Three Engineering Breakthroughs Some believe we are on the verge of a technological singularity, in which the rate of progress will hit an exponential peak. A civilization in which technological advancement will occur at breakneck pace, and we will experience science and engineering achievements previously only seen in an Iain Banks science fiction novel.
1. Graphene
What exactly is graphene? A one-atom-thick layer of carbon atoms organized in a hexagonal lattice is referred to as graphene. This material differs from Nanotubes and Bucky Balls in that it can (possibly) be layered into an extremely strong substance that can be used in ordinary production. From ultra-efficient transistors to better filtration for reverse osmosis membranes, graphene has a wide range of applications. The European Union’s funding effort for graphene is one of the main reasons for the rapid advancement of graphene technology. The graphene flagship fund is a one-billion-euro fund. The challenge of producing graphene for commercial usage at a low cost is one of the reasons it isn’t a mainstream material. Many techniques have been implemented, but only a few have demonstrated actual scalability. But all it needs is one accomplishment to open the gates, and we could all be driving graphene automobiles and drinking graphene-filtered water soon we know it.
2. Artificial Intelligence:
Artificial intelligence is the modern era ‘bogeyman.’ Malicious AI figures have been shown in science fiction films such as HAL 9000 from 2001: A Space Odyssey and the Terminator. These representations, as well as our reactions to them, reveal a widespread dread of AI. We will not be the most intellectual beings on the earth for the first time in civilized human history. Even though some manufacturing facilities are already using AI and machine learning in some manner, true high-level AI is indeed a way off. Lower-level AI, which is supported by machine learning and neural network methods, is still being researched and developed. Google’s AlphaGo is a perfect example of a machine learning algorithm.
3. Fusion Power:
Fusion is a process that occurs in the cores of stars and provides the energy that propels the universe forward. Bursts of energy are released when light nuclei merge to generate a heavier nucleus. This is the polar opposite of nuclear fission, which releases energy when a nucleus splits apart to generate smaller nuclei and is now employed in nuclear power plants. Net gain fusion power is always 20 years distant, according to a running joke. This is owing in part to immensely sophisticated and costly reactors like the 23000-ton tokamak. Because fusion power is so sophisticated, it would be some time until we can substitute our nuclear reactors and coal-fired power stations. A net gain fusion reactor, on the other hand, will most certainly be built within the next 20 years (no, truly!).
The technologies discussed in this essay are on their way; the only question is when and how they will arrive. Will humanity use these mythical-like technology responsibly, or will they be used to enrich and subjugate people? Only time will tell, and at the way things are going, that time is approaching faster than we think. Three Engineering Breakthroughs.
