2.5.1 - Future of Engineering

Match the following key areas with their expected roles in future engineering projects.

• Enhancing decision-making processes

• Sustainability

• Minimizing environmental impact

• Artificial Intelligence

• Protecting data and systems from digital attacks

• Cybersecurity

• Increasing interconnectedness of world economies

• Globalization

What is a vital aspect of the future of engineering that involves the use of solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal energy?

• Equitable access to technology

• Renewable and clean energy

• Advancements in healthcare

• Cybersecurity

Answer explanation

The future of engineering heavily relies on renewable and clean energy sources like solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal energy, which are essential for sustainable development and reducing environmental impact.

What is an important social consideration for future engineers to ensure all communities can access technological advancements?

• Globalization

• Cybersecurity

• Equitable access to resources and technology

• Renewable energy

Answer explanation

Equitable access to resources and technology is crucial for future engineers to ensure that all communities benefit from technological advancements, preventing disparities and promoting inclusivity in innovation.

Which field is set to be transformed by advancements in health-related technology?

• Transportation

• Healthcare

• Education

• Agriculture

Answer explanation

Advancements in health-related technology are primarily aimed at improving patient care, diagnostics, and treatment methods, making healthcare the field most likely to be transformed by these innovations.

What challenge related to technology is expected to grow as technology becomes more interconnected?

• Renewable energy

• Cybersecurity

• Globalization

• Healthcare advancements

Answer explanation

As technology becomes more interconnected, the risk of cyber attacks increases, making cybersecurity a growing challenge. Protecting sensitive data and systems from breaches is crucial in our digital age.

Explain the importance of sustainability in engineering.

• It focuses on short-term profits.

• It addresses environmental challenges like climate change.

• It increases fossil fuel dependency.

• It reduces the need for innovation.

Answer explanation

Sustainability in engineering is crucial as it addresses environmental challenges like climate change, promoting practices that reduce negative impacts on the planet and ensuring resources are available for future generations.

Describe how renewable energy technologies will shape the future of engineering.

• By increasing reliance on fossil fuels.

• By reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

• By decreasing energy independence.

• By limiting economic growth.

Answer explanation

Renewable energy technologies will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promoting a cleaner environment and sustainable engineering practices, which is essential for addressing climate change and fostering innovation.

Explain the role of equitable access to technology in engineering solutions.

• It limits access to technology for underserved populations.

• It enhances the quality of life and reduces the digital divide.

• It focuses solely on economic development.

• It discourages collaboration with policymakers.

Answer explanation

Equitable access to technology is crucial as it enhances the quality of life for all individuals and helps bridge the digital divide, ensuring that underserved populations can benefit from technological advancements.

Describe the impact of health-related technology advancements on engineering.

• They focus only on traditional engineering practices.

• They integrate biomedical principles with engineering.

• They reduce the need for patient care.

• They limit the development of innovative medical devices.

Answer explanation

Health-related technology advancements significantly impact engineering by integrating biomedical principles, leading to innovative solutions in medical devices and healthcare systems.

Explain the significance of cybersecurity in the future of engineering.

• It decreases the need for data protection.

• It is irrelevant to interconnected technologies.

• It prioritizes security in design to protect sensitive data.

• It focuses on reducing technological advancements.

Answer explanation

Cybersecurity is crucial in engineering as it prioritizes security in design, ensuring that sensitive data is protected against threats. This focus is essential for the integrity and reliability of interconnected technologies in the future.