new and emerging technologies

• Manufacturing systems


  • INPUT - All materials, tools and equipment needed to make the product
  • PROCESS - All the work needed to make the product, measurements, cutting, joining
  • OUTPUT - The end product
• Over the years manufacturing processes have developed to be quicker and more cost effective and more recently, better for the environment
• Automation has made jobs previously done by humans quicker and more complex
• Robots


  • Can work quicker than humans and therefore cost less money
  • Can do tasks too dangerous for humans
  • Can be more accurate and consistent when doing the same task repeatedly
• Mechanisation


  • Expensive; the initial cost of robots is high
  • Humans can make decisions and solve problems
  • Fewer jobs for humans can have an effect on the local economy
• Automation through new technology

  • Computer Aided Design and Manufacture
  • Computerised stock control
  • Communication systems
• FMS (Flexible manufacturing systems)


  Factories where a series of machines can be put together to make a product. Automated systems deliver and process each step from input to output.
• JIT (Just in time)

  A form of manufacturing known as Lean Manufacturing. It minimises the amount of resources used by cutting down on waste, storage and materials. Materials are ordered as they're needed rather than expensive storage and having money tied up in materials that aren't then used.
• Market Pull


  The design and manufacture of products which satisfy a need in the market and consumer demand
• Technology Push


  What designers and manufacturers can provide which can inspire a new product or improve an old one
• Consumerism


  • Virtual marketing, Crowdfunding, Cooperatives
• The development of new ideas in our consumer society means that we have never before had the choice and availability of new products and this is having an impact on all parts of society
• Environmental Footprint


  How far has your product travelled? Does the company do anything to offset its emissions like plant trees or put filter systems in place?
• Fair trade


  A principle where everyone in the chain or manufacturing is offered fair wages and good working conditions
• Fad Products


  Introduced to the market and sell rapidly for a short period of time
• Resources on our planet are not never ending (infinite) and eventually they will run out (finite) unless we develop better ways of sustaining them
• No products are expected to last forever and become obsolete quicker than others
• Ways consumers can be encouraged to help the environment

  • Buying fewer products
  • Mending your existing products and recycling where possible
  • Being aware of the environmental footprint of your product and choosing the least damaging
• Ways factories can be encouraged to help the environment

  • Improving energy ratings of their products and their manufacturing techniques
  • Avoid using chemicals which are bad for the environment
  • Avoid wasting materials
  • Make products that can be recycled
  • Design products with easy to change spare parts to discourage waste