STS E 1-2 (Knowt)
Science and Technology Interdependence
Science and technology are interdependent but distinct activities.
Science Contributions to Technology:
(1) New Knowledge: Provides ideas for new technological possibilities.
(2) Tools and Techniques: Offers tools for efficient engineering design.
(3) Research Instrumentation: Research tools find their way into industrial practices.
(4) Skill Development: Research fosters human skills applicable to technology.
(5) Impact Assessment: Creates a knowledge base for assessing technology's societal and environmental impacts.
(6) Efficient Strategies: Enables efficient strategies for technology development.
Technology's Impact on Science:
Source of scientific questions, justifying resource allocation for addressing them.
Provides instrumentation and techniques for addressing scientific questions.
Technology as Application of Scientific Knowledge
Technology applies scientific knowledge to simplify operations.
Types of Technologies:
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Simulation of human intelligence by computer systems.
Aims to perform high-level tasks requiring human intelligence.
Examples: Smart assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa.
2. Information Technology (IT)
Use of computer systems, hardware, and software for information storage, sending, and retrieval.
Applications in resolving business challenges and streamlining organizational processes.
Examples: Performance management software, content management software, telephone and radio equipment.
3. Space Technology
Planning and executing space exploration, spaceflight, and Earth observation.
Used for communication, navigation, and supporting activities beyond Earth's atmosphere.
Examples: Telescopes, GPS systems, radio and imaging, space traffic management, and low-Earth orbit satellites.
4. Entertainment Technology
Providing better entertainment experiences through science and technology.
Subfields include television, gaming, advertising, streaming, animation.
Examples: Virtual reality, augmented reality, interactive environments, automation, simulations, and audio-visual areas.
5. Medical Technology
Efficient health assessments, diagnosis, health ailment management, and treatment.
Implications in pharmacology.
Examples: Robotic surgery, therapeutic devices, biometrics, and diagnostic imaging.
6. Operational Technology (OT)
Use of software and hardware for controlling industrial equipment and security measures.
Enables monitoring, controlling, and detecting changes in industrial networks.
Examples: Fire control systems, physical access control mechanisms, and building management systems.
7. Assistive Technology
Makes daily activities convenient, especially for individuals with disabilities.
Aims to improve the quality of life.
Examples: Artificial limbs and arms, wheelchairs, walkers, and crutches.
8. Communication Technology
Transfer of information among machines and people.
Contributes to decision-making and problem-solving.
Examples: Virtual assistants, social media platforms, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.
9. Hospitality Technology
Aids client interactions in the hospitality sector through technological infrastructures.
Facilitates off-site assistance to add convenience to client interactions.
Applications: Making reservations, offering assistance in various languages using machines.
10. Superintelligence
Use of artificial intelligence and computer systems to facilitate the betterment of human life.
Replaces operations done manually.
Examples: Chatbots, virtual agents, and self-driving cars.
11. Business Technology
Application of technology and science to provide high-level assistance in business activities.
Scope includes information technology, digital marketing, data management, and E-commerce technology.
12. Agriculture Technology
Replaces manual operations in agriculture that are complex and time-consuming.
Equips farmers with machines that regulate temperature and moisture, and GPS technologies.
13. Robotics Technology
Combination of science and mathematics to develop intelligent robots.
Used in healthcare for beneficial medical robotics implications.
14. Educational Technology (EdTech)
Revolutionizes teaching and learning processes with breakthroughs.
Examples: Computer-based teaching, interactive learning tools, audio-visual systems, and online learning resources.
Aims to improve learning by replacing or complimenting traditional approaches.
15. Product and Food Technology
Improves and automates manufacturing operations in the food industry.
Automation of manufacturing, quality testing, and control.
16. Architecture Technology
Involves eco-friendly buildings, space-saving approaches, and green buildings.
Helps architects understand design elements and geographical considerations for sustainable models.
Examples: Building Information Modeling (BIM), renderings, generative design, 3D printing, and IoT.
17. Construction Technology
Application of computer systems and software to construction processes.
Technological aids include drones, virtual reality, data collection apps, and AI to automate processes.
18. Blockchain Technology
Web-based monetary system that encrypts information.
Used for digital assets, online stock exchanges, and social media sites.
19. Aerospace Technology
Applications in space flight, aerospace engineering, and airplane designing.
Access to innovative ways to use space technology and develop efficient components for spacecraft and airplanes.
20. Environmental Technology
Conserves resources and the ecosystem through scientific knowledge and techniques.
Examples: Wind turbines, solar panels, wastewater purifiers, and photovoltaics.
21. Biotechnology
Uses living organisms to create different types of products based on biochemical and cellular processes.
Aims to improve lives.
Modern biotechnological processes: Genetic engineering, stem cells, tissue engineering, transgenesis, and DNA cloning.
22. Vehicle Technology
Vehicle development upgrading internal parts for improved efficiency.
Aims at reducing carbon emissions and enhancing comfort.
Examples: Parking sensors, collision avoidance systems, and self-driving cars.
23. Forensic Science Technology
Adds precision to criminal justice by identifying facts with scientific knowledge of evidence.
Examples: Fingerprint analysis, DNA profiling, and facial reconstruction.
24. Military Technology
Creates better tools, weapons, and equipment for military personnel.
Notable advancements include nuclear weapons, radar equipment, and advanced guns and missiles.
25. Sports Technology
Uses scientific knowledge to design and implement technologies for sports.
Examples: Video assistant referees, flying drones, camera movements, and edge detectors.
26. Electrical Engineering Technology (EET)
Combines science and electrical engineering principles for improved design, installation, operation, and maintenance of electrical systems.
Examples: Transmission lines, lighting systems, power plant generators, microsensors, and nanosensors.
27. 3D Printing Technology
Prints objects in three dimensions efficiently.
Uses CAD software to design objects for printing.
28. Quantum Technology
Subfield of physics with applications in communication technology, electric and magnetic sensors, quantum computing, modeling, metrology, and cryptology.
29. Industrial and Manufacturing Technology
Improves industrial and manufacturing processes and operations with scientific techniques.
Examples: Automated machines, large and efficient furnaces, conveyor belt systems, and CNC milling machines.
30. Marine Technology
Develops sophisticated equipment for safe use, protection, and intervention in the marine environment.
Examples: Digital route management of ships, integrated control systems, smart defense technology, and IoT on vessels.
Conclusion
As science progresses, technology progresses due to human testing of scientific theories.
Past two decades have seen increasing interest in predicting and controlling the social impact of technology.
Assessing technology requires a deeper scientific understanding than its original creation.
Basic research knowledge becomes more important as technology deployment expands and complexity increases.
Science can be used as a "conscience of technology."