Role of an Engineer in a Global world

Er Neeraj Dubey
In the Era of 20th century the world have witnessed a great achievement in engineering technology being globally implemented in various sectors of development like in the field of design, information technology (IT), multimedia communications, construction, simulation manufacturing, robotic, advanced materials or even the engineering management techniques for problem solving. The development of the modern world has been dominated by science, engineering and technology and the role of the engineer is linked closely to the needs of society.  Before discussing the roles & responsibilities of an engineer in the modern world, let we have a clear idea about, who is an engineer and what engineering is all about. The word engineer is derived from the Latin word ingeniare. Its actual meaning is to invent or devise. Engineers are creative designers who invent, develop and manage the manufacture of their creations. These creations can be as far ranging as from computers to robots to space vehicles. Engineers are characterized by their search for how and why. Their task is continuous a quest for knowledge and their work revolves around it. Engineers are highly skilled people who invent, design and innovate. They are the people who are advancing humanity into an era of space flight and internet information technology. Who knows what they will do next? Engineering is all around us, so people often take it for granted, like air and water. Ask yourself, what do I touch that is not engineered? Engineering develops and delivers consumer goods, builds the networks of highways, air and rail travel, and the internet, mass produced antibiotics, creates artificial heart valves, builds lasers, and offers such wonders an imaging technology and conveniences like microwave ovens and compact discs.”  In short, “engineers make over quality of life possible” (William A.Wulf) “Engineering is the application of science to the common purpose of life” (Count Rumford) Engineers have contributed very largely to society, but are a misunderstood group, as their efforts are often under-appreciated. Delivery of most of the services essential to modern life such as electricity, flight, television, medical imaging, sewage networks, the telephone, water networks and railway lines are the result of engineering. Engineers plan, design and create the physical structure through which society lives, works and plays. “Engineers invent the future and their work affects the lives of millions of people, for better or worse.”
From all these definitions, engineering contents can be further broken down into numerous details. Some of the following are relevant in one way or the other:-
i. Engineering is an art: – Aesthetics as well as function found in the Great Wall of China, pyramid and other wonder of the world is truly an engineering genius in the form of art.
ii. Engineering is an approximation: – The mathematics of engineering system is often used to solve “Engineering problems are under-defined; there are many solutions, good, bad and indifferent. The art is to arrive at a good solution. This is creative activity involving imagination institution and deliberate choice”
iii. Engineering is measurement, estimation, forecast and projection: – River flow, noise and vibration from transport system, earthquake, traffic volume, pollution and others.
iv. Engineering is a communication, technical report writing and presentation: – Making presentations, producing technical manuals, coordinating teams of large scale project are all fundamental to engineering practice.
Most of the engineering achievements of 21st century that has played a significant role in every human’s life in general and society in particular are : –
i. Nuclear technologies: – Nuclear technologies provide a new source of electric power and new capabilities in medical research and imaging as well as for unwarranted military use.
ii. Lasers and fiber optics: – Pulses of light from lasers are used in industrial tools, surgical devices, satellites, and other products. In communications for instance, a single fiber-optic cable can transmit tens of millions of phone calls, data files, and video images.
iii. Petroleum and gas technologies: – Petroleum has been used to providing fuel for cars, home, and industries. Petrochemicals are used in products ranging from aspirin to zippers. Engineering in oil exploration and processing, petroleum products have an enormous impact on world economies, people, environment and politics.
iv. Health technologies: – Medical professionals have an arsenal of diagnostic and treatment equipment at their disposal. Artificial organs, replacement joints, imaging technologies, and bio-materials are but a few of the engineered products that improve the quality of life for millions.
v. Imaging technologies: – Imaging technologies have expanded the reach of our vision. Probing the human body, mapping ocean floors, tracking weather patterns are all the result of engineering advances in imaging technologies.
vi. Space explorations: – The development of spacecraft has expanded our knowledge base, and
improved our capabilities. Thousands of useful products and services have resulted from the space program, including medical devices, wireless communications, etc.
vii. Agricultural mechanization: – The machinery of farms; tractors, cultivators, combines, and hundreds of others; dramatically increased farm efficiency and productivity.
viii. Electronics: – Electronics provide the basis for countless innovations; CD players, TVs, and computers. From vacuum tubes to transistors, to integrated circuits, engineers have made electronics smaller, more powerful, and more efficient.
ix. Aeronautics: – Modern air travel transport goods and people quickly around the globe,
facilitating  personal, cultural and commercial interaction.
x. Automobiles: – The automobile may be the world’ major transporter of people and goods, and a strong source of economic growth and stability. The automobile is a showcase of 20th century engineering ingenuity, with innovations made in design production & safety.
xi. Electrification: – Electrification powers has literally lighted the world and impacted countless areas of daily life, including food production and processing, air conditioning and heating, refrigeration, entertainment, transportation, communication, health care, and computers.
In the recent times the world has seen globally a vast development in the field of entertainment industry, computer animation, internet communication, audio and video conferencing due to the introduction of multimedia engineering. The engineering analytical skills and technological expertise being developed can also be put to use in many other relevant fields. For example, an engineering knowledge and skills could be applied in the field of medicine or law. Similarly, engineers can also become a politician and use the knowledge of technology and science to set important policy. Ultimately, engineers could also become an entrepreneur in a related field such as in construction, manufacturing, or others businesses.  In author’s opinion “engineering is about everything around us that are being utilized in a manner that is able to provide answers and solution to various problems that we are facing.”
(The author is Asstt Professor in GCET, Jammu)

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