Module 5 Emerging Technology

Emerging Technologies

3D Printing of an object
Source : http://core2.staticworld.net/images/article/2013/08/windows3dprinting-100051249-gallery.jpg

3D Printing

            For the 5^th module are told to write about the emerging technologies that will impact society in many ways in near future. This is to recognise the potential of such technology available and what improve can be done to society. The technology I’ve chosen is 3D printing.

            During the 1400s we can see the wide spread of printing technology. The very main usage of printing is used to print books and newspapers. Books and newspapers back then uses a wooden block that is carved on the surface then ink is applied to the surface of the block then press onto papers. This is the way how human society print in the olden days. Now we have different size of printers to suit different usage. It is so common nowadays that almost every household will have a printer. We are able to print or photocopy it either with colour or just black and white. (Gascoigne, 2001)

            In 1986 is the time when the 1^st commercial 3D printer being invented by a guy called Charles Hull. It is being sold by his company 3D System but it is not a very well-known technology during the time but in this 21^st century we see the booming of usage in 3D printing. It is so popular now that we can see 3D printing being used commercially, education institution and even home use also. The rapid development of this technology has bring down the price of basic 3D printer to just a few hundred dollars. (Hsu, 2013)

How 3D printing works from Windows
Source : http://images.techhive.com/images/article/2013/08/3dworkflow-100051247-large.jpg

How it works

            3D printing basically allows the creation of solid structures from a digital computer file, potentially revolutionizing the economics of manufacturing if objects can be printed remotely in the home or office. The process involves layers of material being deposited on top of each other in to create free-standing structures from the bottom up. Blueprints from computer-aided design (CAD) are sliced into cross-section for print templates, allowing virtually created objects to be used as models for “hard copies” made from plastics, metal alloys or other materials. (King, 2013) There are few type of 3D printing technology available today to suit different type of usage or material type.

Stereolithography

            Stereolithography type printer is also known SLAs (StereoLithography Apparatus) printers. A perforated platform is position below the surface of a vat full of liquid photopolymer. A UV (ultraviolet) beam is used to trace the first layer of the object which create a very thin layer harden photopolymer. After the first layer harder the perforated platform is then lowered to be trace on by another layer until it is completed. Once completed it can be removed from the photopolymer, excess liquid is drained and cured lastly. SLA printer is still one of the most accurate type of hardware for fabricating as it can build a minimum layer of 0.06mm. (Barnett, 2013)

Stereolithography 3D printer
Source : http://www.designboom.com/weblog/images/images_2/rodrigo/09_september_2012/27_formlabs3D/01.jpg

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

            FDM method is a type of injection moulding method for hot thermoplastic. It is deposit from a computer-controlled print head. This was invented by Scott Crump in 1988 whom set up a company called Stratasys which commercialize his invention. This type of printers can print ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) and biodegradable bioplastic called PLA (polyactic acid). Such printing application is quite diverse as it can print large complicated shapes which in future could be applied in building technology. (Barnett, 2013)

FDM 3D printer
Source : http://i01.i.aliimg.com/img/pb/263/253/653/653253263_510.jpg

Binder Jetting

            The third type of 3D printing is called binder jetting which is also known as inkjet powder printing. The 3D printer hardware create many layers of the object and sticking layers of powdered build materials. There is 2 type of printing method one which is used a gypsum-based composite that the surface needs to be coated after printout. Another is a combination of the jet binder and coloured ink which allows it to print a fully coloured object up to 600x540 dpi. Basically means one is like a black and white printer and another one is a fully coloured printer. This method is also used for 3D sandcasting where a cast is print out and molten liquid metal is poured into it. Once the metal harden the outer sand later is broken away. The same company whom develop the 3D sandcasting ExOne also develop binder jetting metal printing which specifically used on metal only. Different type of metal powder is used as a binder solution. The end product is actually 99.9% solid metal after cured. (Barnett, 2013)

Binder jetting printing
Source : http://s.hswstatic.com/gif/3-d-printing-2.gif

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

           This method is similar to stereolithography printing method. The difference is instead using liquid polymer from the stereolithography method, SLS uses heat to melt and stick powder granules. The heat is produce using laser to selectively fuse the granules together. Since its material is in powder form various type of metal, alloy or non-metal can be used. Excess powder granules can be recycle so waste is minimize.(Barnett, 2013)

SLS 3D printer
Source : http://www.lasersintering.com/images/services/sls_machine.gif

Future of 3D Printing

            3D printing can build almost everything once it has a computer blueprint but it still won’t replace the assembly line for standard manufacturing. Instead this technology is very useful in making special item that is specifically tailored for an individual need. The medical industry has taken advantage of this technology where surgeons build implants such as a 3D printed skull for a patient. The widespread of this technology also reduce trading distance between businesses and homeowners as they can sell their 3D blueprint online. People can just buy the blueprint and download it then print it at home or send it to any nearby 3D printing facility. (Hsu, 2013)

3D printed skull
Source : http://singularityhub.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/3d-printed-skull-implant-1.jpg

            NASA has also been using this technology for their international space program. They have been using this technology to build replacement parts for their International Space Station and spacecraft in orbit. The U.S military also started to use this technology to speed up their battlefield equipment as soldiers might need replacement parts onsite in short period of time. So 3D printing is one of the most instant way to build something. (Hsu, 2013)

1st 3D printed gun
Source : http://www.extremetech.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/3d-printed-gun.jpg

Disadvantage of 3D printing

            Although 3D printing is very promising technology there is still limitation and disadvantages. There is a few main challenges that need to be overcome 1^st before it is a future proof technology.

1.     Material limitation – Basically 3D printers can only print with plastic, certain metals, and ceramics. So the range of material available is very limited and different material needs to use different machine. Researchers now are developing a multi-material printing unit but such technology will time to mature in the 3D printing industry.

2.     Mechanical Limitation – 3D printing can produce any model in any shape but the model is static. So this technology fails when moving parts need to be made.

3.     Intellectual Property Concerns – Piracy of blueprint can be a huge problem as this situation can be similar to music, films and television industries. It is human that if it can be copied it will then be copied.

4.     Cost – 3D printing had become more mainstream but the cost is still consider high for most consumer application. People can buy a household 3D printer for less than 1000 dollars but those very limited in their functions and material usage but it is a sign that this technology is getting more exposure to people.

(Slick, 2014)

           

References

Barnett, C. (2013, November 10). 3D Printing. Retrieved from Explaining The Future: http://www.explainingthefuture.com/3dprinting.html

Gascoigne, B. (2001). History of Printing. Retrieved from History World: http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/PlainTextHistories.asp?groupid=1951&HistoryID=ab78&gtrack=pthc

Hsu, J. (2013, May 21). 3D Printing: What a 3D Printer Is and How It Works. Retrieved from live science: http://www.livescience.com/34551-3d-printing.html

King, D. (2013, February 14). The top 10 emerging technologies for 2013. Retrieved from World Economic Forum: http://forumblog.org/2013/02/top-10-emerging-technologies-for-2013/

Slick, J. (2014). Roadblocks and Implications for 3d Printing - The Future of 3D Printing. Retrieved from about technology: http://3d.about.com/od/3d-Electronics/tp/Roadblocks-And-Implications-For-3d-Printing-The-Future-Of-3d-Printing.htm

            

Module 4 Cultures and Technology

Cultures and Technology

Source : http://www.travel-destination-pictures.com/images/500/maori-people_1149.jpg

The Maori

            The Maori people is the local people or the people that is originated from New Zealand and they live throughout New Zealand. Back the days Maori was a word that is used to identify the locals when the arrival of European immigrant in 1815. The ancestors of the Maori were actually Polynesian from south-east Asia. On the other hand there are discoveries shows that early Polynesian of New Zealand migrate from China. It was a long journey passing thru Taiwan then the South Pacific and finally arrived at Aotearoa (New Zealand in Maori language). Since settling down in New Zealand they soon develop their own culture and belief that is different from the actual Polynesian culture. (Whitmore, The Maori - Brief pre-hisotry, 2008)

Religion

            The traditional Maori belief originates from the Polynesian culture and concepts. They have lots of mythology belief and stories from and across the Pacific Ocean. On their daily life they have such belief like tapu (sacred), noa (non-scared), mana (authority) and wairua (soul). Since the beginning of time the Maori people belief that every living things that exist on earth are from God in the form of mountain, river, and lakes. As an example the Wanganui River is a cultural and spiritual significance for the Maori people and they are very particular about it. While the mountains in North Island such as Mount Ngaruahoe and Mount Ruapehu are considered sacred for the Maori. These belief changes when the Europeans arrive in New Zealand and substitute the Maori religion and mythology with Christianity.  Most of the Maori today are Christian but there is still a small part of them are Muslim Maori. (Whitmore, Religion and Spirituality, 2008)

Maori Technology

            The Maori also have their own technology to allow to survive during their time. On this section I’m going to write about the farming, fishing, food storage, stone tools carving and tattooing.

Farming

            When the Maori travel to New Zealand the plants that manage to survive when they arrive are sweet potato, gourd, taro, cabbage tree and yam. Sweet potato was the main crop as it can be grown throughout the North Island and northern part of South Island. Another main farming crop was Paper mulberry which it produces fibres that can be used to make tapa cloth. This was mainly grown only in the North Island as it is warmer. (Adds, Introducing Kumara to New Zealand, 2012)

Farming Tools

In farming the Maori had developed different type of tools. All these are used for planting and harvesting.

·        Hengahenga – a type of hoe

·        Hoto – a spade made of maire wood

·        Kō – a digging stick about 2 metres long, used with or without a foot-tread to roughly break up the ground

·        Kāheru – a spade used for lighter work like creating mounds and cultivating Kūmara. There were three types: one but with a short, square blade, one with a triangular blade, and one which resembled the kō

·        Puka – a long-bladed spade

·        Tipi or Pere – a very small blade attached to a handle and used to clear weeds

·        Ketu – a small paddle-like tool, used to loosen the soil around plants or before taking tubers out

·        Patupatu – used to break clods

·        Kōkō – used as a shovel

·        Timo – a type of grubber.

(Adds, Kūmara - Tools and storage pits, 2012)

Source : http://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/etexts/BesAgri/BesAgri076a.jpg

Source : http://www.jps.auckland.ac.nz/docs/Volume040/images/JPS_040_008insert5_a.jpg

Storage Pits

            After harvesting the corps it is a must for them to store the corps as during the winter the weather is too cold for them to grow so it had to be stored and preserved. They use the technic which the Polynesians uses by storing it in subterranean pits which work really well in New Zealand for sweet potato. It is an underground storage which provide high humidity that is needed to preserve so that it can be eaten during the winter while some to be planted after the winter. (Adds, Kūmara - Tools and storage pits, 2012)

Source : http://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/etexts/BesAgri/BesAgri226a.jpg

Fishing

            Before the Maori arrive in New Zealand their fishing techniques was already well developed as they have mastered well over the Polynesia era. When the Maori arrive here they also bring in fishing tools such as traps, spears, lures, dredges, net and hooks with them. The most important item for fishing is the net. Flax is a type of plant which they use to make fishing net and lines. They don’t use the conventional material such as coconut fibres or other plant materials. For lures they use Paua shell to attract the fishes. (Auckland Museum, 2001)

Two New Zealand Maori Trolling Lure Fish Hooks 'Pa Kahawai'

Source : http://www.finch-and-co.co.uk/antiquities/d/two-new-zealand-maori-trolling-lure-fish-hooks-pa-kahawai/21736

Maori Language

            The Maori language is known as Te Reo Maori which also the official language in New Zealand. Although it is the official language of New Zealand it is not widely used by the community and most are using English to communicate with each other. The language is under threatened based on the 2006 census result that only 1 out of 4 Maori can speak Maori language and approximately 25,000 non-Maori are able to speak the language. Since 1970s they are aware of the issue hence they start teaching Maori language in schools. (Keane, 2014)

Source : http://www.cameronhighlandsinfo.com/attraction/Orang_Asli_Aborigine_Village/images/main_01.jpg

Orang Asli

            The Orang Asli in Malaysia are considered the native people in the country. The translation of the name Orang Asli from malay to English means “original people”. Orang asli is similar within each other as most of them have its own language and culture. They consider themselves to be different from others. There are sub 18 sub-sthnic group but it is officially classified in to 3 main group which is Negrito, Senoi and Proto-Malay. Some Northern orang asli group such as the Senoi and Negrito groups speak aslian language which is a mix of Burma, Thailand and Indo-China. The Proto-Malay tribes were believed to have migrated from the Indonesian island to the south of the peninsula of Malaysia.

            Although there are different group of Orang Asli they all still have the smiliar type of jobs and life. The Orang Laut, Orang Seletar and Mah Meri, live close to the coast and are mainly fishermen while the Temuan, Jakun and Semai people focus more on agriculture and manage their own rubber, oil palm or cocoa farms. The Orang Asli population include of Semai, Temiar, Che Wong, Jah Hut, Semelai and Semoq Beri which is about 40% of the total population of Orang Asli. They live within the forest and live by farming hill rice, hunting and gathering things for trading. Things they gathered for trading is petai, durian, rattan and resins which they later sell to earn a living. Only a small number of Orang Asli lived in the city for waged and salaried job. (Nicholas, 1997)

Orang Asli Language

            The Orang Asli speak aslian language which is split into 2 groups, one which is Austro-Asiatic and the other group is Austronesian. There is about 50,000 people that only know how to speak this language and is at the dawn of extinction. The Austro-Asiatic is divide into few different language such as Jahaic Language (North Aslian), Senoic language, Semelaic language (South Aslian), and Jah Hut. For the Jahaic language it is being categorise into a few sub-groups as which are the Che Wong, Jahai, Bateq, Kensiu, Kintak and Menriq language. While the Senoic language is  include Lanoh language, Temiar language and Semai language. The Austronesian language family  include the Jakun and Temuan. Beside speaking these languages, the orang aslis  are also fluent in speaking Bahasa Malaysia which is the official language of the country. (Benjamin, 1976)

Hunting Tools

            The Orang Asli uses many type of hunting weapons but one of the main one is blow-pipe. They are made of bamboo and wood. The bamboo is uses is the ‘sewor’ due to its thin body and it is easily found around them. The blow pipe is usually made up with 2 layers of bamboo. The inner layer had a diameter between 1 to 2 cm. The blowing point can be made either by wood or hornbill and it is usually decorated with attractive designs. The bullets they used for the blow-pipes are soaked in poison from the ‘Ipoh Tree’ or a type of plant called ‘Streyehros Ganus’. The other hunting weapon they use is spears and traps.

Orang Asli using Blow pIpe
Source : http://previews.agefotostock.com/previewimage/bajaage/c8c1224634a4c9bfe4ee5d2ebfa76fbc/pil-m01500160.jpg

Fishing Tools

            In fishing activities they have equipment such as bubu, lukah, tuai and many more. Even in these modern days they are still using such equipment as there are still living in remote area. They also take their catching for trading to earn a living.

Lukah
Source : https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLV9UxPX-DNnKdVAScX-BPQ8LCJmQ5cNFzWFkijpUQqbI1qUE1pcT1iMOEr2z2kDFOxAubU45ODnBl12lZVHhPB9DHy1gcNnp6Mi8lQiKYQVJYZe39jwBlAPAX2oIO5j0syeMjBon1lo8Z/s1600/lukah1.jpg

Bubu
Source : http://www.handicraft.my/photo/aIMG_1823.jpg

Water transportation

            Normally the place the Orang asli lives are near river and lakes. So water transportation is considered as one of the most important transportation method. The main usage for water transportation is for travelling, fishing, hunting and also shipping goods for trading purpose. In order to travel they use boat or bamboo raft (MMU Cyberjaya, 2000)

Bamboo raft
Source : http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-get2/I0000umnLQ2sRLk8/fit=1000x750/Smiling-Orang-Asli-Kids.jpg

References

Adds, P. (2012, September 22). Introducing Kumara to New Zealand. Retrieved from Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand: http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/kumara/page-1

Adds, P. (2012, September 22). Kūmara - Tools and storage pits. Retrieved from Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand: http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/kumara/page-3

Auckland Museum. (2001). Maori Technology. Auckland, New Zealand. Retrieved from http://www.aucklandmuseum.com/CMSPages/GetAzureFile.aspx?path=/aucklandmuseum/media/main/education/teachers_guide/teacher_resources_library/maori_education_kits/maori_09maoritechnology_1_.pdf

Benjamin, G. (1976). Austroasiatic Studies Part 1. In Austroasiatic Subgroupings and Prehistory in the Malay Peninsula (pp. 37-128). University of Hawai'i Press.

Keane, R. H. (2014, Jun 14). Te reo Māori – the Māori language. Retrieved from Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand: http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/te-reo-maori-the-maori-language

MMU Cyberjaya. (2000). Orang Asli Museum. Cyberjaya, malaysia.

Nicholas, C. (1997). The Orang Asli of Peninsular Malaysia. Retrieved from magickriver: http://www.magickriver.net/oa.htm

            

Module 3 : Ethics

Credit Card is it Good or Bad?

            From the word credit card, credit means we are able to buy something without paying cash in hand and replace payment with card. Before the concept of credit appears in card form, consumers and traders use credit coins and charge plates as currency. (Gerson, 2007)

Charge Plates
(source : http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/images/charge-plate-bloomingdales-1946.jpg)

Charge Coin
(Source : http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/images/charge-coin-hotel-lasalle.jpg) 

In the early 1900s, before credit cards were issued by bank they were provided by each specific company in the trades. These cards can only be used on that specific shop or business and is it also very limited in location too. The main purpose of early day credit cards was to improve customer’s relationship and providing better service. This also builds up customer loyalty towards a certain brand or company. (Woolsey & Gerson, 2009)

The first bank issued credit card is by John Biggins of the Flatbush National Bank of Brooklyn in New York during 1946. Before everything was in electronic form like today, merchants will deposit the sales slips to the bank and the bank will bill the customer at every end of the month.

The Diners Club credit card
(source : https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqm4SNv5wV3fPqLFQjkbNlCP1oP6yUQImyQz2SwI9yLjjDKzfDo3BTiHrm9IcZLlqaT88HERUcZ3S3vj7pzR_EtQ3EnpMO-_wTov1TZC_ycnx9ls7IAAkkc9XzApFxNhE9dDS4f9ivitK5/s1600/credit.JPG)

In the 1950s is the time that modern credit card started to become popular. The very first is called The Diners Club credit card while there isn’t any competition for them until the later 1950s we saw the establishment of American Expresses (AMEX) and Bank Americard (called VISA now). Since then the concept of credit card grow and start to spread across the world. (Rosenberg)

Advantage of Credit Card

            Credit card has made buying things easier today as we can still pay for something without paying cash but also save us time from going to ATM to withdraw some cash. We can buy expensive things such as electronic products that cost thousands of dollars by just swiping the card and sign it to complete purchasing.  It also allows people to pay stuff by instalment which improve affordability of goods so it is easier for people to afford something more expensive. Instead of saving for a long time they can pay by monthly instalment back to the bank. Moreover credit cards come in handy when there are unexpected urgent matters we need to deals with like large amount of house repair bills or medical bills as not everybody will have enough fund to cover for every unexpected events.

            In another hand we also can see the growing of online purchasing with the use of credit cards. This also allows people to save time from going to shop instead people can go thru their website and pay it online then the product will be delivered within the promised period. Another thing that makes society to have a credit card is that they offer certain rewards like vouchers or cash back after spending certain amount of money because cash or debit cash doesn’t offer such rewards. (Creditcardproblems.co.uk, 2009) Below is a video about how to take advantages of the usage of credit card.

Disadvantage of Credit Card

            Although credit card is able to improve our life in different ways but it also brings up social and ethics problem in the society. One of the most major problems with credit card is that people will easily spend beyond their mean because they think that they can pay it back to the bank once they received their salary in future. (American Institute of Certified Public Accountant) Once they miss the payment or just paying the minimum amount required the bank will then charge a certain amount of interest on card use and from there onwards debts will stack up in no time. If that’s the case you will be paying more than what you have purchased or borrowed. Below is a video about credit card debts.

            While not only debts will increase it also has a negative impact towards your credit rating which in future there will be difficulty in applying for loans and mortgages. So it is important to have a good credit rating and pay off the amount we borrowed so it doesn’t stack up and become a burden. (Creditcardproblems.co.uk, 2009) With the debts if one loses its job they will not be capable to pay off the debts and lastly will lead to bankruptcy.

            Since credit card is a type of electronic source of payment they are still chances that credit card fraud can happen. Hackers are able to steal data when people swipe the card because the magnetic stripe at the credit card contain all the information needed to duplicate another counterfeit card and use it somewhere else without the card holders knowledge.US & Mexico are countries that have the highest number of people who experience credit card fraud. (Touryalai, 2012) There was a case which Home Depot an American retailer in home improvement and construction product service said that 56million of shoppers had their credit card data stolen from their server. This is one of the world largest credit data thefts in history to date. (Poulsen, 2014)

            From above we all know that credit card has its good and bad side so it can be a blessing for some people but can also be a curse too. In the end everyone should realise that credit card should be used on a proper way and spend within their mean.

Reference

American Institute of Certified Public Accountant. (n.d.). Advantages and Disadvantages of Credit Cards. Retrieved from 360financialliteracy.org: https://www.360financialliteracy.org/Topics/Credit-and-Debt/Credit-Cards/Advantages-and-Disadvantages-of-Credit-Cards

Creditcardproblems.co.uk. (2009). The Advantages and Disadvantages of Credit Cards. Retrieved from Creditcardproblems.co.uk: http://www.creditcarddebtproblems.co.uk/advantages_and_disadvantages.html

Gerson, E. S. (2007, November 7). Pre-plastic credit: Charge plates, coins, celluloids. Retrieved from Creditcards.com: http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/credit-collectible-coins-charge-plate-1264.php

Poulsen, K. (2014, September 25). Why the Heyday of Credit Card Fraud Is Almost Over. Retrieved from Wired: http://www.wired.com/2014/09/emv/

Rosenberg, J. (n.d.). The First Credit Card (Part 2). Retrieved from about education: http://history1900s.about.com/od/1950s/a/firstcreditcard_2.htm

Touryalai, H. (2012, october 22). Countries With The Most Card Fraud: U.S. And Mexico. Retrieved from Forbes: http://www.forbes.com/sites/halahtouryalai/2012/10/22/countries-with-the-most-card-fraud-u-s-and-mexico/

Woolsey, B., & Gerson, E. S. (2009, May 11). The history of credit cards. Retrieved from CreditCards.com: http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/credit-cards-history-1264.php

Module 2 : Societal Trends

Low Emission Vehicles

            Car has been around since 19^th century and technology advancement rapidly evolved the way people travel. Car in the early day uses steam engine before internal combustion was developed. Steam engine actually motivated the Industrial Revolution as they play an important during that era for transportation in the locomotive sector. (Bellows, 2006)

How Steam Engine Work. Source : http://science.howstuffworks.com/transport/engines-equipment/steam1.htm

            Although steam engine was extensively used during the 19^th century but it was replaced during the 1920s as internal combustion engine was invented. Vehicles from then on use fuel like gasoline and diesel to propel their vehicles. There are 5 main reasons that people prefer internal combustion engine.

1.     Internal combustion engine able to deliver max power once it starts up while steam engine needs time for the boiler to heat up and develop pressure.

2.     Internal combustion engine has higher output speed compared to steam engine.

3.     Water in combustion engine doesn’t freeze easily as the cooling system has anti-freeze while steam engine’s water system needs to be protected as they are not allowed to freeze.

4.     Internal combustion engine can run continuously until it runs out of fuel while steam engine has a risk of steam supply being cut off easily.

5.     Internal combustion engine develop more torque compared to steam engine. (Robert E. Wilhelm, 2005)

internal combustion engine. Source : http://www.myschoolhouse.com/courses/O/1/143.asp

Since internal combustion engine has been develop and widely used, it helps a lot in the transportation sector but it also causes air pollution towards the environment. In 2010, the number of cars in the world exceeds 1.015 billion compared to 2009 which is 980 million. Relatively this growth is also due to that the number of vehicles growth in China as they contributes to half the growth globally. However U.S. still has the largest amount of cars in the world which is 239.8 million. China is still 16 times less than U.S but the car population still exploding. (Tencer, 2011)

The increase of cars also increases the usage of fossil fuel. As we know petrol is getting lesser day by day and price of petrol is hiking massively in recent years. Based on the current situation the human society is very dependent on fossil fuel. For example, in Britain they consume about 7 million tonnes of crude oil just to import food which is a huge amount. (Rhodes, 2013) We still haven’t added in the consumption of petroleum on public transport and passenger vehicles.

As fossil fuel is reducing everyday vehicle manufacturer are trying their best to develop more fuel efficient vehicles. The improvement of technology allow car manufacturer to develop new engine technology such as direct fuel injection, direct injection turbo, variable cylinder displacement, variable valve timing and lift and hybrid vehicles. (Csere, 2010) The introductions of such new technologies not only to reduce fuel consumption but also to reduce exhaust emission to protect the environment.

Social Impact of Low Emission Vehicles

            As we all know that global warming is a huge issue and emission standard is getting more stringent.  One of the most well-known Emission standards worldwide is ‘Euro’ Standards. This year 1^st September 2014 we are moving in to Euro 6 level standard. This means that all new cars in the European Union need to comply with this standard by 1^st September 2015. Since Euro emission standard is being accepted internationally new cars being manufactured around the world will need to start comply with. (European Automobile Manufacturers Association, 2013)

Euro emission standard. Source : http://www.acea.be/uploads/news_images/Eurostandards.png

           The introduction of low emission vehicles will have some negative impact socially for the time being as there is a shortage of skilled technician to diagnose and repair such advance vehicles. This problem is much more focus towards the more advance hybrid vehicles as they have much more complicated electrical on board circuit and there is very high possibility one might get electrocuted if they don’t follow proper procedure. It is important that existing companies sent their staff to attend training so they are prepared for the incoming technology advance vehicles. This could prevent the current middle aged and older generation technician or mechanic from losing their job which is also a huge social problem. (Woodyard, 2012)

            Implementation of new technologies also will give unwanted problems to owners of such technologically advance cars. These cars may not be brand new as they people could still it from grey import market such as from Japan or Singapore. While they might look decent on the outside but internally we can’t assume is the similar as sold by official dealers. This is because those certain models are specifically design for that particular market and not suitable in other countries. So if people bought these cars there are chances that it might breakdown and reliability of new technology is still an issue. If problems persist car owners will need to spend more time on visiting workshop which most owners think is a burden. (Biddle, Car Buyers' Guide: Why some engine issues crop up, 2014)

            Low emission vehicles also allows people to realise how important is low emission vehicles towards the environment as the cars they buy will produce less tail pipe emission but also much more fuel efficient compared to older cars. As cars get more fuel efficient people also pay less for fuel in the long run. One thing we all do know is that fuel prices will fluctuate so is better to have a fuel efficient vehicle to keep the running cost down. (Biddle, Make sure your first car gets you there and back, 2013)

            Based on news in The New Zealand Herald, it is said that New Zealand is planning on a 40% reduction in emission of greenhouse gases by 2040. Since cars are also one of the contribution of greenhouse gases so it is important for New Zealand government to convince people to use low emission vehicles and understand the benefits of it. (Kenworthy, 2013)

           

References

Bellows, A. (2006, October 24). The Last Great Steam Car. Retrieved from Damn Interesting: http://www.damninteresting.com/the-last-great-steam-car/

Biddle, J. (2013, February 6). Make sure your first car gets you there and back. Retrieved from The New Zealand Herald: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/motoring/news/article.cfm?c_id=9&objectid=10863542

Biddle, J. (2014, March 30). Car Buyers' Guide: Why some engine issues crop up. Retrieved from The New Zealand Herald: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/motoring/news/article.cfm?c_id=9&objectid=11227432

Csere, C. (2010, April). The Future of the Internal Combustion Engine. Retrieved from Car and Driver: http://www.caranddriver.com/features/the-future-of-the-internal-combustion-engine

European Automobile Manufacturers Association. (2013, August 8). Vehicle compatibility with new fuel standards. Retrieved from ACEA: http://www.acea.be/publications/article/vehicle-compatibility-with-new-fuel-standards

Kenworthy, A. (2013, October 6). Climate change and how NZ cities are preparing for it. Retrieved from The New Zealand Herald: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/climate-change/news/article.cfm?c_id=26&objectid=11135901

Rhodes, P. C. (2013, July 29). What Happens When the Oil Runs Out? Retrieved from Oilprice.com: http://oilprice.com/Energy/Crude-Oil/What-Happens-When-the-Oil-Runs-Out.html

Robert E. Wilhelm, J. (2005, October). Rankine or Otto Cycle, Which is better?? Retrieved from Stanley Motor Carriage: http://www.stanleymotorcarriage.com/GeneralTechnical/RankineOtto.htm

Tencer, D. (2011, August 23). Number Of Cars Worldwide Surpasses 1 Billion; Can The World Handle This Many Wheels? Retrieved from The Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2011/08/23/car-population_n_934291.html

Woodyard, C. (2012, August 30). Serious shortage of skilled auto mechanics looming. Retrieved from USA today: http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/money/autos/story/2012-08-28/shortage-of-auto-mechanics-looms/57414464/1