For
my discussion post I read three articles about databases, networks, and
sociology. All these articles are related to the future of smart technologies
and I have commented on their innovations, how effective they will be, and their
future uses.
DATABASE
[2]
In
reference to database technologies, Looking
Beyond the Internet of Things is an speculative piece which discusses the
likelihood of “data singularity” or a communicating smart cloud of sensors,
data history, and computers talking with one another to assist users by making
instantaneous command changes in response to real world conditions. In
actuality this is much easier said than done. However, the technology has
desirable implications such as a system that changes the temperature of
buildings based on incoming weather patterns or traffic light sequences which
change based on real time accidents and traffic volume. The article argues
heavily that because a Mr. Adam Bosworth is working to develop the
aforementioned technology that a smart network of devices making informed
decisions and controlling technological settings is the next “big thing” in the
technology industry. The assertion is made based on Mr. Bosworth’s past
involvement in major technological advancements. Bosworth has previously worked
at Microsoft and Google and currently owns his own startup. Working on the
forefront of technology development including that of the PC, the development
of internet browsers and then later their interaction with the web has
developed Bosworth as an individual at the forefront of technological
development. I would argue that while the presence of experienced individuals
such as Bosworth developing data singularity is an indicator of its future
importance, the focus of major companies including Google, General Electric,
IBM, and others on developing and vying for control of what they consider a
multibillion dollar industry is much more indicative of the technologies’
future. Nonetheless it seems as if the integration of data singularity into society
is a movement that has long since begun.
NETWORK
[1]
The
integration of databases and networks into everyday life has magnified access
to information, people, and products across the globe however it has also
created a new market place for poor behavior and criminal activity. The Father of Online Anonymity Has a Plan to
End the Crypto War is an article which focuses on illuminating a new
anonymous, yet safe, method for online activity and communication which is
being developed under David Chaum. Chaum has had a considerable hand in laying
the groundwork for online anonymity. He and his team have been working to create
a system that transmits files through a series of computers which encode
messages via a multiplication loop where each server adds to the encryption,
scramble messages, decodes them, and then sends them to the intended recipients
in bursts. Bursts are used so that processing time cannot be used to spy on
messaging. To hack the system all servers would need to be infiltrated and
sequenced making a hacking sequence incredibly complex. A back door policy in
the system does exist which would be used to stop criminal activity via the
site. There is concern form many critics that this back door would still allow
for government surveillance which the product PrivaTegrity is intended to
protect from. A panel from multiple countries would be used to pass judgement
on controversial messages. Privacy of information is constantly challenged with
the constant use of technology in society. This article and the system it
describes pose an attempt to approach a problem that at this point has no
answer. In reading this piece, it seems impossible that both privacy and
anonymity cannot both be fully maintained. The product PrivaTegrity seeks to
develop a solution for ensuring some anonymity in the future of technology.
While very similar to previous privacy systems is at the very least an attempt
to further them and make progress on an otherwise stagnant issue.
SOCIOLOGY
[3]
China’s
future according to China Wants to
Replace Millions of Workers with Robots involves robots. The country,
currently third in annual imported robots, recently stated, in their first
robotics conference, that the integration of robots to help develop society and
industry is a main goal for their future. The conference features vacuums,
companion, drones, and most notably manufacturing robots. Manufacturing robots
are expected to have the most immediate and largest effect on the highly
industrial society. Already developed for some scenarios, these robots are to
be incorporated intoNetw industrial processes that are most easily automated.
Robots are limited by sensing equipment and task. Therefore it will be
necessary that they work alongside humans in semiautomatic processes. There are
a couple of examples already of robot integration into Chinese factories where
six axis robots assemble equipment while other robots transfer products to and
from different assembly lines. Despite recent advances, much of China is still
relatively unautomated when compared to other developed countries. The Chinese
are hoping that robots help to mitigate a slowing manufacturing economy while
allowing for low skill workers to develop, join, and create new fields. With a
push for more robots it seems inevitable that robots will play more of a role
in the lives of citizens across the world. I expect that the implications of
these advancements will further develop Chinese economy and effectively robots
will continue to be more incorporated in everyday use.
[1] Greenberg, Andy. "The Father of
Online Anonymity Has a Plan to End the Crypto War." Wired. Wired, 6
Jan. 2016. Web. 11 Jan. 2016.
[2]
Hardy, Quentin. "Looking Beyond the Internet of Things." The New
York Times. The New York Times, 1 Jan. 2016. Web. 11 Jan. 2016.
[3]
Knight, Will. "China Wants to Replace Millions of Workers with
Robots." Robotics. MIT Technology Review, 7 Dec. 2015. Web. 11 Jan.
2016.
Commented on Alex Palma's and Danielle Beynon's posts. There were no other posts available from my group.
