B6 - Course Reflection - Allison Lock - Group E

The AE 510 course was a compelling introduction into the various up and coming technologies related to architectural, civil, and other building design professions. Throughout my college, high school, and work experience I have encountered and become very comfortable with many of the industry tools that are common in engineering firms. This course forced me to assess the future of the field I intend to work in and how effective I will be in that field.

The main exercises that I completed throughout the class broadened my outlook on the developing technologies today. First we learned about robotics development and their implementation into both engineering and other fields. That was one of my favorite lectures. We also looked at BIM systems; which in my opinion are likely to become one of the major new industry technologies with proper development. The course also covered databases (which I had never even thought about the construction of before) and Revit. Students had the opportunity to interact with one another and share their real world experiences and ideas via blog posts and in class discussions. I enjoyed these aspects of the class as they offered interesting insights to work practices and material studies. Generally I found that every lesson of the course introduced me to a technology that I was unfamiliar with or expanded greatly upon one that I had previously used.

This class also caused me to do some serious self-inspection. Towards the end of the term we completed exercises that intended to provide us with the opportunity to assess how the technologies we studied would be implemented into the design processes that we have been studying for years. Groups were required to invent a construction scenario. Descriptions of major stakeholders and the technologies that they would utilize throughout the process were to be provided. I found that, unfortunately I did not even think about incorporating new technologies into the process apart from sensors in the final design despite the focus of the class. This was disappointing to me. I am fascinated and interested in learning about new technologies. When new lessons were presented they were just really cool however I found that I have a hard time integrating them into my own personal design process. I learned that if I do not actively follow developing ideas and do not continually try to integrate them that I will overlook them. This is a lesson I intend to keep with me as I continue on into my professional life as to be effective as an engineer I will need to adapt and incorporate new technologies into my projects. I really enjoyed the course. It taught me material and about myself but was fun.

I commented on Gary Reiff’s and Rebecca Lynch’s posts.

B4: Group D – Kate Flint

For the term project our group chose to research Daylighting Technologies in Intelligent Buildings. Each group member will choose a different technology and research case studies in which that technology was implemented in a building. Each person will also explain the details of how each technology works and compare it to the other two. We will also explain the possibility for future advancements within daylighting technologies. We would also like to explore how energy use compares from the new technologies to older lighting technologies. Our project will also include how training and maintenance affect the energy efficiency of a building. Personally, I will be researching lighting sensors and how they interact with the Building Automation System (BAS).  

Specifically I will look at examples of daylight harvesting strategies. One of the technologies considered is an ambient light sensor to optimize lighting levels throughout the day. These sensors can be linked to the BAS system and monitored to collect user data over the life of the building. We may also look into how the orientation of a building impacts the daylighting, and how important it is to avoid direct sunrays. As mentioned for the BAS system, sensors in a building can be very helpful in monitoring occupant movement and comfort

I chose this topic because I took AE 340 Architectural Illumination & Electrical Systems last term and found it very interesting. Several of the topics covered in that class relate to intelligent buildings and artificial intelligence being integrated into building design. The class covered some current buildings with highly advanced lighting systems. One homeowner had a lighting/security system he controlled from an iPhone app that gave him full control and versatility of his home lighting. The system was also able to cut his energy bill by setting timers on lights and using motion sensors.

The main challenge I foresee for this project would be in deciding what to include in the final report. The outline we submitted this week narrows down the “Daylighting Technologies” category, but as we research we will need to decide how in depth we want to go with each technology. All of the technologies we are considering are well developed and available to the public for residential and commercial building use.

Mohammed,

I think you have a great project idea, and it looks like you have your work cut out for you. It sounds like you have created a very comprehensive plan from analyzing the structure to creating a new HVAC system. It is also a great idea to utilize the Revit schedules for the estimating process, which can be very tedious. Last year I attended a similar senior design project presentation, one this they did was conduct surveys of the professors with offices in the AEL building. This may be helpful during for the architectural layout process to learn more about the workflow and what the CAEE professors would recommend.

B1: Group C - Mridul Chulet

Robotics:

In a simple definition, robotics is a branch of study which deals with the applications of robots. With the advancement in technology on a daily basis, humans are designing more and more robots with the sole purpose of reducing their work load. On the other hand some believe that with the rise in technology every day, robots will soon rule the world. But, it is true that robots have increase the speed and improved the precision of work. Today, you can use the robots in any field you want whether its military or medical purpose or household work.  For instance, double robotics a startup company has developed a robot which aims to reduce the difficulties faced by remote or disabled workers. They used the concept of telepresence where the robot physically goes to the office on your behalf and you can control it back from home and which incorporates features such as Skype or Slack. [1] Therefore, in my opinion having a robotic double is still not exactly as been at the office in person but it is one step closer.

Reference:

1.     Hook, Leslie. "Double Robotics: Enhanced Telepresence - FT.com." Financial Times.  

   

3-D printing:

3-D printing is the process of manufacturing three dimensional solid objects from a digital file which is achieved using additive process. With the increase in popularity of 3-D printing, it is nowadays been adopted by big companies because of benefits such as cheap manufacturing, quick production, less wastage and better quality. The article 5 Incredible Trends That Will Shape Our 3D Printed Future by Rick smith published on Forbes is quite revealing. The main five trends which the author discusses are: Consumer and Industrial Goods, Custom Production Materials, Nano-Printing, Goal-Directed Design and 4D Printing. For instance, 3-D printing is so easy that you can print anything you want. Whether its shoes, mobile case, toys, utensils etc. You just have to look up for the design on the internet, save it digitally and print. [2] Furthermore, with the rate of advancement in technology 4-D printing will soon be possible where you can print a 3D object that can automatically self-assemble or change shape when confronted with a change in its environment, such as temperature or moisture.  

Reference: 

     2.   Smith, Rick. "5 Incredible Trends That Will Shape Our 3D Printed Future." Forbes. Forbes Magazine, 7 July 2015.

Artificial Intelligence (AI):

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the branch of computer science concerned with making computers behave like humans. As of today, no computers exhibit full AI but with the day to day inventions it will soon be possible. The article 18 artificial intelligence researchers reveal the profound changes coming to our lives by Guia Marie Del Prado published on tech insider almost give us an image about the future of AI. Some of the benefits of AI discussed in the article are: it will help robots keep humans safe from disaster, use of implants will make humans better at everything, AI might turn humans into to super humans, smart computers can solve all our problems such as climate change and AI might even help save the world. [3] Therefore, in my opinion the use of AI will definitely help the human race achieve greatness and make our lives easier.

Reference:

     3.    Prado, Guia Marie Del. "18 Artificial Intelligence Researchers Reveal the Profound Changes Coming to Our Lives." Tech Insider, 26 Oct. 2015.

Conclusion:

All the articles aforementioned show the astonishing advancements in Robotics, Artificial intelligence and 3-D printing. In the coming decades, we shouldn't expect that the human race will become extinct and be replaced by robots. We can expect that Robots and AI technology will go on producing more and more sophisticated applications which will make our lives better and might even help save the world. From a construction stand point of view, it will definitely help reduce wastage, manual labor, decrease construction cost and help produce better buildings.  

Comments: 

Mohammed Alqallaf, 

 I really liked reading your post. Replacing human’s intuition with algorithms will not only help solve big problems but it will also help save time and money. Before, reading your post I didn’t know that sociology also plays an important role in the building construction. I completely disagree that robots will take over humans. Astonishing advancements in Robotics will only help us make our lives better. Overall you wrote a good post and the statements you wrote make complete sense.

Eduardo Borja,

Great selection of articles for your post. It is astonishing that how the advancement in the technology allows us to make our lives better. I read the similar article as China in which a company has developed a robot which can go to office on your behalf. The robot aims to reduce the difficulties faced by remote or disabled workers by been virtually present at the workplace. But in the future, use of robots and other technology will definitely have an effect on the Job industry.

 

B1 - Group D - Maria Ayon

When it comes to the HVAC system, new heating, ventilating and cooling techniques are constantly being developed in order to improve its performance in terms of efficiency and cost. Not only new buildings are applying these newer technologies, but also older building are being retrofitted to accommodate the newer technology, yet remain with the older appearance. Such is the case of the The Fraunhofer Institute in South Boston, a 100 year old building that will soon will house cutting edge building technologies. Some of the new, futuristic technologies include smart glass technologies, which allow for windows to tint automatically to maximize daylight, but still keeping heat out. Windows will also be able to produce electricity. Insulation will also be changed to vacuum panels that use gas to maximize the HVAC efficiency. The performance of the HVAC systems and the windows will be managed and measured in climate chambers. The purpose of this retrofit it to show society that newer technologies can be adapted to older buildings, where energy consumption can be decreased by modifying key aspects of the building in order to include the best performing systems in the market. (1)

Artificial intelligence (AI) is known to be the intelligence exhibited by a machine or a software, meaning computer systems that are able to perform tasks that would usually require human intelligence. According to Ericsson and the 5000 people survey, AI will be replacing the smartphone within a period of 5 years. Smartphone have limited capacities, such as limited battery life, its impracticality by always having a screen in one hand and even its lack of visual effects, such as projecting 3D images. Furthermore, AI will be able to take over common smartphone activities such as planning agendas, a task a personal assistant would do. Also, searching the net and even getting traveling guidance. It is also believed that AI would help by keeping company, keep secrets such as medical issues or sensitive matters, and even having a teacher roll if well developed. These technological advances will make a human’s life easier, as it will function along with a human’s daily routine. (2)

The latest innovation of the world of sensors can be seen in Mr. Adam Bosworth’s most recent project, the Internet-of-Things project. The project consists of adding sensors almost anything around you, for example, car bumpers, doors, dams, streets, etc., all being wirelessly connected to data centers where information will be managed. Information of who is in fault after a fender bender will already be fed by the sensors placed on the car bumpers. Also, it will be easy to manage street lights depending on traffic volume. Doors will be able to unlock by detecting the owner as it approaches. This new futuristic technology will change society, as Mr. Bosworth said he is interested in affecting five billion people. Within the following years, the use of sensors will come more common on a daily basis, facilitating the people’s needs. (3)

Databases were once created to meet different needs, such as storing data in memory so it can be accessed faster, or storing data as graphs in order to show the relationship within the data. Nowadays, larger databases are starting to emerge as the amount of data in websites and business in enormous. Orchestrate, a Portland based company, created an online database service which will be able to provide a single place to store the data, acting as several different types of databases at once. This new database was created by stitching together existing systems, allowing full text search be done at the same time as graph analysis and in-memory storage. People like simplicity, so Orchestrate has created this system for people to be able to use one database at once, something that will also simplify the life of the IT tech of the company using it. (4)

The importance in technology is growing, as people are now depending on it for a day to day life. Technological advancements are not only seen in technology bought by the human, such as smartphones, databases, computers, etc. It is now affecting the construction field, where HVAC systems, mechanical systems, and even architectural systems are now flooded with sensors, equipment and software that make the human’s job easier. Less energy consumption, energy production and security are some the the ideas being affected by the new technology. The human interaction with technology will increase when AI and sensors become part of a human’s daily routine.

(1)  http://www.technologyreview.com/view/510131/putting-building-science-into-practice/#comments

(2)  http://www.kurzweilai.net/ai-will-replace-smartphones-within-5-years-ericsson-survey-suggests

(3)  http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/02/technology/looking-beyond-the-internet-of-things.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

(4)  https://www.evernote.com/pub/aengineer/ae-510#st=p&x=database&n=93e26d2a-0a80-455d-844f-601ee408c083

Comments:

Alex Palma Comment
Cristian Almendariz Comment

B1 --- Group C (Haoying Ye)

Ø Robotics

Robotics is the technology and knowledge that used for design and application of robots. It’s an interdisciplinary research area:

-          Mechanical Engineering: methodologies for the study of machine in static and dynamic situation

-          Electrical Engineering: design of sensor, actuator, interface, control algorithms

-          Computer Sciences: software, vision, intelligences

-          Mathematics

-          Biology

Thousands of years, human are burdened by heavy labor. And today, there is a trend for us to solve the problem step by step since the robot invented. By a general agreement, a robot is a programmable machine that imitates the actions or appearance of an intelligent creature --- usually a human. Implementation of the robot is automatic machine device. It can accept human command, and can run a pre-arranged program, also based on the principles of artificial intelligence techniques to develop programs of action. Its mission is to assist or replace human work, such as manufacturing, construction, or dangerous work:

-          Industrial robot: the carrier robot hold Lamborghini in the production line.

-          Civilian robot: help us do job in everyday life.

-          Military robot: help the army to avoid death in battle and beat the enemy efficiently

For the future develop, robotic engineers is designing the designing the next generation of robot that can look, feel and act more like human. Realistic looking robot with embedded sensors will allow robots to react more naturally in real life.

Reference:

http://www.futureforall.org/robotics/robotics.htm

http://www.robotics.org/

Ø AI (Artificial Intelligence) & Future

Artificial intelligence is to use computers to analog and instead of human brain. The advent of computers has made artificial intelligence a major breakthrough. The computer can not only replace some of the human brain function, but exceed the human brain greatly speed and accuracy. It can not only simulate part of analysis and the comprehensive function, but is getting to display a certain characteristics of consciousness. It really became an extension of the human brain.

AI makes our society much richer than before. Because it makes the same labors can produce more products within same amount of time. Also, AI makes our world become smaller and smaller, the long distance communication become possible. Today, production, trades, finance, education, and politics become globalize.

On the other hand, AI also bring some hidden, the smart phones, auto-drive cars and medical robots are coming, we are in the revolution of AI, our life is changed by AI stealthily, it makes us enjoy the comfortable life and forget the basic abilities, those abilities which we hardly use them will become vestigial when humans are developing.

Reference:

http://kryten.mm.rpi.edu/SEP/index8.html

Ø 3D Printing & Future

Printing is a process for reproducing text and images, typically with ink on paper using a print press. 3D printing is a process of making a tree-dimensional solid object of virtually any shape from a digital model.  This technology is really helpful for to make manufacture products, because there are some products or models are imaginative and fantastic, their structures are complex, and often have many holes in side. Traditional machining techniques, which mostly rely on the removal of material by methods such as cutting or drilling, because the tools are not flexible enough to cut the material inside, even some of them can be machines, the efficiency is very low.  Now it is achievable to produce such a complex product by 3Dprinter. The 3D printer is like a traditional printer, it is achieved using an additive process, where continuous layers of material are laid down in different shapes, the printer sprays heated plastic powder to form each lay, that’s why 3D printing is a kind of additive manufacturing.

In the future, 3D printing will become more commonplace, because the entire process produces much less waste than traditional manufacturing where large amounts of material have to be trimmed away from the usable part.

Reference:

http://3dprinting.com/what-is-3d-printing/

http://www.3dprinter.net/reference/what-is-3d-printing

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/daniel-burrus/the-future-of-3d-printing_b_4177418.html

Comment:

http://ae-510-ay15-16.blogspot.com/2016/01/b1-group-c-alexis.html?showComment=1452629891469#c8220003521079762384

http://ae-510-ay15-16.blogspot.com/2016/01/b1-group-yuanjin-li_12.html