Introduction
The scenario selected for analysis and which has the potential of affecting my life or career in the future is the current megatrend of miniaturization. According to Huber (2001), “miniaturization is defined as the creation of ever-smaller scales for mechanical, optical, and electronic products and devices”. This process involves continuous development and innovations that allow developers save more space and come up with smaller devices. The main aim of miniaturization is to save space and develop less bulky products. Such innovations save the businesses a lot of time and money by reducing warehousing costs and allowing businesses to transport more products in a shorter period of time.
Miniaturization is widely applicable in the development of mobile phones, nanotechnology and science fiction. Though it has enormous benefits for business, it posses certain threats and challenges to businesses and individuals. Moreover, the aspect of “shaping components of devices that are made up of complex geometry in very minute scale as well as maintaining very high dimensional accuracy will always need the use of very specific as well as physical-chemical processes” (Center for Responsible Nanotechnology, 2011, p. 1). It is also notable that the nature of the miniaturized product’s small sizes also leads to the creation of numerous problems during the process of assembling, packaging as well as testing them.
Further processes of miniaturization leading to smaller devices of the nanometer scales pose other bigger challenges in their design as well as manufacture.
A large number of the design principles derivation are usually based on the basis of the continuum theories which require a continuous process of substantial modifications so as to be in a position to accommodate the required principles that are closely associated with the quantum mechanics and quantum physics (Huber, 2001, pg. 11).
Therefore, in order to manufacture nano-scaled components and devices there is need to pay specific attention to the process of isolating, transporting and re-assembling all the required components, including relevant molecules and atoms. Therefore I agree with Shelley (2006) who explains that the technology of “nanomachining” involves not only physical-chemical processes,but also integration and application of the molecular biology principles”.
Areas where the technology could affect my life, career and future
- Ubiquitous surveillance: miniaturization has brought about a big debate regarding privacy. One of its benefits has turned out to be a threat to those opposing government scrutinies of people lives. According to Shelley (2006, p. 13), “miniaturization will allow unprecedented surreptitious surveillance of individuals”. Miniaturization of computers makes it easier for the government to keep everyone under surveillance. Home nanofactories are especially considered as an excuse by the government to invade people’s privacy.
- Scenario: Assume the government wants to conduct research on a certain medical condition. Introducing nanofactories for them will ensure that information about the person is constantly recorded without their knowledge. This is made possible form the fact that even ribosomes and other biological molecules can be used for the purpose. Such innovations would make it easy for the government to install devices into the participants bodies without their knowledge. Other than medical information, other areas of their lives would be constantly exposed.
Artificial intelligence and robots
Molecular technology is viewed as the biggest step towards creating computers that work and think better than humans. According to Huber (2001), “as robots and better innovations combine to relieve humans of doing tasks that machines can do better, faster and cheaper, we may be paving the way to our own destruction”.
- Scenario: suppose a company is moving offices. Part of its operations involve a big and busy warehouse. A nanofactories company offers to manufacturer custom made robots that can design the warehouse and even arrange the place. The business has had 200 employees to do the same work in the past. While these employees will take a week to do all the work, the robots can do the work in 2 days. The artificial intelligence also offers a chance for perfection. Though the artificial intelligence will cost the company 3 times more to do the task, its warehouse is constantly busy and the business can use the artificial intelligence even in future days. In the long term, artificial intelligence costs less. Choosing them over human labor means the 200 workers lose their jobs.
- Privacy: As discussed earlier, miniaturization allows the government to have more sophisticated surveillance tools. Smaller data storage devices will also enable organizations to have bigger data warehouses. The results could be catastrophic for people trying to clear up their reputation.
- Scenario: Suppose a person applies for a senior government job position. The person has a good record in their previous position of work. During the interviews, the candidate is subjected to tough questions about their private lives resulting from government leaked by the government. As a result, the candidate loses the chance and is subject to public humiliation.
- Information management: At an age where governments and institutions are faced with the task of handling enormous volumes of information, data houses are a key part of every institution. Miniaturization has proved an important platform for experts to store, carry and manage information and technology in smaller and less bulky devices. The medical industry has especially shown interest in the technology as they battle with life threatening challenges that can be solved by innovating less bulky devices to be installed in patients’ bodies. Miniaturization allows the creation of smaller chips and data storage devices that can carry bulk information at no added cost. The medical industry will especially benefit from this technology. For a long time, the industry has struggled to develop technology that can carry a patient’s comprehensive information.
- Scenario: A heart specialist has to travel from the United States to an African country to perform a medical procedure. On reaching there, the doctor does not have a comprehensive background of the patient, and other relevant information. The case is urgent and an operation needs to be done immediately. The hospital is well equipped with patients information management technology. This allows the doctor to understand the case more comprehensively and collect all the information they require in the shortest time possible.
- Low cost of developing information and new markets: the more functionalities the medical industry can have in one device, the less the cost of developing many devices. To illustrate this advantage, we will use an example by Volakis, Chen and Fujimoto (2010) who explain that “1 megabit DRAM chip has four times the memory capacity of 256kb DRAM reduces the number of memory chips on a board and reduces cost”. Miniaturization has enabled business organizations adopt higher speeds in their operations at lower costs. It is also notable that since the technology enables new applications, miniaturization can create new markets
- Since the chips are close together, it is also faster to deliver information and deliver the much needed information in the industry. Greater density is a significant benefit that businesses have been able to enjoy as a result.
- Scenario: Assume a multinational organization wants to pitch their business operations and products in a new market. The cost of performing a market analysis and market trends is enormous. However, the company has access to research organizations and experts in the new country and can access it without having to travel all the way. The company is therefore able to purchase or access bulk information about the new market, perform an analysis and make informed decisions before developing a strategy for the new market.
Response plan for high priority risks and opportunities
- Misuse of information: Miniaturization allows bulk information to be carried and stored in very small spaces. In case of information leak, the risk is definitely bigger. It is very important that the government be involved by imposing tough regulations on companies developing these technologies. The manufacturers must ensure that their technology does not expose organizations or individuals to any data loss. Security measures should be implemented to ensure that information should only be accessible to authorized personnel. As a professional and employee, I would be wary of losing personal information or being involved in a situation that led to organizational information loss.
- Lack of privacy: Miniaturization is believed by many as an opportunity for the government to deny people their personal privacy. Constant scrutiny and surveillance by the government has been a threat for many citizens in developed nations. Though this gives the government an opportunity to improve national security, proper regulations must be put in place to ensure people are entitled to privacy. As a citizen, I would be wary of being under constant watch by the government.
- Loss of jobs: As an employee, I am wary about the fact that miniaturization could lead to innovations that threaten my job. The robots technology, though viewed by many as a chance to improve efficiency and minimize cost at work, will lead to high unemployment levels and less consumer power. The government, together with employers must ensure that this technology is only used with employees’ needs in mind. For example, a business can be allowed to only have a small percentage of its job positions assigned to artificial intelligence and robots.
- Increased competition in the labor market privacy: Artificial intelligence will mean reduced job opportunities. The results will be high unemployment rates, an overly competitive labor market and low salaries. To avoid this, human resource management laws and regulations must be stiff enough to protect employees from such consequences and ensure they are compensated adequately for their work.
- Lower cost of managing information: the more functionalities the medical industry can have in one device, the less the cost of developing many devices. To illustrate this advantage, once more we will use an example by Volakis, Chen and Fujimoto (2010) who explain that “1 megabit DRAM chip has four times the memory capacity of 256kb DRAM reduces the number of memory chips on a board and reduces cost”. Since it enables new applications, miniaturization can create new markets. Efficiency is key in businesses and any other form of developments. Since the chips are close together, it is faster to deliver information and deliver the much needed information in the industry.
- Increased speed and density of information management: This is the biggest advantage that miniaturization has offered so far. For multinational organizations, research projects by the government and other organizations, the technology can be used to ensure more efficient information management strategies. The medical industry will especially benefit from being able to manage, monitor and share information regarding patients or other medical research projects.
- High speed of transacting information: Businesses, organizations , governments and individuals can use miniaturization as an opportunity to develop technologies that allow faster information transactions than those already available. It is an important platform for experts to store, carry and manage information and technology in smaller and less bulky devices. Portable devices allow me as an individual to carry information everywhere I go, and share it anytime it is needed. Stakeholders in the industry must support the technology by availing required resources to develop it further.
- Timely medical attention to patients: As doctors battle with life threatening challenges, the technology allows them solutions by offering less bulky devices to be installed in patients’ bodies. Since the technology allows faster transactions of information, doctors now can access information about a patient from any part of the world instantly. As an interested party in healthcare, I would support further research and development of such new innovations and look at it as an opportunity to save more lives.
Summary report
According to Huber (2001), “miniaturization is defined as the creation of ever-smaller scales for mechanical, optical, and electronic products and devices”. This process involves continuous development and innovations that allow developers save more space and come up with smaller devices. The main aim of miniaturization is to save space and develop less bulky products. Such innovations save the businesses a lot of time and money by reducing warehousing costs and allowing businesses to transport more products in a shorter period of time.
In a world where governments, business and institutions are faced with bulk volumes of information to manage, information management plays a crucial role in development (Nurul, 2009). Miniaturization has proved an important platform for experts to store, carry and manage information and technology in smaller and less bulky devices. The medical industry has especially shown interest in the technology as they battle with life threatening challenges that can be solved by innovating less bulky devices to be installed in patients’ bodies.
Like every other innovation, miniaturization presents opportunities and risks to everyone dependent on technology. Key opportunities that miniaturization presents include less cost of developing technical devices, ease of transportation of these devices and less space to store them. Since they offer more applications, they also present more opportunities and markets. The technology allows more efficient and effective information management technologies.
Challenges presented by this technology include bigger risks of information loss and exposure. It is also viewed as an opportunity by less-democratic governments to abuse its citizens right o privacy through surveillance. Since it will be easy for governments and organizations to access a individual’s personal information, lack of privacy is a real danger.
References
Center for Responsible Nanotechnology, 2011. Dangers of molecular manufacturing.
Huber, M., 2001. Implications of digitizing, miniaturization and convergence in media and entertainment. Munchen: Center for Digital Technology Technology and Management.
Nurul, A.M., 2009. Digital social networks: Examining the knowledge characteristics. International Journal of Human and Social Sciences 4(8), pp. 1-2.
Shelley, T., 2006. Nanotechnology: New promises, new dangers. London: Zed Books.
Volakis, J., Chen, C. and Fujimoto, K. 2010. Small Antennas: Miniaturization Techniques and Applications. New York: McGraw- Hill Publishers.