From televisions and lightbulbs to cell phones and radios, modern innovations in electrical engineering have informed, enlightened, and connected the world. We look at key trends shaping the future of electrical engineering and the modern world.
Electrical engineering has been a key aspect of human advancement for centuries.
However, in recent times, the electrical engineering sector has undergone a major transformation, and ambitious research and development teams worldwide are working on improving several aspects of our lives, including communications, safety, and energy efficiency.
Market research firm The Yankee Group anticipates widespread industry transformations spurred by heightened competition, largely stemming from globalization. The landscape is poised for more discerning customers, burgeoning technologies, disruptive innovations, regulatory flux, and a flourishing emphasis on ingenuity.
This paradigm shift will inevitably reshape the job outlook for engineers in Australia. Projections from the Australian Government’s Department of Jobs and Small Business suggest a 3% rise in overall employment for electrical and electronic engineers from 2022 to 2030, aligning closely with the average growth rate across all occupations.
However, the anticipated sluggish growth or decline in certain sectors, notably manufacturing and services, may temper employment expansion. As the industry’s focus evolves, so too will employers’ demand for skills, pivoting towards proficiency in cutting-edge electronic engineering technologies.
Electronically engineering the future
Electrical engineers have a lot to be excited about soon, and I think the latest technologies in electronics are exciting, not to mention what electronics will be like.
The following are merely a few of the top innovative trends that will guide us into the future, where things are expected to become more convenient, effective, and economical:
The Rewards of Robotics
In electrical engineering, robotics aren’t displacing human labor but enhancing safety. Take, for example, remotely operated cable cutters, which reduce operators’ risks.
Drones have also transformed construction. They conduct pre-surveillance, alerting electricians to hazards beforehand. This ensures safety and informed decision-making on-site. Consider the scenario of fallen power lines. Drones swiftly survey the area, relaying hazards to engineers and minimizing risks.
Adopting such technology doesn’t replace electrical engineers; it complements their expertise. Robotics boost productivity and improve working conditions, enhancing electrical engineering.
Electrical Engineering and AI’s Electrifying Impact
In today’s rapidly changing technological landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) stands out as a significant catalyst, marking the onset of a groundbreaking phase in electrical engineering.
The amalgamation of AI and electrical engineering will evolve beyond mere augmentation; it will represent a revolutionary change that reshapes conventional frameworks. Whether it’s predictive analytics enhancing power distribution or AI-powered design refinement, the convergence of these domains is already establishing unprecedented standards for effectiveness, dependability, and inventive thinking.
IIoT: The News Industrial Era Beacon
The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) stands as a beacon in the new industrial era, offering unparalleled benefits to electrical engineers. It streamlines manufacturing processes, ensuring speed and efficiency while keeping costs minimal. IIoT includes smart inverters, AMI, remote energy management, and SCADA in electrical energy, revolutionizing utilities with enhanced tracking, storage, and automation capabilities.
While IIoT integration presents some challenges, it fosters innovation through research and development (R&D), providing engineers with cost-effective solutions tailored to evolving demands. Mastery of IIoT is now essential, empowering electrical engineers to navigate smart grids, lighting, and other facets with ease.
Electric Vehicle Innovation
The advent of electric vehicles (EVs) marks a significant stride in the fourth industrial revolution, driven by innovative advancements. These innovations not only create new market segments and career opportunities but also pose a risk of rendering certain positions obsolete.
Opportunities abound for aspiring engineers to specialize in EV innovation. Universities worldwide offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs in automotive electric engineering and automotive engineering with electric propulsion. This educational focus will cultivate a new generation of electrical engineers proficient in greener transportation propulsion, contributing significantly to the future of electronics and electronic engineering.
Wearable Technologies in Electrical Engineering
Wearable devices have gained popularity, especially in health-related activities like exercise and heart rate monitoring. In the electrical engineering sector, wearables are revolutionizing safety standards on the job.
Engineers now have access to various wearable devices designed to mitigate the risk of electrical shock while working with charged circuits. These devices alert users of impending danger when near electrically charged equipment, with real-time notifications sent to a mobile app for review.
Moreover, wearable technologies are evolving to enhance communication and accessibility to restricted areas, promising significant integration into the electrical engineering industry’s future.
Smart Grids: Advancing Electrical Infrastructure
In recent years, traditional national power grids have seen significant advancements, giving rise to smart grids, which are expected to dominate energy distribution by 2021. Smart grids herald an era of enhanced reliability, availability, and efficiency in energy delivery, fostering economic and environmental well-being.
Key benefits of smart grids include more efficient electricity transmission, faster restoration after power disturbances, reduced peak demand leading to lower electricity rates, seamless integration of customer-owned power generation systems, and improved security.
Beyond utility and technological enhancements, smart grids empower consumers to manage electricity usage, capitalize on low-price periods, and even sell excess energy, offering unprecedented control and flexibility. Smart grids are not just about utilities and technologies; they also give consumers more control, allowing them to manage their electricity usage, buy electricity when it’s at its lowest price rate, and even sell unused energy.
The Future of Electrical Engineering is Bright
As we look ahead, the landscape of electrical engineering brims with excitement and promise. The latest advancements in electronics herald a future marked by convenience, effectiveness, and economic viability.
However, alongside technological innovation, fostering diversity and equality within the industry is paramount. Despite progress, underrepresentation persists among women and ethnic minorities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. Yet, initiatives aimed at diversifying the workforce, particularly in higher education, are expected to gain momentum in the coming years.
This is why the Engineering Institute of Technology champions equality, diversity, and inclusion. Recognizing the value of varied perspectives and skill sets, EIT strives to cultivate an inclusive environment that empowers individuals from all backgrounds.
As innovation continues to drive the electronic industry forward, the importance of staying ahead of disruptive technologies cannot be overstated. Embracing diversity and innovation positions EIT, its students, and staff to navigate the ever-evolving microelectronics landscape with agility and foresight.
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How will electrical engineering change in the future?
