Candidates learn about emerging technologies and how they impact on designing and making products. 

You should have an understanding of the following content: 

• Technological developments and how they can affect the design and manufacture of products. 

• The terms invention, innovation and evolution. 

• The use of CAD (computer-aided design) for the storage and retrieval of data and the manipulation of images to aid design, production and management.

 • The principal features of CAM (computer-aided manufacture), particularly in the control/operation of machines.

 • The impact of the following emerging technologies on designing and making: 

– rapid prototyping, including 3D printing 

– rapid manufacture 

– robotics 

– artificial intelligence (AI) 

– virtual reality (VR).

Continuous technological development has had a significant impact upon the way we live and the way society and commerce operate. Many of the technologies we take for granted today are built upon inventions or discoveries so old that we often take them for granted.

Things like electricity, radio waves, microprocessors etc. The supply of electricity cabled overland resulted in increased urbanisation and allowed for the development of an industrialised society. That same electricity allowed for the development of long-distance communication.

First it was the telegraph but that gave way to the telephone and then the radio.

When looking at new technology, we are all to often obsessed with the marketable features such as storage, CPU speed, screen size etc. but the one thing we often take for granted is the battery. We just presume that any device will be battery powered and easily recharged, lasting us days at a time.

The technology behind the ‘battery’ goes back as far as 1748 when Benjamin Franklin used the term to describe an array of charged glass plates.

Subsequent batteries often relied on chemical reactions to generate electricity; often a metal electrode in acid.

Over the years batteries as we know them have evolved massively. Dry cell batteries such as the Zinc Carbon cell evolved removing the need for liquid chemicals.

• NiCad (Nickel Cadmium) was the first Alkaline battery.

• NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) had a longer lifespan and became popular for use in electronic items.

• Lithium ion batteries were developed through the 1980’s and, in 1991, the first commercial Lithium ion battery was released by Sony.

• In 1997, the Lithium ion polymer battery was released. These batteries hold their electrolyte in a solid polymer composite instead of a liquid solvent, and the electrodes and separators are laminated to each other. The latter allows the battery to be encased in a flexible wrapping

• instead of a rigid metal casing, which means such batteries can be specifically shaped to fit a

• particular device. They also have a higher energy density than normal lithium ion batteries. These advantages have made it the battery of choice for portable electronics such as mobile phones and tablets as they allow for more flexible and compact design.

• Rechargeable batteries such as the ones above have been in existence since the mid 1800’s, but a modern battery is very advanced and capable of being charged thousands of times before they begin to deteriorate. They also provide an incredible amount of portable power for their size.

The Apple iPad Air, released November 2018, had a lithium-polymer battery capable of running the iPad for at least 10 hours on a single charge. Even with this battery the iPad was only 7.5mm thick yet had a high resolution screen and a great deal of processing power alongside Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, stereo speakers and a 64 bit dual core CPU and dedicated graphics chip. 

It was probably the pinnacle of portable battery technology in a commercial product at the time of its release and battery life is continuously being improved. Devices like the iPad Pro of 2020 make even this technology and design look outdated and there have been so many developments since.

The use of CAD (computer-aided design) for the storage and retrieval of data and the manipulation of images to aid design, production and management.

Augmented reality (AR) 

is an non-immersive process which as been around for many years, but the technology was not able to support it effectively. It has recently gained popularity for its implementation in smartphones and tablets such as the iPad. This process places information, graphics and 3D models over an existing display by using the device’s camera and some clever software. The possibilities for such technologies range from seeing how your room will look painted in different colours to road maps on car screens and doctors being able to see a virtual x-ray of your body through special glasses. Even Apple are working on the technology for their glasses.

Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that allows users to view and interact with virtual objects and information in the real world. It involves overlaying digital content and information on top of the user's view of the physical world. AR can be accessed through a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and specialized glasses.

One of the main benefits of AR as a tool for product development is its ability to allow designers and developers to visualize and test products in a realistic and interactive way. For example, an automotive engineer might use AR to visualize how a new car design will look and function in the real world, or a furniture designer might use AR to help customers visualize how a new piece of furniture will look in their home before they make a purchase.

AR has the potential to significantly improve the product development and sales process by providing a more immersive and interactive way to visualize and experience products.

The principal features of CAM (computer-aided manufacture), particularly in the control/operation of machines.

-rapid prototyping, including 3D printing 

– rapid manufacture 

– robotics 

– artificial intelligence (AI) 

– virtual reality (VR).

Advantages of Rapid prototyping for idea development:

• Multiple model iterations can be made from the same CAD model

• Modelling and testing of wall thickness can be done

• Testing of internal details, such as boses and ribs

• Testing gears and mechanical systems to check operation

• Working prototypes can be tested with electronic components

• Environmental testing can be performed using polymer models

• Wax 3D printed components can be used as patterns for investment casting.

Robotics has had a profound impact on the fields of designing and making, revolutionizing the way we create and produce goods. Here are some key areas where robotics has made a significant difference:  

Enhanced Efficiency and Productivity:

Automation of Repetitive Tasks: Robots can perform repetitive tasks with precision and speed, freeing up human workers for more complex and creative endeavors. This leads to increased productivity and efficiency in manufacturing processes.  

Continuous Operation: Unlike humans, robots can work around the clock without breaks, significantly boosting production output and reducing lead times.  

Improved Product Quality and Consistency:

Precision and Accuracy: Robots are capable of performing tasks with a high degree of accuracy and consistency, resulting in products with fewer defects and higher quality standards.  

Quality Control: Robotic systems can be equipped with sensors and vision systems to detect flaws and inconsistencies in products, ensuring that only high-quality items are shipped to customers.  

Greater Flexibility and Customization:

Adaptability: Modern robots are highly adaptable and can be reprogrammed to handle different tasks and product variations, making them suitable for a wide range of manufacturing applications.  

Customizable Products: Robotics enables the production of customized products on a large scale, meeting the diverse needs of individual consumers.  

Enhanced Safety and Ergonomics:

Hazardous Environments: Robots can be deployed in hazardous environments, such as those involving toxic chemicals or extreme temperatures, protecting human workers from harm.  

Ergonomic Design: Robotic systems can be designed to perform tasks that are physically demanding or repetitive, reducing the risk of injuries and improving working conditions for human operators.  

New Design Possibilities:

Complex Geometries: Robotics enables the creation of complex and intricate designs that would be difficult or impossible to produce using traditional manufacturing methods.  

Additive Manufacturing: Robotic arms can be used in 3D printing and other additive manufacturing processes, allowing for the creation of customized and functional objects with unprecedented levels of detail.  

Future Implications:

Human-Robot Collaboration: The future of manufacturing will likely involve increasing collaboration between humans and robots, with humans focusing on creative and strategic tasks while robots handle repetitive and physically demanding work.  

Autonomous Manufacturing: As robotics and artificial intelligence continue to advance, we may see the emergence of fully autonomous manufacturing systems capable of producing a wide range of products with minimal human intervention.

AI is revolutionizing the fields of designing and making, offering numerous benefits and reshaping the creative landscape. Here's a breakdown of its impact:  

Enhanced Design Capabilities:

• Generative Design: AI algorithms can generate countless design variations based on specific parameters, pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation.  

• Data-Driven Insights: AI analyzes vast amounts of data to identify trends, preferences, and potential issues, enabling designers to make informed decisions.  

• Personalized Design: AI can tailor designs to individual preferences, creating highly customized products and experiences.  

Streamlined Design Processes:

• Automation of Tasks: AI automates repetitive tasks like image editing, resizing, and color correction, freeing up designers to focus on strategic and creative aspects.  

• Faster Iteration: AI-powered tools enable rapid prototyping and testing, accelerating the design process.  

• Improved Collaboration: AI facilitates seamless collaboration between designers, engineers, and other stakeholders, breaking down silos and optimizing workflows.  

Innovative Manufacturing:

• Predictive Maintenance: AI analyzes sensor data to predict equipment failures, minimizing downtime and optimizing production schedules.  

• Quality Control: AI-powered vision systems detect defects and inconsistencies in products, ensuring high-quality standards. 

• Supply Chain Optimization: AI optimizes supply chain logistics, reducing costs and improving efficiency.  

Ethical Considerations and Future Implications:

• Job Displacement: While AI creates new opportunities, it also raises concerns about job displacement in certain design and manufacturing roles.  

• Bias and Fairness: AI algorithms must be trained on diverse and unbiased data to avoid perpetuating harmful biases.  

• Human-AI Collaboration: The future of design and making lies in effective collaboration between humans and AI, where humans provide creativity and critical thinking while AI handles repetitive tasks and data analysis.  

In Conclusion:

AI is a powerful tool that can significantly enhance the design and making process. By embracing AI, designers and manufacturers can unlock new possibilities, improve efficiency, and create innovative products that meet the evolving needs of consumers. However, it's crucial to address ethical considerations and ensure that AI is used responsibly and for the benefit of society

Virtual Reality (VR) 

Summary

• Computer Aided Design (CAD) involves using computers to generate 2D or 3D drawings and models. Modern software is very advanced and can produce photorealistic images and animations.

• Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM) uses CAD equipped computers connected to advanced manufacturing machines which accept Computer Numerical Control (CNC). These machines perform the operation sent from the computer program.

• Computer Integrated Manufacture (CIM) brings the various elements of the design process together under computer control. It can also refer to the central computer and systems that organize scheduling and materials ordering etc.

• Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) is the use of computers to test components prior to manufacturing. Examples can be seen in the car industry where computer models are tested under simulated loads. It is also used to test structures in civil engineering and architecture.