The Top Technology Changes of the Century
A two part series lists key engineering achievements that transformed life. With Duke University expert Dr. Henry Petroski, the piece notes pre 1900 life and forecasts future changes, covering electricity, aircraft, water, electronics, and high performance materials.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
National Academy of Engineering
American Association of Engineering Societies
National Engineers Week
Henry Petroski
Duke University
Interstate Highways and the Future of Traffic
Before 1900 roads were dirt brick and wood for horses and buggies. The 20th century system links every major U.S. city and connects to Canada and Mexico. The future envisions embedded wires guiding traffic and computers moving cars while drivers relax.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
United States
U.S
Canada
Mexico
The Internet’s Early Roots and Modern Speed
The text traces the Internet from its 1960s origins as a tool for scientists to share data across connected computers to today’s rapid, constant access to information and communication. It notes ongoing improvements in search speed and ease of use.
Space Travel Visions From Early Space Age Promises
The passage outlines pre 1900 notions of space travel pushing beyond Earth. It credits engineers with developing wireless communication navigation and weather forecasting as steps toward future moon walks and Mars exploration. It also mentions a permanent space station as a future human home in space.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Mars
Space Station
Space
Also Mentioned on This Page
the Automobile
Radio
Imaging Technologies
Petroleum and Petrochemicals
Space Shuttle
International Space Station
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