The Future of Engineering: 4 Emerging Technologies and Trends
The Future of Engineering: 4 Emerging Technologies and Trends
As an individual considering a graduate degree in Engineering, you may be wondering what the future holds for this career field. This blog will explore the engineering trends that are taking the future by storm and how you can stay in the loop.
The Future of Engineering: Emerging Technologies and Trends
In a rapidly evolving world, engineering stands at the forefront of innovation and change. Engineers are the problem-solvers that provide solutions to the complex challenges of today's modern world. And just as our world continues to evolve, the engineering industry follows suit. Here are some of the new engineering trends that are now meeting the demands of our fast-moving society.
1. Wireless Power Transfer
Wireless transfer of electricity, also called wireless power transfer (WPT), is a technology that transmits electrical energy without the need for physical wire connection. The use for wireless technology isn’t limited to just consumer electronics such as smartphones or tablets –its potential is applicable to a diverse range of applications, including electric vehicles, medical devices, and industrial automation. WPT is a convenient way to charge devices without the hassle of extension cords or searching for an outlet. This new innovation in electrical engineering is also safe, efficient, and beneficial to the environment as it reduces the need for batteries.
WPT technologies are actively being researched and are growing at an exponential rate. According to a recent 2023 report from the Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) Market, the WPT market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 28.6% from 2023 to 2029. With the ever increasing advancement of technology, a degree in Electrical Engineering will put you ahead of the game, given the prevalence of electronics and the demand for expertise in this field. Staying on top of such electrical engineering trends is beneficial across a wide range of industries, including telecommunications, transportation, energy, and so much more.
2. Digital Twins
As AI and Virtual Reality gain popularity across technological and engineering fields, it is no surprise that a new digital technology would be trending in the Civil Engineering field that's transforming the way structures are designed and built. Digital twins are virtual replicas of physical objects within a digital representation of its environment. It goes beyond traditional 3D models by utilizing real-time data, simulations, and machine learning to provide a comprehensive understanding of the physical object's behavior, performance, and interactions in its real-world environment. Civil Engineers are able to use the data from the digital twin to make improvements, identify faults, and gain insight that can be applied to the actual object.
The digital twin market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 61.3% from 2023 to 2023. This staggering growth rate signifies the increasing importance and adoption of digital twin technology across various industries, including civil engineering. A background in Civil Engineering can help you get you started on a rewarding career in designing, building, and managing infrastructure. With a mid-career salary of $74,723, the Civil Engineering industry is a lucrative field that continues to adapt to today's technological advancements.
3. Human-Centered Design
Industrial Engineering is all about optimizing complex processes and systems to make them efficient, safe, and productive, which is why human-centered design is at the forefront of innovation in this field. Human-centered design is an approach to problem solving that prioritizes the needs, behaviors, and preferences of people in the design process. Human-centered design principles are being used for a wide array of applications such as enhancing the ergonomics of workstations, designing user-friendly tools, optimizing safety systems, and developing intuitive user interfaces.
If you're considering a career in industrial engineering, it's essential to delve deeper into the principles of human-centered design, as it stands as one of the most critical aspects of engineering. Placing users within the design and problem-solving process will guarantee that the product or system being developed caters to their needs and expectations. The prospects for industrial engineers are promising, with jobs in the field projected to grow 12% by 2032. NJIT offers an Online MS in Industrial Engineering, preparing students for fields in manufacturing, services, research and development, and public sector enterprises.
4. Renewable Energy
Advancements in engineering solutions for solar, wind, and tidal energy are rapidly propelling us towards a future of more sustainable energy. Renewable energy sources are becoming increasingly prevalent as climate change awareness grows and people all over the world aim to reduce their use of fossil fuels. In fact, a remarkable 83 percent of all power capacity produced in 2022 was produced by renewables. It is no wonder why renewable energy is a growing trend in the engineering industry.
Energy engineer jobs are in demand with a predicted 10 percent growth progression from 2018 to 2028, and the average base salary for an Energy Engineer is about $91k. These engineers design, develop, and implement renewable energy systems. They work on diverse projects, such as creating efficient solar panels, optimizing wind turbine technology, and engineering hydroelectric, biomass, and geothermal power plants. These efforts are critical to meeting the world’s growing demand for sustainable energy while mitigating the impact of climate change. If you’re interested in working with renewable energy in the engineering sector, NJIT offers the MS in Power and Energy Systems degree.
Embracing the future of engineering
Engineers are the solution seekers to the complex challenges that our modern world faces. As a student interested in or currently studying Engineering, it is important to stay up to date on these latest technologies and trends because doing so will help you stay equipped with the skills needed to remain competitive in an evolving job market. Staying informed about emerging technologies and trends in Engineering will enhance your academic and professional growth.
All fields in engineering are experiencing groundbreaking changes and trends that are reshaping the way we approach problems and design solutions. Whether you are interested in environmental sustainability, medicine, construction, or design, you can make a meaningful impact in your chosen field with an NJIT Engineering degree or certificate.