Through the Google Glass
First Google had the driverless car, now another innovation. One of the coolest gadgets I have come across in the ‘next big thing’ arena is something called Google Glass. This is Google’s attempt to move data from desktops, laptops, phones and tablets and put it in front of your eyes. It is a wearable computer with a head-mounted display and basically consists of a camera, display, touchpad, battery and microphone built into spectacle frames. You can see the display in your field of vision without obstructing your view, take pictures, search and translate on the go, all with voice control. The first versions are already in the hands of software developers, who competed for the privilege of forking out $1500 for their own pair of spectacles.
In fact, the technical problems are the easy part. The big problem is the threat that Glass poses to privacy. For example anyone in the same room as a Google Glass user can be secretly monitored, and there are fears that this technology could be banned. I somehow doubt that this will happen, we like our technology too much. Between Google and social networks, most people have already quite willingly given up a fair amount of personal information – every time they click the ‘I Agree’ button without reading the lengthy contract that goes with it. The Guardian has a thought provoking discussion on the issue of technology and privacy at http://tinyurl.com/cmwvfnx
Legislation cannot keep up with technology
Another privacy issue is raised in our aerospace story on two local entrepreneurs involved in unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones. Aerial Robotic Media has developed flying robots which are capable of aerial surveillance. But again the question of privacy arises. Having seen for myself what these flying robots can see, I think I must agree. I would not like one of them flying over my garden or looking into my windows.
Despite the benefits, the domestic deployment of drones is causing a lot of concern worldwide, especially regarding the implications for privacy. They are designed to undertake constant, persistent surveillance to a degree that former methods of video surveillance were unable to achieve, and can operate undetected in urban and rural environments. Legislation is battling to keep up with the technology, both locally and overseas. At home, the Civil Aviation Authority and Commercial Aviation SA are only now developing a legal framework covering the equipment that can be used for aerial surveillance, and the USA is having similar problems.
Cybersecurity
A different type of privacy issue is highlighted by Jim Pinto, where he raises some key cybersecurity questions. The wireless age is bringing unprecedented opportunities for cyber attacks, as has been seen in the highly publicised Stuxnet malware attack on Siemens software. He says manufacturers have the opportunity to use cybersecurity as a differentiator to create competitive advantage rather than an after-the-incident service revenue generator.
Energy efficiency and renewable energy
Our cover story by Hytec describes how Bosch Rexroth is constantly introducing innovative new developments in its drive and control technologies, aimed at cutting energy consumption. Electronic control systems can save millions over the lifetime of a system by lowering energy consumption. A further feature on ‘Fluid power gets smart’ shows how the latest hybrid drives and controls are breathing new life into pneumatics and hydraulics, and SKF’s energy efficient deep groove ball bearings can reduce friction by up to 30%, saving tons of CO2 and thousands of kWh. Shield Technologies raises the issue of compressed air leaks – a huge energy waster – and offers a leak detection service to prevent this.
Another story describes how Bonfiglioli is entering the local renewable energy market with its high quality inverters for photovoltaic installations. These were originally designed for the demanding textile industry. There is plenty of activity in this area, and work has already begun on 18 solar power plants across the country, a result of the government’s REIPP renewable energy programme.
Schneider Electric is another company putting its money where its mouth is energy-wise by sponsoring the prestigious Paris Marathon. I know it is another gadget, but I loved the story on how Schneider used special energy tiles to capture and re-use the energy generated by the 40 000 runners – each footstep can generate as much as eight watts of kinetic energy.
Mining
Then finally we have some mining features. The platinum industry has many problems, but both Festo and SEW-Eurodrive are making a contribution: Festo with its intelligent linear actuators installed in flotation cells and SEW-Eurodrive with products ranging from industrial gears to geared motors.
Kim Roberts
Editor
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