According to a new ASME report, 2028 Vision for Mechanical Engineering, mechanical engineers will need to collaborate with partners worldwide to develop solutions for improving quality of life for all people. Specifically, mechanical engineers may be at the forefront of developing new technology for environmental remediation, farming and food production, housing, transportation, safety, security, healthcare and water resources, according to the report, based on the proceedings of The Global Summit on the Future of Mechanical Engineering, held during April in Washington, D.C.
Hosted by ASME at the U.S. National Academy of Engineering, the summit included more than 120 engineering and science leaders from 19 countries. The purpose of the gathering was to define a shared vision that will keep engineers at the forefront of challenges and contributions. Among the challenges, sustainable development is a shared vision in the worldwide technical community. Collaboration will facilitate innovations in nanotechnology, biotechnology, and large-scale systems, with nanotech and biotech projected to dominate technological development in the next 20 years. Other topics discussed in the report include intellectual property, engineering education, diversity, virtual design environments, and home-based fabrication. The full report is available online at http://www.asmeconferences.org/asmeglobalsummit/index.cfm.