‘Technology’
July 14th, 2010 in Technology No Comments
The use of robots in the workplace is on the rise as sensors and safety technology become more advanced. This article highlights applications in a hospital, distribution centers, and NASA. While robots have historically been divided into either ultra-expensive industrial uses or low-cost consumer functions, the markets are converging.
General Motors and NASA collaborated on a new robot to be used at the International Space Station, and GM is looking to integrate the technology into future car models. In addition, robot developers are on the lookout for new markets, including videoconferencing functions.
Source: Soon, That Nearby Worker Might Be a Robot, BusinessWeek, by Rachael King, June 1, 2010
July 14th, 2010 in Technology No Comments
An Israeli technology startup is trying to radically change how teachers and students interact through the use of its new web-based software. The software was developed by a team of educators, software developers, and graphic and creative designers who have created a suite of tools ranging from course planning and classroom management to group collaboration and student assessment. Initially developed for grades four to six, there are already plans to expand to grades three to nine. (more…)
October 30th, 2009 in Technology 1 Comment
Today’s mobile workers often complain about office wireless connections while cellular carriers are grappling with a rapidly rising flood of traffic. This article shows readers how some technology vendors promise to address both of these problems at once.
Companies like Texas-based InnerWireless already offer “distributed antenna systems” to handle wireless connections inside hotels, hospitals and government offices. The antenna system market is particularly promising, notes the author, because of the flood of users of devices like Apple Inc.’s iPhone who are pulling tremendous amounts of data from the Internet. AT&T, the cellular carrier providing service for the iPhone, has seen wireless data growth on its network rise nearly 5,000 percent between 2006 and 2009. It and other cellular carriers are trying desperately to offload some of this traffic by encouraging the use of WiFi, the alternative wireless technology built into many laptops and many smart phones. They are also looking to technologies that take over wireless coverage inside buildings as a way to move traffic from their overburdened cell sites.
Silicon Valley startup SpiderCloud Wireless recently introduced technology that takes over delivering either cellular or WiFi signals to smart phones or laptops of office workers worldwide. The performance improvement is so dramatic that management there expects some customers to dispense with desk phones entirely and rely solely on cell phones. While other in-building wireless networks take months to install and are more suited to large companies, SpiderCloud’s technology seems inexpensive enough for even small companies to employ.
The article talks about SpiderCloud’s new system of access points installed in office ceilings that communicate with laptops and smart phones and its specialized servers that manage how the devices communicate with each other and the Internet. One industry analyst notes that other in-building systems route a call between two people in the same building outside to the wired portion of the carrier’s network which is already burdened with heavy traffic. SpiderCloud connects those people directly, inside the building, and offloads external traffic directly to the Internet, better reducing carrier data load. Its strategy is to sell the technology to cellular carriers and let them offer it in a service bundle to businesses.
Source: Don Clark, The Wall Street Journal (New York); Oct 30, 2009
October 21st, 2009 in Technology No Comments
October saw the introduction of the Jabra Pro 9400 and Jabra GO 6400, the first DECT and Bluetooth headset solutions, respectively, to feature a touch screen base that allows both mobile and office-based workers to seamlessly manage calls from their computer telephony, desk and mobile phones. Since employees away from their desks or out of the office can often miss important calls, many are citing headsets as critical tools in boosting office productivity. The Jabra series offers “always on” connectivity and the performance of a professional office headset with the ergonomic flexibility of mobile headsets. They also deliver a clearer, more natural audio experience through wideband sound transmission and Noise Blackout™ technology that eliminate virtually all background noise. The article concludes with information on prices and distribution.
Source: PR Newswire (New York), Oct 21, 2009
September 28th, 2009 in Technology, Trends No Comments
In this article various industry experts are asked to predict how the technologies they use will change over the next several decades. Among the more interesting predictions:
- Flexible Circuit Boards (FCBs) – Roll to roll ink processing will increasingly be used to make PCBs until they can make every circuit feature, not just the smaller ones. This will lead to inexpensive devices that can make almost every electronic product “smart”, inexpensive and disposable. Some future products could include eyeglasses that provide global audio and visual communications, night vision and toxic sensors, wallpaper that changes color, self-cleaning ovens and self-cooking entrees, and a host of disposable green devices.
- Wireless Tech – The technologies that affect wireless networking, power and sensing will soon combine to create sensors “that allow us to monitor critical aspects of machines and factories to radically boost productivity and extend the lifespan of equipment.” Interesting applications expected include sensors on mobile equipment like cranes and forklifts as well as on large stationary molding and assembly machines. These wireless sensors will harvest all the energy they need from the thermal or vibrational energy of their environment, allowing machine components to become as wireless as laptops are today.
- Collaboration and Sustainability – Soon industries will be able to refine concurrent-design collaboration between customers and suppliers so they will work together in purely virtual space.
Additional areas discussed range from the future of CAD to the emergence of “optimization with low-cost customization.”
Source: Stephen J. Mraz, Machine Design (Cleveland); Sep 10, 2009
August 24th, 2009 in Technology, Trends No Comments
This article notes that telecommuting is increasing this year in companies of all sizes, with more than 90 percent of organizations now considering themselves “virtual.” The author manages a global team of engineers via broadband, messaging, conferencing and presence. Her entire company is virtual, meeting in presence every six months. She sees a leap coming when virtual working expands beyond knowledge workers to many jobs that historically always required a physical presence. The author notes that even now we are seeing telemedicine in which doctors diagnose and even conduct surgeries remotely. With the right robotics the same situation may emerge for police, nurses and even factory workers. (more…)
May 31st, 2009 in Technology, Trends No Comments
In an ideal world, employees would eagerly anticipate each written company communiqué; spend their free time exploring the corporate intranet’s self-service feature and curl up with the detailed company newsletter. The reality of today’s workplace, however, is different. This article notes that employees now get instant messages on their cell phones on the bus to work while they’re reading their e-mail. They’re watching TV programs on their computer screens, browsing the Internet on their TVs and getting quick updates from friends while Facebooking, YouTubing and Twittering. New technologies have created new media trends “that are changing expectations for how, why and when employees receive information.” Companies are advised to keep up or risk their messages to employees will be left behind. (more…)
April 15th, 2009 in Technology No Comments
This article alerts readers to two new tools that can turn mobile broadband connections into veritable Wi-Fi hot spots. Novaters Mifi is a device with a built-in broadband connection, allowing purchasers to buy one subscription for the Mifi and then pass it around to their employees. It supports five users with a 30 foot range and is sold through wireless carriers for around $200.
Netgear’s 3G Broadband Wireless Router runs about $130, plugs into a USB modem or laptop and allows up to 64 people to share one person’s connection. The author notes, however, that Netgear recommends a 25 person limit. The range is 125 feet.
Source: Staff, Inc, Apr, 2009
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