Technology of the Future

Of

Tech Future

The Spring 2023

A Letter from the Editors

Dear Reader,

We are immensely grateful to all of our readers for their unwavering support in helping us create our magazine. Our articles will cover various technology-related topics, including automobiles, entertainment, aerospace, robotics, and the impact of technology on education. Our talented authors have compiled infographics that contain valuable data and insights. We hope you enjoy our magazine and learn something new about the world of technology. Creating this magazine was no easy feat, but we poured our hearts and souls into it. Our mission is to not only educate you but to ignite your curiosity and inspire you to continue learning. We are passionate about the fascinating and intricate topics we explore and hope that our magazine will motivate you to dive deeper into the innovative technology of the future.

Sincerely,

The Editors

Will Robots Take Over? - Fred

Pioneers of Aerospace? - Daniel

The Advances of AR and VR - Henry

Cars Something - Manuel

A Child of the Future - Jose

Will Robots Take Over Our Jobs?

Fred Boynton

Here’s What The Polls Say:

Sur vey Results In ter view Results

= Extremely Likely = Somewhat Likely = Not Likely = Not At All

The Answer? Probably not.

Why?

Robots Aren’t Creative.

The fact of the matter is, no matter how hard we try, we simply can’t make robots think creatively. Nowadays, AI tries to emulate this with products like ChatGPT and Bing Chatbot, where the AI’s are “taught” with selections of material pulled from the internet, and use the material to formulate a rsponse that isn’t always unique.

We don’t have the technology.

Modern computers just dont have the processing power. While breakthroughs in Quantum computing and processing power continually bring us closer to the power needed to sustain a intelligent AI, you can still get a pretty accurate representation of what it would be like through companies like OpenAI with ChatGPT and Microsoft with Bing Chatbot. These programs still take massive amounts or processing power and are usually based in massive server farms.

Robots Won’t be Taking Over Our Jobs for a While.

Don’t expect to see robots threating your jobs anytime soon. We still are far away from any sentient or free-thinking Artificial Intelligence, and you can rest assured that you do not have to prepare for your robot overlords. For now.

“Creative work will always require human randomness and imperfection to be valuable.”

Robotics: History, Competitions, and Corporations.

Fred Boynton

Purple Haze, the LASA Robotics Team, working on their robot ElectriPHied.

Robotics has always been a part of our lives, even in ways one might not expect. From your washing machine to your smartphone, robotics has played a role in almost everything. Now, let’s explore the past, present, and the future of robotics, as well as a short introduction into robotics competitions.

The first mention of robots dates all the way back to the ancient world, where Greeks theorized about mechanical men made out of gold (“Golden Maidens”). The Buddhist scholar Daoxuan also theorized of metal men who recited sacred texts. Fast forward a bit, and you start to get automata. The first mentions of automata came from Aristotle, where he proposed that the creation of automata that can do menial tasks could abolish slavery: “There is only one condition in which we can imagine managers not needing subordinates, and masters not needing slaves. This condition would be that each instrument could do its own work, at the word of command or by intelligent anticipation, like the statues of Daedalus or the tripods made by Hephaestus, of which Homer relates that ‘Of their own motion they entered the conclave of Gods on Olympus’, as if a shuttle should weave of itself, and a plectrum should do its own harp playing.” After their conception, many people began building these automata for religious ceremonies, and kings or rulers often adorned their thrones with intricate metallic animals that roared or moved their tails. The automata were described as “lions, made either of bronze or wood covered with gold, which struck the ground with their tails

and roared with open mouths and quivering tongue,” and even thrones that raised upwards, appearing as if they were hovering in the air.

As technology advanced, so did automata. Wolfgang von Kempelen, a German engineer, made a sophisticated chess playing machine called “The Turk,” Which in actuality was controlled by a human hidden inside the cabinet below which contains the inner workings of the machine. Others similar to this accomplished similar tasks, like pouring tea into a wealthy man’s cup, or serving dishes for dinner every night.

Leonardo Torres y Quevedo, who named the machine “El Ajedrecista” (The Chessplayer). However, this machine could only play in endgame scenarios, where it would automatically move a white king and rook to checkmate a black king moved by the human opponent. The term “robot” was first introduced in the 1920’s, deriving from the Czech word robota, which translates to “work,” or “labor.” This signifies the original purpose of these proposed robots, for manual labor and menial tasks. In 1954, the Puma 500 “Unimate” was built, and is widely considered to be the first robotic arm produced in large quantities.

Starting in the 1900’s, the idea of automated machines reached mainstream culture with Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, with the story of the cyborg Tin Woodman, a woodcutter who had his arms, legs, head, and body severed by a giant ax. In 1913, an actual automatic chess machine

Fast forward to the present, and robots are present in almost every part of our lives. We have robotic arms that can pick up giant objects like toys and put them almost anywhere in its range. We even have robots that work with doctors in emergency situations to help administer aid to an injured person and let the doctors focus on more complicated tasks, which can be the difference in a life-or-death scenario.

The automaton “The Turk,” an ‘automatic’ chess player. Courtesy of Wikimedia.

“Lions, made of bronze... that struck the ground with their tails and roared with open mouths and quivering tongue.”

But, let’s take a step back and see how high schoolers can participate in advancing robotics, starting with the FIRST Robotics Competition, or FRC. FRC Competitions are events where hundreds or even thousands of people come together and celebrate robotics by competing to earn as many points as possible in a game. These games change every year, and many teams host announcement parties in anticipation for the new game. This year’s game, called “Charged Up,” made teams use their robots to deposit cones and cubes in specific locations in order to gain points, and the robots could also balance themselves on a platform for extra points. Each round pits three robots against another three robots, and those robots must work together to secure as many points as possible. At first, these teams are randomly chosen and they compete to earn Ranking Points. After enough rounds have been played, the top 8 teams get to choose their teammates to join in an “Alliance”. These alliances then compete until one remains, and that team is declared the winner.

Each round is divided up into two phases; Auto and Teleoperated, or “Teleop”. The “Auto” phase is where the robots drive themselves with no human input, and scoring in this phase usually awards you more points than scoring in Teleop. Teleoperated phase is where the drivers can now take control of their robots, and this is where the majority of the points are scored. In total, each round lasts around 150 seconds, with 15 seconds for auto and the other 135 used for Teleop. Each FRC Team is selfcontained and managed, and must be sponsored by a high school. Teams can also get sponsorships and financing from companies like NASA and BAE Systems, and have at least one mentor. Mentors are adults who manage the team and provide insight into probable causes and solutions to problems. One of the mentors for Purple Haze, Vince Kaufhold, states that: “My absolute favorite thing about mentoring is when students get excited about projects they’re working on, especially when they work well.”

The LASA robotics team, called Purple Haze, competes in FRC, where they made semifinals in a regional event and Advanced to District to compete with teams from around Texas. Additionally, one can advance to WORLDs, and even Einsteins if you’re really good, but that takes an insane amount of smarts in order to make it. Now, most teams who make it to Einsteins come from around the world, from the United States to Israel, and oftentimes the resulting robots that appear at the competition look extremely futuristic and are designed from the ground up to be as efficient as possible.

Speaking of the future, let’s talk about it in terms of robotics. A lot of people think of futuristic robots and think of robots that brew and pour your coffee in the morning, or a car that drives itself to your office, and those dreams aren’t far from

The Puma 500 “Unimate” Robotic Arm, often believed to be the first robotic arm made, undergoing testing in the 1980’s. Courtesy of Wikimedia.

“My absolute favorite thing about mentoring is when students get excited about projects they’re working on, especially when they work well.”

reality. Advances in sensors, locomotion, and analysis technology have allowed us to continue innovating and make these dreams a reality. In fact, self-driving cars are already on our streets, and you might have seen one drive past you on some urban roads. But, self-driving cars might take a while to make it onto the public market. Some cars, like certain Teslas, can drive semiautonomously, but they require human observation to make sure they don’t make any mistakes. As for the coffee serving robot, that exists, too. Go check out Briggo, a cafe with almost all of the servers are robots.

Another type of robot is a “cobot”, where the robot works together alongside a human operator to accomplish a task. These are especially useful in medical scenario, where emergency first responders might not have time

to look for a blood bag, or stabilize a patients bleeding. Cobots could take over these roles and free up the first responders to focus on more complicated tasks that cant be completed via a robot. Cobots can also pick up and give items to people, and detect when an item is taken or received. As a result, cobots are easier to program and control, making them a preferred choice for non-programmers or people who need a quick solution that doesn’t take long to set up. This makes them the perfect choice for electronics manufacturing companies, where a cobot could pick up a light bulb after the seal is check for leaks, for example. This also makes cobots a good choice if you want to speed up a process that cant be done with a robot, but takes a while with just one person, or is hazardous to handle. However, one downside of these robots is their price, and a single armed cobot can cost up to $55,000 per

unit, for a heavyweight model. However, the advantages far outweigh the hefty price tag. Some manufacturers, such as Hyundai, a car manufacturer, had their error rates decrease from .03% to .01%, and saw a huge 31% increase in effeicency. For most manufacturing plants, even a 2% increase in efficiency is a huge deal, so you can imagine why some companies would overlook the cost of cobots and make the switch.

For now, the cost and skill barriers prevent most people from buying robots for home or recreational use, but advances in technology and manufacturing could bring down prices far enough to make a robot affordable for the average citizen. Maybe in the future, you can finally get that coffee robot for yourself. Once that happens, now the only thing stopping you is learning how to program one! Or, you know, buying one thats premade for the task. Probably the better idea.

The Briggo Coffeehaus, a coffeeserving robot, now renamed to Costa Coffee BaristaBot. Couresty of Briggo.

A schematic of the Tormach ZA6 Robotic Arm, complete with degrees of freedom. Courtesy of Tormach.

RDRE

The RDRE, or Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine, is a type of combustion engine that uses detonation, as opposed to traditional engines using deflagration. In detonation, the flames of combustion travel supersonically, while flames from deflagration, which is akin to a campfire, travel subsonically. A RDRE injects fuel and an oxidizer (air, liquid oxygen, dinitrogen tetroxide, etc.) in a rotating pattern, as shown by the red arrows above. This system allows detonation to happen continously. All of these elements combine to provide an RDRE with a 20% efficiency increase when compared to a traditional deflagration engine.

Liquid Rocket Engine

While RDREs are more efficient, they have one flaw: they have never propelled an aircraft independently. Instead, propulsion has traditionally been sourced from deflagration engines(with liquid rocket engines being the most popular form of these today) and ramjets. Liquid rocket engines function by combusting two liquids, a fuel and an oxidizer, with a subsonic flame. Many modern rockets use these engines as they are reliable and well-understood. The Bell X-1 seen below used a liquid rocket engine to be the first supersonic manned aircraft. Ramjets are air breathing engines, meaning that instead of sourcing their oxidizer from an onboard tank, they take in air. The problem with ramjets is that they are notorious for losing efficiency at speeds below Mach 0.5. Along with this, ramjets must be designed for a specific altitude and velocity due to the fact that they “breathe” air.

Bell X-1. Image Courtesy of NASA.

Pioneers of Aerospace

By Daniel Canache

say that the successors of these pioneers are not preparing to make their mark at this very moment?

Ever since the early 20th century, transportation above the Earth’s surface has been

such organizations, the 21st has seen an increase in private and commercial aerospace companies, allowing rapid development across a variety of sectors. Indeed, dozens of companies have begun to branch out into hypersonics, small

space, Venus Aerospace has different plans. With so much untapped potential in the commercial aviation industry, the company based in Houston, Texas has decided to bring to fruition the dreams of many airlines: the

SR-71. Image Courtesy of NASA.

ability to transport passengers at hypersonic speeds. As implied by its name, the term “hypersonic” refers to speeds greater than or equal to five times the speed of sound, which is often referred to as Mach. The only vehicles that have laid claim to reaching/ passing Mach 5 are space capsules returning to Earth and highly specific test vehicles, such as NASA’s X-15 rocket-powered plane. From the view of the public, at least, the only aircraft which has been able to transport passengers supersonically (at Mach 1 or greater) was the Concorde, an exclusive passenger jet which could reach speeds just past Mach 2. However, due to mechanical problems and a lack of practicality, the Concorde saw a relatively short service life. Hannah McCallum, a senior propulsion engineer at Venus, says that in a current commercial aircraft, a flight from Los Angeles to Tokyo will take “10, 12 hours …. in plush, comfort and everything, but oftentimes time is money. So in [Venus’] case, we

hypersonics for military institutions. These and many more are all possible applications of such a vehicle.

Of course, the act of flying at Mach 5 requires extensive planning and refinement. Perhaps the most unique of the various innovations that Venus is incorporating into its aircraft is the propulsion system, starring a Rotating Detonation

rotating pattern. These substances are then ignited, causing a continuous wave of detonation in a rotating motion. The key detail here is the detonation. Most, if not all, rockets being used to propel flying vehicles as of this writing are considered deflagration engines, in which a flame passes through a mixture of fuel and oxidizer below the speed of sound. An example of deflagration would be a bonfire. Detonation engines, on the other hand, entails a supersonic (faster than sound) combustion and the consequent shock wave. According to McCallum, the latter form of combustion “has a much higher peak energy level, so the goal with the detonation engine is to capture that peak in that performance.” At this point, even without endless lectures regarding thermodynamics, you may be wondering why these marvelously efficient engines haven’t made their way

“You can theoretically get 15%, maybe 20% more performance (so better efficiency) out of a detonation engine”

-Hannah McCallum

X-29. Image Courtesy of NASA.

into the aerospace industry. “The problem with detonation engines is that they’re pretty new,” says McCallum. Indeed, the difficulty in maintaining a constant detonation has staved off many efforts to make

RDREs practical. While some have been use as experimental payloads or run in labs, a motor of this type has never been the main source of thrust for any vehicle prior to this writing.

While RDREs have many advantages over their deflagration counterparts, the latter has one key asset at the time of this writing: unanimity. Because of the widespread use of these motors, they have been thoroughly researched and therefore refined. Ursa Major Technologies from Berthoud, Colorado is expanding the availability of these rocket engines to small private launch organizations. According to Sabrina Ames, a mission program manager at Ursa Major, “There are a lot of really interesting markets opening up for small rocket engines.” In other words, there are many companies seeking to develop air and space vehicles that lack the resources to develop an engine simultaneously. Case in point, Ames states that Ursa Major already has engine agreements with Stratolaunch, a hypersonics company, and Phantom Space Corporation, a vertical launch rocket company.

Ursa Major’s innovations don’t end at the privatization of spaceflight. Ames states that “85% of [Ursa Major’s] rocket engine is 3D printed out of metal.” While 3D printing is becoming more widespread in the hobbyist/ consumer market, this has profound implications in rocket science. One reason for this is that certain parts of rocket

engines undergo extreme conditions during operation, and the ability to 3D print parts which can withstand these conditions is remarkable. Most notably, however, the design cycle of the engines is much shorter. While building a rocket motor usually entails bending, cutting, and welding small tubes and fabricating large nozzles/combustion chambers via costlier, more time-consuming conventional methods, 3D printing brings the fabrication of the bulk of the engine “down to three days.” Not only does this greatly increase the rate of development by allowing rapid iteration, it also allows for a much higher production rate of rockets and parts. The most fascinating part of this additive manufacturing spectacle is that at this point in time, nongovernmental organizations are the ones implementing this technology.

Last, but not least, is Radian Aerospace out of Renton, Washington, which is developing a reusable low earth orbit spacecraft, or in other words, a modernized space shuttle. As stated by Esther Deena, an aerospace technology development engineer at Radian, “It is very, very similar [to the shuttle] in terms of the environment that it goes through.” However, there is a serious emphasis on the “modernized” aspect of this vehicle. First off, Radian One, as this spacecraft is called, is single stage to orbit, meaning that all sources of thrust and fuel are on board the vehicle itself, without the detachable boosters and fuel tanks seen on space shuttles and many rockets. This greatly simplifies missions by requiring only fuel and maintenance to regain flight readiness, analogous to a

“Going from months and months to build this one piece of hardware down to three days, that’s incredible.”

-Sabrina Ames

Hadley engine. Image Courtesy of Ursa Major Technologies.

conventional aircraft, instead of attaching new/recovered fuel tanks and external boosters. Another important detail is that space shuttle launched vertically, requiring more specialized infrastructure. On the other hand, Radian One is able (in theory) to take off horizontally, much as a plane would, using a rocket-powered “sled”. While not necessarily usable at conventional airports, this feature once again increases the vehicle’s practicality and is an improvement over NASA’s space shuttle.

“the

aircraft would be next to impossible. Unfortunately, the cancellation of the space shuttle program has virtually eliminated demand for these tiles, therefore causing the supply to disappear with it. Because of this, Radian is must to revive old supply chains in order to create their improved, more practical space shuttle.

technology that enables the

“So … supply chain is definitely a challenge. It’s definitely a challenge.”

-Esther Deena

Without said tiles, a shuttle-like

Stargazer concept. Image Courtesy of Venus Aerospace.

Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that overlays digital information, such as images, sounds, or text, onto the real world in real-time. It enhances the user’s perception of reality by combining computer-generated sensory inputs with the real world environment.

So the question will be whether the benefit will justify the cost and whether you actually see it. It gives you some, some real life quality of life improvement because now most examples you see, they are very toyish.

- Michael Nebeling

AR can be experienced through various devices, such as smartphones, tablets, smart glasses, or headsets, which use cameras and sensors to detect the physical environment and superimpose virtual elements onto it. The virtual elements can be interactive and respond to the user’s actions or movements, creating an immersive and engaging experience.

Currently, benefits of Augmented Reality glasses are dwarfed by the numerous problems that consumers dislike when looking at affordability and reliability along with everyday use. Function:

Facing Reality

They’ll either see like a floating car or they’ll be transported magically to the beach. But that’s what we currently work with and it’s important

Dr. Michael Nebeling is a current professor in the University of Michigan, with a focus on the Information Interaction Lab, a renowned organization that has benefited the field of computer generated images in ways almost unimaginable. In an interview, he talked about the uses for Augmented and Virtual reality, while also explaining the distinctions of each topic.

“It’s important that the next generation workforce is equipped with the tools to understand these technologies, anticipate issues and to better design experiences,” Michael Ne-

The Possibilities are Endless

beling explains that the current lack of engagement and understanding shown by the working-age population and the eventual transition by workers as better training at a lower cost are among the many benefits of Virtual Reality.

Virtual Reality also introduces the opportunity to “train for emergency situations and active shooter scenarios,” where realistic physical opportunities cannot be simulated, as stated by Dr. Nebeling, ethics and other motives can hamper training for these scenarios, and VR gives the ability to make the sit-

There is a push already from several companies, including Meta, but many others as well. To make AR and VR a reality

-Michael Nebeling

- Jenny

From Beginning to End: Michael Nebeling, Lucky Gobindram, Jenny Do

uation as genuine as possible.

Other useful benefits, as Dr. Nebeling explains, can “arise within the medical field, where in specific environments, for example, clinical settings or education, it will also play an important role in the future.” This is all because of Virtu al Reality’s advantage by us ing “computer generated simu lation of 3D images and or an environment,” explaining the more technical side of Virtual Reality and how it functions.

Virtual reality is perfect for situations which are impossible to accomplish in the physical world, but is limited by the amount of interaction with the actual world. Unlike augmented reality, which includes both computer generated images and parts of actual images, virtual reality is confined only in a digital environment.

However, AR is much more difficult to apply in a fashion where the general public can find an advantage over its disadvantages. As Michael explains, “We don’t actually have the hardware yet to support everyday kind of use. We want the form factor for AR headsets to be like glasses and that is very hard to manufacture.” The technology actually doesn’t exist as

Jenny Do is a former student of the University of Santa Barbara who studied Computer Science, and has had a long-term interest in Virtual and Augmented Reality, and has made several advances in her understanding of this field. Her interview gave great definitions of virtual reality and also gave great ad-

I always look at VR’s adoption curve to be more akin to the PC revolution rather than the mobile revolution. - Lucky

A Teardown of a Virtual Reality Headset. Courtesy of iFixit

vice for the future generations.

As Jenny Do details further, some rather distinctive statements are made, with a theoretical but achievable statements such as, “That’s why you see many people who go to, you know, these like 3D spaces and like, they’ll either see like a floating car or they’ll be transported magically to the beach.”

thing, these are all free and it’s super easy. And besides that, if you like working with physical things, a raspberry pie is like

You don’t know whether, so if I draw some graffiti on your virtual reality property, so what, do you really own this

When asked about advice for the future generations, all she had to say was “If you like data science, go ahead and start learning. If you like computer science, I don’t know, pick up Python or some-

There’s people that spend more time in online, social settings - Michael Nebeling Warning the People

$40.” Getting into computer science isn’t that difficult, but the journey can be challenging. By exploring this field one step at a time, future generations have a chance in computer science due to the availability of cheap parts and simple lessons.

When questioned about the future of technology, she is amazed by the pace the world is going, with

Henry Liu

The Possibilities of Virtual Reality Courtesy of Adobe Stock

Accepting Reality

items such as “GPT four” and how “it’s insane that the neural network, the AI, whatever you’d like to call it, has so much past history and so much past memory.” Virtual and augmented reality’s potential increased significantly with the addition of a powerful and public AI software, with small companies now having the chance to compete.

The future of VR and AR is still rather uncertain, but there have been several strides. For example, Google Glasses were the first real attempt at AR glasses, but ultimately failed due to the limited usage and the rushed hardware. This was back in 2014. Nowadays, there are glasses which are nearly impossible to accomplish. Even now, con-

sumers are still reluctant to buy into this new technology.

Lucky Gobindram is the General Manager at CXR agency, a company dedicated to producing AR and VR software for large companies who need more experienced workers or cannot justify the cost of hiring a high amount of people. Lucky manages around 200 employees and has several years of experience within this field. His interview consisted of him mainly talking about how his company op-

erates and the software side of things, rather than the hardware. When asking about his success, Lucky doesn’t attribute his success to luck or his ability, but rather to “Good team members. It’s not like a one man show. It takes an army and a team, you know?” A good team is nearly essential to a successful company

And like my goal is to be part of it, to play an important role in, if possible, but I will probably not invent time, travel, or anything that you’re hoping for in the next two years - Michael

Child Of T he Future

https//quotes_now_>:(@hahoo.com

“Technology is a double edged sword, it allowed some of my students to make thousands of dollars at 13,14 creating things, but at the same time too much content from various sources can be detrimental .”

-M r. David Cornwell

“And I still have mixed feelings about it (Google) I don’t want to limit access to information, but then again, if it can only come with a ‘this is spreading false information’ program, then I would love students to use the internet limitlessly"

-M r. Chad R akowitz

“A lot of parents, myself included, use technology to help separate themself from their child, when you are at home work ing, and also have your child around, technology is there to help babysit.”

-M r. David Cornwell

“All of the k ids at Mathews elementar y, have access to the school issued chromebooks, this has proven to be a little much for teachers to regulate.”

- Chad Rakowitz

“These things (various technological sources) can be building blocks to a career that’s right for them. (The Students)”

-M r. David Cornwell

Created By Jose Limon

Is Our Tech

Cracking open the (computer) case. How Is Technology Affecting our Classrooms? it for better, or for

By: Jose Limon

Technology is no doubt affect the children all around the world, but is

By:Jose Limon-Vargas

Well first things first Mr. David Cornwell, he is a school teacher at

Lively Middle School, he teaches the Digital Media class and also hosts Gaming

The availability of so much online information, students can retrieve data from reliable sources. I even think there’s a place for AI Chatbots in education, but I don’t quite know what that looks like, yet.

Courtesy of DreamsTime

Children jumping

In Check?

Limon-Vargas

Club. His views on technology are fairly positive, with slight changes he wishes were in place. I interviewed him on April 26 2023, he had this to say.

“Technology is a double edged sword, it allowed some of my students to make thousands of dollars at 13,14 creating things, but at the same time too much content from various sources can be detrimental.”

In other words, he thinks technology is an incredibly useful source in his middle school classroom, having access to all

information at once is amazing, but only searching up things that have the same opinion (stated later in the interview) would corrupt the child’s mind, it would deny the child access to other points of views, thus becoming detrimental. He refers back to the upside of technology in the classroom in this next quote:

Students)”

I think that the teaching tools available through the chromebooks can really enhance learning, but it’s no secret that access to the internet provides an endless source of distraction.

As stated above, children as young a 13 have been making thousands of dollars from work they have ious technological sources) can be building blocks to a career that’s right for them. (The

“These things (var-

`

created off of the software the administrator has provided, and that he knows some students won’t work in the technological field, but as for the students who will, he wants to provide the best step up he can from a young age in middle school. He also states technology should be regulated, not just for students, but for parents too.

“A lot of parents, myself included, use technology to help separate themself from their child, when you are at home working, and also have your child around, technology is there to help babysit.” He notes that technology is not just affecting the students,

but also the parents, technology can be used as a crutch for over-stressed parents, but he claims that it separates the parent from the child. This sounds bad for the relationship between parents and children, if not left in regulation, his views are very neutral and that can be seen with how he treats his job.

Mr. Chad Rakowitz is a teaching assistant, with an impressive background as a teacher for 22 years. He assists/teaches at Mathews Elementary School, he also has a side job as a tutor. He views technology as somewhat necessary

in some certain cases, mainly the pandemic but mostly prefers for the students to take tests and fill out assignments on paper. I interviewed him on March 30, 2023, he had this to say.

“All of the kids at Mathews elementary, have access to the school issued chromebooks, this has proven to be a little much for teachers to regulate.”

Mr. Rakowitz claimed that teachers were having trouble regu-

Courtesy of Techywear

Green hat

Do you think the students are surrounded by technology?

Yes.

Is that a bad thing? Time will tell. It’s certainly different from my high school experience, but each genera-

lating the children’s chromebooks, the chromebooks were issued by aisd. The teachers having trouble is a big issue, the teachers at Mathews, and most likely other schools, is a problem because the teachers are trained to deal with annoying kids, so imagine if somebody who is train professionally to be at their wit’s end, then imagine somebody who isn’t trained, if these kids go into

the real world, without developing skills that might annoy the wrong person, then whoop, you don’t get the job you want, or maybe something more severe. Mr. Rakowitz also had this to say.

“One way I see them (The Students) affected is they use them beyond the school day, I think it becomes a real temptation to sit in front of the screen a lot”

This feature story proves that teachers are affected very differently by technology in the classroom. Most teachers have different views for the technology that they use. Technology affects us all, as humans, the overall

consensus is that it can be the item to take us as a species to a whole new level, or could be the very thing that destroys us all.

To summarize, the dangers of technology acts like a double edged blade, with the possibility to either act as a beneficial source or a detriment. There is no simple way to either control or limit the usage of student’s devices without causing a gross breach of privacy. So I have concluded overall, technology belongs in classrooms, but should be regulaated amd more importantly used in moderation.

The Road Ahead: A

Motorwagen also known as the first car, was made in 1886 by Karl benz as he wanted to make a vehicle that used power on its own

Time by time the world changes one of these changes are the advancements (1880) has advanced into a better and new car (2020). Thanks to the help ments that help us shape our earth into a successful growing planet. Thanks

Timeline Of Cars

1960

of vehicles with their technology.

1980

2020

advancements of cars. Starting with the first car we can see how the first car help of people growing and learning more we get technological advanceThanks to designers who have helped us and also the people too

Cars: The past, present, and future

By: Manuel Velasco

Cars have evolved significantly since their invention in the late 19th century. From the first steam-powered vehicles to modern electric cars, the automobile industry has witnessed a remarkable transformation. In this article, we will explore the evolution of cars, including the technological advancements that have made them safer, more efficient, and more environmentally friendly.

The Early Days of Cars

The first cars were powered by steam, electricity, or gasoline. Steam-powered cars were the first to emerge, with the first steam-powered vehicle being built in 1769 by Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot. However, steam-powered cars were heavy and slow, and their popularity was short-lived.

Electric cars emerged in the

late 19th century and quickly became popular in urban areas. Electric cars were quiet and easy to operate, making them a popular choice for everyone. However, their limited range and the lack of charging infrastructure limited their appeal .

Gasoline-powered cars were invented in the 1880s and quickly gained popularity due to their speed and range. The first gasoline-powered car was built by Karl Benz in 1885, and it was followed by Henry Ford’s Model T in 1908. The Model T was affordable and reliable, making it the first car that was accessible to the masses.

The Rise of Mass Production

The invention of the assembly line by Henry Ford in 1913 revolutionized car manufacturing. The assembly line allowed cars to be produced quickly and effi-

ciently, reducing the cost of production and making cars more affordable. The Model T became the first car to be mass-produced, with over 15 million units sold by 1927.

The 1920s and 1930s saw the introduction of several technological advancements that improved car performance and safety. In 1924, the first four-wheel hydraulic brakes were introduced. In 1927, the first automatic transmission was introduced, making it easier for drivers to shift gears.

The 1940s and 1950s saw the introduction of several iconic car designs, including the Chevrolet Bel Air and the Ford Thunderbird. These cars were sleek and stylish, embodying the post-war optimism of the time and also saw the introduction of the first power steering and power brakes, making cars easier to handle and safer to

drive.

The Rise of Environmental Concerns

In the 1960s and 1970s, concerns about pollution led to the introduction of stricter emissions regulations. In 1963, California introduced the first regulations on emissions, which required cars to have pollution control devices. The Clean Air Act of 1970 introduced national emissions standards, which led to the introduction of catalytic converters in cars.

The 1970s also saw the introduction of several technological advancements that improved car safety. In 1973, the first airbag was introduced, making cars safer in the event of a crash. In 1979, the first anti-lock brakes were brought to the market, improving car handling and preventing skids.

The 1980s and 1990s saw the rise of computer technology in cars. In 1981, the first onboard computer was introduced, allowing cars to monitor engine performance and diagnose problems. In 1996, the OBD-II system was introduced, which standard-

ized emissions controls and allowed for more accurate diagnostic testing.

The 21st Century and Beyond

The 21st century has seen significant advancements in car technology, including the rise of electric cars and autonomous driving. In 2010, the Nissan Leaf became the first mass-produced electric car, and it was followed by the Tesla Model S in 2012. Electric cars have become increasingly popular due to their low emissions and lower operating costs.

Autonomous driving has also become a reality, with several automakers developing self-driving cars.

The introduction of autonomous driving technology has sparked a revolutionary

transformation within the automobile industry, setting the stage for a new era of transportation. Self-driving cars, powered by a combination of sophisticated sensors, cameras, and advanced algorithms, have the potential to redefine the way we perceive and interact with automobiles. Major companies such as Tesla, Google (through its subsidiary Waymo), and traditional automakers are investing substantial resources into the development of autonomous technology, with the ultimate goal of enhancing safety and efficiency on the roads.

One of the key advantages of autonomous cars lies in their potential to significantly reduce accidents and fatalities. Human error has long been identified as a leading cause of accidents, and self-driving cars have the ability to elimi-

nate or minimize these errors. Equipped with an array of sensors and constantly scanning their surroundings, autonomous vehicles have the capability to detect and respond to potential hazards with greater speed and accuracy than human drivers. This groundbreaking technology holds the promise of saving countless lives and making transportation safer for everyone who shares the roads.

Beyond the realm of safety, self-driving cars also hold the potential to revolutionize traffic flow and alleviate congestion. Through advanced communication systems, autonomous vehicles can interact with each other and the surrounding infrastructure, allowing for seamless coordination and optimized use of road space. This can result in smoother traffic flow, reduced travel times, and a significant decrease in traffic congestion. Imagine

a future where rush hour becomes a relic of the past,

and our daily commutes are transformed into efficient and stress-free journeys.

Furthermore, the automotive industry is placing increas-

Parked Tesla charging- Courtesy of Wikimedia commons

“Technology has come a long way in helping with the advancements of car manufactures”

ing emphasis on environmental sustainability, driven by growing concerns about climate change and air pollution. In response to these challenges, there is a strong push towards the development and adoption of greener technologies. Electric cars, in particular, have gained significant traction in recent years, thanks to remarkable advancements in battery technology and the establishment of robust charging infrastructure.

Electric vehicles (EVs) offer several compelling environmental benefits compared to traditional gasoline-powered cars. By producing zero tailpipe emissions, they contribute to a significant reduction in air pollution, thereby aiding in the global effort to combat climate change. Moreover, the utilization of renewable energy sources for

charging further diminishes the carbon footprint associated with EVs. Governments and automakers worldwide are actively promoting the adoption of electric cars through incentives, subsidies, and the expansion of charging infrastructure, creating a conducive environment for the widespread adoption of this eco-friendly mode of transportation.

In tandem with the advancements in battery technology, the range and charging times of electric vehicles have witnessed substantial improvements. Modern EVs can travel longer distances on a single charge, reducing concerns about range anxiety that had hindered their widespread adoption in the past. Additionally, the proliferation of fast-charging stations enables quicker and more convenient charging, making electric cars a viable and practical option for everyday use.

In conclusion, the evolution of cars has been a remarkable journey characterized by continuous technological advancements and a response to evolving societal needs. From the early days of

steam-powered and electric vehicles to the mass production of gasoline-powered cars, and now, the advent of electric cars and autonomous driving, the automobile industry has consistently pushed boundaries and redefined transportation. With a steadfast commitment to safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability, the future of cars holds the promise of even more exciting innovations that will shape our lives and the way we move from one place to another. As we embark on this transformative journey, we can anticipate a world where road accidents become a rarity, traffic congestion is substantially reduced, and our transportation systems become a force for positive change in the fight against climate change. t

“We live in a better world than before with the help of many things that have used technology. People think technology is a bad thing but I believe that it’s useful for a better society”

“Cars are used all around the world and they arent leaving anytime soon. We need to adapt to changes and better our world with use of intellagence and technology”

Credits

Fred Boynton is the creator of the robotics section of this magazine. He is a member of the LASA High School Robotics Club, which builds robots and takes them to competitions. In the future, he is likely to pursue a career in software engineering. In his spare time, Fred’s hobbies include coding and other robotics-related activities.

Manuel is chiefly focused on making the futuristic car section of our Ezine magazine. Spurred by his passion for video games, Manuel loves to pursue his career of dog sitting and swimming. After graduating from high school, Manuel would like to obtain a well-paying job and further build upon his hobbies and overall just live a fulfilling life.

Henry Liu discusses technological advancements in the entertainment industry, a sector which will likely expand greatly in the future. His passions include getting steamrolled in golf and burning his finger on the stove. When and if he graduates, he would love to either become a biologist or pursue a career in software engineering.

Jose Limon Vargas writes about the effect of technology on classrooms. He likes to play video games in his free time. He would like to go into a career in software development, and is learning to do the splits.

Daniel Canache is responsible for writing about the future of aerospace. He is passionate about model aviation and anything that has to do with planes. Along with this, Daniel spends his time playing the violin. In the future, he plans on getting a degree in the field of medicine or becoming an engineer of sorts.

Futuristic Technology