Electrical Components

There are many examples of spectacular engineering from the 20^th century, but my personal favorites include large scale projects combining multiple engineering disciplines. The Spruce Goose, the world's largest wooden seaplane, is a great example of an undertaking in which aeronautical, mechanical and electrical engineers combined their expertise. What's your favorite engineering project from the last century?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Electrical Components, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Electrical Components today.

Recent news articles and surveys point to signs of economic growth in 2009 and optimism for 2010 in manufacturing. Although unemployment is still uncomfortably high and growing, most other indicators are positive, especially outside of the U.S. China and India in particular are displaying strong growth. Is business turning up in your neck of the woods, or are things still stagnant?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Electrical Components, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Electrical Components today.

Remember your favorite sci-fi robot, or maybe Rosie from The Jetsons? Now there was a robot, able to do everything from taking care of the kids to cooking dinner. Industrial robots have become a reality, but their domestic counterparts lag behind. Will there be a killer app that leads to widespread deployment of robots in our homes? If so, what might it be?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Electrical Components, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Electrical Components today.

Computer viruses are annoying at best and dangerous and expensive at worst. What makes them even worse is that now they are spreading to handheld devices like smartphones. Basic common sense can eliminate some of the threat but not all. Will there ever be a killer app to eliminate viruses, or will users just have to live with the problem?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Electrical Components, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Electrical Components today.

Despite best efforts by many technical professionals, industrial accidents continue to occur with alarming frequency, even in leading countries. Only top management can decide to put safety above productivity, but what's the best way to pressure executives to toe the safety line? Is it lawsuits, stricter government regulations or some other more creative solution?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Electrical Components, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Electrical Components today.