Technologies for a better world
‘Technology’ in the general sense is ‘the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes’. The torchbearers of any technology, ‘the engineers’ are instrumental in metamorphosing ideas into innovations.In the recent times, the term ‘technology’ has more or less become omnipresent and to a large extent has empowered human efficiency. With concerns stemming across the globe about the reduction in the quality of life in the planet, engineers around the globe are working towards novel technological solutions for world’s most daunting problems.
From tangible to digital
One of the most outspread forms of technological advancements has been digitization. Everything from newspapers to compact discs to books to photos to so much more have undergone a transformation from physical to digital. Although there still are followers of the traditional products, going digital has tremendously helped save a lot of energy and raw materials.
Apps that are helping the earth go green
Many car pooling and vehicle sharing apps have been helpful in saving copious amounts of fuel in the urban setting. Streaming services like Netflix allow viewers to watch a plethora of TV shows, movies and so much more without having to buy them individually, renting sites like borrowlenses lets photography enthusiasts and professionals to rent camera, audio and video equipments without spending money on it individually and consuming additional storage space. 3D printing technology, another extremely futuristic technology has found farreaching applications in wide range of industries today. The prototypes created are personalized according to the requirements, by using only the right designs, right amount of materials, and finallytransferring it to the personal printer ready to be downloaded! This technology will help save a lot of time, energy, and money.
Conserving the wildlife with drones
Out of the several anti-poaching technology providers, International Anti-Poaching Foundation (IAPF), a not-for-profit organization is using drone technology to learn the whereabouts of the endangered species and wildlife in general. The team is working with engineers who design and implement the surveillance technology such as thermal imaging cameras, aircrafts, and drones, which produce authentic images. These are being used to monitor the natural habitats of the wildlife and in preventing the poachers from intruding the sensitive areas.
Customized technologies for endangered species
In a scenario where every country has a different list of species which are on the verge of extinction and those which are endangered for various reasons, conservationists from UK have developed a Real-time Anti-Poaching Intelligence Device (RAPID), a technology which uses Global Positioning System (GPS) application, heart rate monitors, and a camera mounted in the rhino’s horn to prevent poachers from killing the animal for its horns which is so highly prized for its medicinal value. The technology was developed by a team of engineers belonging to a not-for-profit group called ‘Protect’. The heart rate monitor detects the palpitations of the rhino and signals a threat to the animal which is monitored by the control operators, who then turn-on the camera in the rhino’s horn and the GPS system around the animal’s neck is also alerted, the operator then sends their security team to protect the animal.
Pollution detectors and controllers
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been working closely with its team of scientists and engineers who have devised a mobile system called Geo-spatial Measurement of Air Pollution (GMAP). The mechanism analyses oil and gas production facilities, refineries, and shipping terminals and detects possible pollutants by drawing air into the system and then gauges the levels of emissions. If pollutants are detected, the agency recommends a thorough investigation to get a deeper insight and seeks further action to reduce the pollutants.
These are just a few illustrations about how engineering minds have been working towards building a better world. Other areas of constant research and development of newer technologies have been decongesting urban traffic and pollution with progressive applications and mechanisms, improving fuel efficiency in vehicles, new age vehicles like hybrid electric vehicles, fuel cell electric vehicles and so forth. But everything said and done, only when these technologies get the right support in terms of the authorities and government backing, theywill see the light of the day.