Week 13

Today was the last lesson of our Technology and World Change course before the examination. We started with Sam's group's presentation on Mind-Controlled Prosthetics. They explained the mechanics behind the prosthetics that can be controlled by electrical signals from the brain, or by reassigning nerves to another part of the body. I found some of their content very interesting, using high-tech design and engineering to allow the hand to rotate, and even by allowing those people to regain their sense of touch, such that sensors can provide electric current back to the nerves. I was glad that they went through some of the limitations of this technology, such as the astronomical cost.

One of the points that Sam made was that using prostheses to commit crimes would not leave any fingerprints. This is one of the points I wished they discussed more on, especially since chips need to be implanted into the brains for it to work, it is not too unlikely in that the person's actions or behaviour may be adversely affected by the chip. In the future if a person were to commit a serious crime, should the blame lie on the person or on the chip?

I found that one of the key takeaway points was lowering the cost of production for any advanced technology, in this case: Mind-Controlled Prosthetics, using 3D printing, it means that the mass consumer is able to obtain any object or item they wish as long as they have the schematics and the materials. One concern that I wished was given more time for discussion was the fact that dangerous items like weapons and bombs can be assessed by almost anybody. This was highlighted on the Internet because of the ability of people being able to 3D print gun parts.

Chandan's group talked on a wide range of agricultural technologies to solve World Hunger, also delving very comprehensively into the myriad of food storage techniques. Furthermore they elaborated on the different, rather interesting ways of preventing food shortage. Following which Eric's group presented on the use of Sex in Advertising, which was informative as well as charming and very entertaining. It was a refreshing change from the usual topics. I felt that their findings about crimes being attributed to the use of Sex Ads rather interesting.

To end off with Benedict's group's presentation on Virtual Reality. More than just about gaming, they showed rather interestingly how Virtual Reality can be used in the Medical, Transport and even when choosing furniture from IKEA. One of the takeaway points I felt from this was that taking advantage of Augmented or Virtual Reality can enable people to simulate dangerous situations without risking lives or property. There possible uses for this would also be innumerable, from Flight Simulation (which has already been in use for a long time), to construction work to military combat situations.

I would rate today's last session a 9. It was a very refreshing session, and not only did it let the students practice their presentation skills, we managed to learn from one another and broaden our knowledge horizons through exchanging of information and ideas about new and emerging technologies.