustainable Design

Sustainable design consists of three major points: social, economical, and environmental sustainability. The goal is to use fewer non-renewable resources and minimize waste. Reducing negative impacts on the environment and the health and comfort of building occupants, thereby improving building performance. Sustainable design means crafting infrastructure that caters to present needs while safeguarding the ability of future generations to meet their own.

Green Building Innovations

An example of sustainable design’s influence can be found in the evolution of green buildings. “These “green buildings” follow strict resource-efficient models of construction and include specific features, such as sustainable materials, renewable resources, green roof systems, improved acoustics, clean indoor quality and biophilic spaces.” Engineers are now weaving energy-efficient features into the fabric of their projects.

Renewable Energy Integration

Renewable energy sources are a cornerstone of sustainable design. By harnessing solar panels, wind turbines, and hydropower systems, engineers are generating clean energy right on-site. This departure from fossil fuels helps to curb emissions contributing to a cleaner, greener energy landscape.

Eco-Conscious Materials

Traditional construction materials often contribute significantly to carbon emissions. Sustainable engineering involves moving towards eco-friendly alternatives like recycled material and innovative techniques such as 3D printing with sustainable materials. 

Navigating Challenges

Sustainable development and design is the way of the future, but is not without challenges. A civil engineer must ensure their projects do not have a negative impact on local communities and ecosystems.They must strive to find harmony between economic growth and environmental protection. However, the benefits far outweigh these challenges. Sustainable projects tend to have lower operational cost and improved long-term resilience. Moreover, engineers who champion sustainability play a pivotal role in shaping a more environmentally conscious industry.

The realm of civil engineering is witnessing a paradigm shift, with sustainability taking center stage. Engineers are no longer just builders; they are pioneers of a greener, more sustainable world. By embracing innovative technologies, integrating renewable energy, and rethinking traditional materials, they are charting a path toward a harmonious coexistence between human infrastructure and the natural environment. Interested in learning more? NJSPE offers multiple online continuing education courses revolving around this topic. Such courses include: Green Infrastructure (GI): Types, Benefits and Implementation Strategies with Tejal A. Patel, PE, CME, LEED AP (1PDH) adn A River of Practice with Green Infrastructure (1 PDH) with Jeromie Lange, P.E., PP, CME, CFM. Both available for purchase at njspe.org/continuing-education

1. Arabia, J. (2019, April 24). How to stay competitive & reduce your company’s carbon footprint. Construction Business Owner Magazine. Retrieved from https://shorturl.at/ALMN1

Sustainability in Engineering

As the global population looks to rise to 10 billion people by 2050, the demand for sustainable engineering practices has never been higher. The engineers of tomorrow will play a vital role in creating an environment that can sustain our world of the future and that starts by incorporating sustainable practices and renewable technologies today. Here are just some of the ways engineering is creating solutions today to address environmental challenges and propel our world into the future. 

Sustainability in engineering is based on the paradigm of considering the long term impact of projects today on the environment and society of tomorrow. This means using resources efficiently, minimizing waste, reducing the carbon footprint, and creating a healthier living environment. 

Green Engineering Practices

These practices use life-cycle thinking in all their engineering activities which help to predict the potential environmental impacts of projects and ensures that all materials, inputs and outputs are as safe and benign as possible. This includes minimizing the depletion of natural resources and looking to prevent waste wherever possible. This is a more holistic mindset towards engineering, considering both the present project as well as the future impacts to the environment. By making all of these considerations, engineers can reduce environmental impact at every stage and level of a project. 

An obvious aspect of green engineering is using renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and water power. By integrating these energy sources at every stage of the project, it reduces the carbon footprint overall. With a transition away from fossil fuels more important than ever before, establishing reliable sources of renewable energy with a high output will be critical for engineering in the future. Using renewable energy now sets the stage for the future to build on this and reduce environmental impact even more. In addition, incorporating sustainable materials and processes in engineering design can also reduce the impact on the environment. 

Coming out of the Covid-19 pandemic, one area of engineering that spiked in popularity was renewable energy. People all across the globe began to incorporate these technologies into their daily lives as we all processed the chaos of 2020. Now that renewable energy has become the new normal, it is more important than ever for engineers to continue this culture shift and create more renewable energy resources for our society of tomorrow. 

Here are just a few engineering projects to keep an eye on throughout the rest of 2023 that will satisfy the needs of energy consumers all over Europe and the rest of the world.

1: Solaris’ Proteus

This project is taking solar energy to a whole new level. Normally, solar power has a limit based on the lack of ability to track the angle of the sun. To correct this, SolarisFloat, a Portuguese renewable energy company, plans to develop solar farms across Europe that can track the sun’s movement. This sun tracking feature will allow the solar panels to rotate, yielding a 40% increase in energy production compared to normal panels. 

2: The EU’s REGACE Agrivoltaic Project

Often when solar panels are installed on rooftops of greenhouses or on farmland, they take space and sunlight away from plants and farming. This project, headed by the Israeli company Trisolar, is creating a solution to this. New solar panels are being developed that can control the amount of sunlight that passes through to plants below as well as increase the amount of solar power absorbed to be used as renewable energy. 

3: Repsol’s Delta II Wind Project

Repsol, a Spanish renewable energy company, began this project in 2021 and it is expected to be completed and operational by 2023. This comprises six wind farms and when fully running, it will have the capacity to supply nearly 800,000 homes across Spain with renewable energy. What’s more, this project is estimated to prevent the emission of over 2.6 million tons of CO2 annually.

This is just a few of the ways that engineers are creating more renewable energy sources for the world of tomorrow. Transitioning to these energy sources as a global movement will stabilize the energy needs of the future as well as preserve our environment in the process.

The Power of Engineering to Make a Difference

From health to technology, transport to the environment, engineering impacts every aspect of our daily lives. Engineering uses design, creativity, and specialized skills to design and build systems and structures that improve our lives and our future. Some of the most pressing problems the world faces, such as climate change, clean water, safe travel, and life saving medical equipment, could see solutions in engineering. Right now, engineers are problem solving across the grid, exploring things like how clean energy can be used to heat and cool our homes and how we can use wind power to transfer electricity. 

Since Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, engineering has been creating wonders and changing lives. For example, the Great Pyramids of Egypt and the dome in the Pantheon in Rome are both examples of engineering marvels created by these ancient societies. Similarly, inventions such as prosthetics, the telephone, and the internet all owe their origins to engineers. 

Over time, some of the technology we use every day has been engineered in New Jersey. For example, modern air conditioning, the US submarine, the vacuum cleaner, and even the dreaded traffic circle all originated in New Jersey. Back in 1805, shortly after the formation of the United States, Col. John Stevens, who lived in the New Jersey area, built the first steam boat that navigated the Hudson River. He then invented the steam locomotive in 1825. It seems that the New Jersey area has always attracted people who were interested in problem solving at the engineering level. 

At NJSPE, we gather once per year to recognize engineering achievements and advancements made within our community. This past June we recognized several recipients for their achievements in engineering, which included the construction of the  Kaighn Avenue Dam, the Route 71 over Shark River Bridge, and Parker At Somerset. Each one of these engineering contributions has improved our state and the quality of travel in our communities. 

Some of the most ambitious engineering feats forecasted for the future include a space elevator, earth to earth travel through space, technology to create energy from human waste, and the ability to remove carbon dioxide from the air and turn it into baking soda. While these inventions are a few years in the future, the technological advancements and inventions of engineers both locally and across the country have continued to impress and improve our lives. 

To stay up to date on the latest ways engineering is improving your local community, check out our monthly newsletters found here.

How Apple’s Vision Pro will Impact Engineering

“Tomorrow’s engineering, today.” – Tim Cook, CEO of Apple on the Apple Vision Pro.

What is the Apple Vision Pro?

The Apple Vision Pro has the potential to change the meaning of “working from home.” Imagine, you’re working remotely from your living room, however you’re also experiencing a collaboration with your team as if you were physically sharing space with them. From meetings to tours to exploring new ground, the Apple Vision Pro can take you there from your home office, backyard, or even poolside. 

Apple is calling this new device the, “most advanced personal electronics device ever” and it is designed only as a headset with no physical controls. It uses 12 cameras, 5 sensors, and 6 microphones to track the user’s movements, eyes, and speech. Right now, the Vision Pro is being marked as a universal display that has the ability to replace a wide variety of other screens, including a complete macbook computer.  

“Through a tight integration of hardware and software, we designed a standalone spatial computer in a compact wearable form factor that is the most advanced personal electronics device ever.” – Tim Cook, Apple CEO

The high price point of the Apple Vision Pro, $3499.00, will most likely make it a product for executives for now, however in the future it could be a new way we experience connection in the workplace. It has the potential to completely merge the barrier between working from home and experiencing live connection and collaboration with coworkers.

What does this mean for Engineering?

The impact of the Apple Vision Pro on the field of engineering has the potential to be significant. Here’s just a few ways this might change the work of engineering in the future:

  1. Increased Safety: This technology has the potential to ensure increased safety measures are followed in any situation necessary by allowing people to experience being physically present while at home or away. 
  2. Increased Efficiency: The Vision Pro will allow engineers to design products faster and more accurately as it reduces travel time but increases connection between coworkers.
  3. Increased Collaboration: As this product brings people together across space and time, this will allow increased collaboration between multiple parties to ultimately create designs and products of a higher quality. 
  4. Increased Education: Using the Apple Vision Pro, engineers can become more quickly educated on important industry topics, share professional input more easily, and overall create a space for learning that is more accessible than ever before. 

While the Apple Vision Pro presents many opportunities for engineering, it also brings with it potential challenges. These include:

  1. Adaptation of technology. With the Apple Vision Pro being a completely new line of personal devices, there will be a learning curve for everyone involved as to how to use the device effectively. 
  2. Price point. Right now, with the price just under $3500.00, only a handful of early adopters will seek out the Apple Vision Pro for professional use. 

Like in all fields, the integration of the Apple Vision Pro will depend on many different factors that will largely remain unseen until it is released early next year. For engineers, it presents an opportunity to merge communities and bring people together, if people are willing to adapt this new form of personal computer. 

Sources:

Nurturing Future Engineers: High School Programs and New Jersey Initiatives

Engineering is a field that offers endless opportunities for problem-solving, innovation, and impact. To ensure a strong pipeline of talented engineers, it is crucial to start nurturing students’ interest and skills in high school. That is why we wanted to explore how high schools can help prepare students for careers in engineering, as well as give parents and schools some programs and initiatives in New Jersey they can suggest to their kids who may be interested in becoming engineers.

1. Introducing Engineering Early:

High schools can ignite students’ passion for engineering by introducing the field at an early stage. Offering introductory engineering courses as part of the curriculum exposes students to foundational concepts, principles, and hands-on projects. These courses can provide a glimpse into various engineering disciplines, helping students identify their areas of interest. 

If you are a parent interested in making sure your school is providing access to these types of opportunities, make sure you are attending board meetings and talking to other parents. Together, you can put together a proposal and push for change that will benefit future and current students who want to become engineers. 

2. Project-Based Learning:

Project-based learning (PBL) is a powerful teaching method that fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity—skills essential for future engineers. High schools can incorporate PBL into their engineering programs by assigning real-world projects that require students to apply their knowledge and skills. Encouraging students to work in teams on complex engineering challenges not only enhances their technical abilities but also nurtures their communication and teamwork skills.

3. Engineering Clubs and Competitions:

Establishing engineering clubs in high schools can create a platform for students to explore their interests outside the classroom. These clubs can organize regular meetings, guest lectures, workshops, and hands-on activities related to engineering. Additionally, participating in engineering competitions such as robotics, bridge-building, or coding challenges can help students develop problem-solving abilities and gain exposure to the practical aspects of engineering.

If your school doesn’t currently offer engineering clubs, it is a great opportunity for your student to take initiative and help get one started. Clubs are often proving grounds for the administration to see the benefits of incorporating STEM more firmly into their curriculum. 

4. Collaborations with Local Industries and Universities:

High schools can strengthen their engineering programs by fostering partnerships with local industries and universities. Collaborating with engineering firms and organizations allows students to gain insights into the professional world and explore potential career paths. Internship opportunities and mentorship programs can provide invaluable experiences, enabling students to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world scenarios. Furthermore, partnerships with universities can grant high school students access to advanced engineering facilities, research projects, and guidance from experts.

New Jersey Initiatives for Young Engineers:

 Project Lead the Way (PLTW):

Project Lead the Way is a nationally recognized program that offers a comprehensive STEM curriculum, including engineering, in New Jersey high schools. PLTW equips students with hands-on experiences, problem-solving skills, and a solid foundation in engineering principles. The program provides access to cutting-edge technologies, industry partnerships, and professional development opportunities for educators.

New Jersey Science Olympiad:

The New Jersey Science Olympiad is a competitive event that engages high school students in various science and engineering challenges. The program promotes teamwork, critical thinking, and practical application of scientific knowledge. Students can compete in events such as building mousetrap vehicles, designing towers, or conducting experiments in different disciplines of science and engineering.

Rutgers Future Scholars Program:

Rutgers Future Scholars is a New Jersey-based program that aims to prepare talented students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds for higher education, including engineering. The program provides academic support, mentoring, college readiness workshops, and exposure to STEM fields through hands-on activities and visits to Rutgers University’s engineering facilities.

 

It is undeniable that high schools play a pivotal role in preparing students for successful careers in engineering. By introducing engineering early, promoting project-based learning, fostering engineering clubs, and facilitating collaborations with local industries and universities, high schools can nurture the talents and passions of future engineers. In New Jersey, programs like Project Lead the Way, the New Jersey Science Olympiad, and the Rutgers Future Scholars Program provide valuable resources and opportunities to support young engineers on their journey towards fulfilling careers. With the right guidance and support, high schools can inspire and empower the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers.

AI in Engineering

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing many industries and engineering is no different. AI is revolutionizing engineering by analyzing big data, designing improved products, optimizing processes, and cutting costs. This blog examines current engineering applications of AI, its potential future impact, and the opportunities and challenges it presents.

AI in engineering

AI is already being used in a variety of engineering applications, including:

  1. Design optimization: AI algorithms can analyze thousands of design variations to find the optimal solution, reducing the time and cost of product development.
  2. Predictive maintenance: AI algorithms can analyze sensor data to predict when a machine is likely to fail, allowing for timely maintenance and reducing downtime.
  3. Quality control: AI algorithms can analyze images to detect defects in products or parts, improving quality and reducing waste.
  4. Process optimization: AI algorithms can analyze production data to optimize processes and reduce waste.

Impact on the future of engineering

The impact of AI on the future of engineering will be significant. Some of the key benefits include:

  1. Increased efficiency: AI will help engineers to design products and processes faster and more accurately, reducing the time and cost of development.
  2. Improved quality: AI will help to improve the quality of products and processes, reducing defects and waste.
  3. Enhanced safety: AI will help to identify potential safety risks and prevent accidents.
  4. Better decision-making: AI will provide engineers with better insights and data-driven decision-making tools.

Challenges and opportunities

While AI presents many opportunities for engineering, there are also some challenges to be addressed. These include:

  1. Data quality: AI algorithms require high-quality data to work effectively, which can be a challenge in some industries.
  2. Ethical considerations: There are ethical considerations around the use of AI, particularly around issues such as bias and privacy.
  3. Skilled workforce: There is a need for engineers with the skills to work with AI systems.

Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of AI in engineering are significant. According to a report by McKinsey, AI could add $13 trillion to the global economy by 2030. It is clear that AI will play a major role in the future of engineering, and engineers who embrace this technology will be well-placed to succeed. What are you thoughts on using AI? Do you agree this is the way of the future?

Connect With Us

414 River View Plaza
Trenton, New Jersey 08611

609-393-0099

info@njspe.org