VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 1 • December 2015
our future. our choice.
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LEADERSHIP IN TECHNOLOGY Winter 2015
Leadership in Technology is the official newsletter of TechNova, the Society of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists of Nova Scotia.
Leadership in Technology is published biannually by:
202 Brownlow Avenue Cambridge 1, Suite 308 Dartmouth, NS B3B 1T5 Tel: (902) 463-3236 Fax: (902) 465-7567 Toll Free: 1 866 723-8867 info@technova.ca www.technova.ca Please direct all inquiries, submissions and subscription requests to TechNova at the above address. Leadership in Technology is published in conjunction with:
Design Works Publishing Group 331 Lacewood Dr. Unit 111 Halifax NS B3S 1K6 Tel: (902) 982-3099 Fax: (902) 482-5118 dmgcreative@gmail.com
From the Editor 4 President’s Letter 6 New Members 7 Atlantic Canada’s Ocean Technology Industry
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TechNova Recognizes NSCC Dean of Technology
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Seven Renewable Energy Myths
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Biologic fabric reacts to user’s sweat
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Registrar’s Report 17 Robotic Exoskeleton Controlled by Human Thoughts
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EDITOR Mike MacLean, CET EDITORIAL DIRECTION Vivian Ernst CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mario Zamfir The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Association. TechNova assumes no responsibility or liability for damages arising from any error or omission or from the use of any information or advice printed in this publication. Letters regarding the newsletter should be addressed to the Editor at the Society’s address.
Publications Mail Agreement # 42456014
STORY IDEAS WELCOME Leadership in Technology strives to present news, stories and other content in the course of each year that is of particular interest or pertinence to TechNova members. We rely in part on your input to guide and generate articles. This is your publication and you are always encouraged to contribute. NEWS: Your technology career is ever-changing. Let others know about the changes and trends in your particular field, discipline or worksite. PROFILES: Want to share your own story? Leadership in Technology is a great way to demonstrate the ways that members utilize technology in their careers. FEEDBACK: Write to us and share your viewpoints (members and nonmembers alike). Write to info@technova.ca or send your letter/article to the TechNova office. www.technova.ca
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From the Editor Where did the summer go? The air has turned crisp, the leaves have fallen and before you know it, we’ll have snow on the ground again. The return of autumn signals the start of TechNova’s busiest part of the year- renewal packages are being prepared for the membership, the certification board is hard at work processing applicants, council is continuing their efforts with communication, act enforcement and planning for the next AGM is well underway. There are some exciting changes to the AGM being planned, so stay tuned! At the last AGM, Janice Kidson was welcomed as the new President of TechNova, with Mark Bamford assuming the role of Vice-President. Shortly after the AGM, however, Janice embarked on a new adventure, which involved a move to Europe. We wish her all the best and thank her for all of her contributions to TechNova. Janice’s decision led to Mark stepping in as acting President, and I was asked to serve as acting Vice-President. I humbly accepted this position, and look forward to continuing to serve the membership of TechNova. We’ve welcomed three new councillors since the AGM: Sam Younis, Alan Attwater and Patrick Lukeman. TechNova relies on volunteers to ensure that our association is healthy and able to fully serve the membership. Since purchasing the smart board earlier this year, it has seen consistent use by the certification board, allowing board members from abroad to attend and collaborate from afar. This technology also allows a member to join and participate in council, no matter where they live in the province. If you are interested in volunteering your time, but can’t attend regular meetings, please get in touch with me at mike.maclean@technova.ca. Our next newsletter will be out shortly after the AGM in the spring. I urge you to monitor the TechNova website and social media platforms for updates on the AGM, as we are looking to improve on the attendance from the past two years. As mentioned, I have some interesting changes in mind that will hopefully serve to improve the AGM experience. All the best to you and yours over the holidays, and we’ll see you in 2016!
Mike MacLean, CET Editor, Councillor and Communications Director
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LEADERSHIP IN TECHNOLOGY Winter 2015
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President Mark Bamford, CET Vice-President Mike MacLean, CET Treasurer Mark Cormier, CET Councillors Sean Piercey, CET Sam Younis, CET Joy Brown, CET Louis LeBel, CET Alan Attwater, CET Patrick Lukeman, CET Eric Jury, CET, Past President Certification Board Doug Bach, CET, P.Eng, Chair David MacMillan, CET Dawn Ryan, CET Don Jardine, P.Eng, CET (Hon) Ian Mitchell, CET Mike MacLean, CET Sam Younis, CET Patrick Lukeman, CET Mike Rushton, CET Joe Simms, CET, Registrar Sean Piercey, CET
ANNOUNCEMENT The National Board of Directors of the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT) has announced the appointment of David Little as Chair, effective October 28, 2015. Mr. Little leaves the position of Vice-Chair to replace outgoing Chair Louis LeBel, who now assumes the role of Past Chair. TechNova would like to congratulate Mr. Little on this appointment. Mr. LeBel, in addition to his role as Past Chair of CCTT, remains a member of TechNova’s council and has also recently been named the inaugural Deputy Chair of the new Agreement on International Engineering Technicians (AIET). We thank Louis for his tireless efforts locally with TechNova, nationally with his work with CCTT, and wish him continued success in his new role as Deputy Chair of AIET on the international stage.
CCTT Director Sean Piercey, CET CTAB Director Joy Brown, CET Communications Director Mike MacLean, CET Registrar Joe Simms, CET Executive Staff Officer Joe Simms, CET Office Manager Vivian Ernst www.technova.ca
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From the President Dear Members, I would like to start by thanking council and all of our volunteers and staff that work tirelessly on our behalf to ensure that TechNova continues to be innovative and forward thinking in our dayto-day activities. Thanks to the leadership of our Registrar Joe Simms, one of our Councillors Sean Piercey and one of our past ESO’s Ed Lingley we continue to be a leader in the field of accreditation with our model generating interest both here in Nova Scotia and across Canada. I would also like to take a moment to thank our accreditation board for the time an effort they put into ensuring that all applicants meet our licensing requirements. It is through their efforts that we can be confident as both employers and employees that anyone carrying the technologist or technician designation has the required experience and education. Our AGM is fast approaching and we hope many of you will take advantage of the opportunity to show up, mingle and get to know your councillors. It is through this active participation that you will help TechNova continue to grow and prosper. It is important for all to remember that TechNova belongs to all of us and we have a vested interest to ensure that through TechNova our interests are brought forward to the people and organizations that can help us achieve our goals. We are always looking for volunteers to help out. There are many ways you can volunteer from being a councillor as a voting member, helping out with our communications team, offering your services as an auditor helping CCTT accredit post-secondary programs at the various campuses throughout Nova Scotia and across Canada, to writing an article for this magazine, every little bit is a big help and very much appreciated. If you would like to explore some opportunities please call Vivian at the office. In closing I would like to encourage our members to get involved as much as possible and help us ensure TechNova remains an organization that we can be proud of.
Mark Bamford, CET President
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LEADERSHIP IN TECHNOLOGY Winter 2015
NEW MEMBERS APRIL 2015 - OCTOBER 2015
Associate Technologists
Jillian Doucet
Transfer In
Carmen Porter
Less Vicars
Erin Alexander
Michael Simms
Lee Giffin
Adam Gray
Ryan Simpson Associate Technician
Michael Pichkar
Transfer Out
Christine Wiswell
William Durling
Cynthia Quigley
Mark Purchase
Diane Praught
Stephen Dalrymple
Larry Pennell
Nigel Crouse
Sarah Parsons
Andrew Gardiner Cameron MacPhee
Certified Engineering Technicians
Certified Engineering Technologists
Sean McFarlane
Paul Ross
Davis Bartlett
Justin Durocher Alexander Kalmykov Matthew Bordian
Brian Bennett
Upgraded from Associate Technologists to Certified Engineering Technologists Brian Morvan Francis Mullins Students Jeremy Power Brittany Wong Adam McKechnie Melissa Campbell David McKinnon Lilan Lu
Donald MacInnis
stronger. together. www.technova.ca
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Atlantic Canada’s
Ocean Technology Industry World-renowned From sophisticated navigational tracking tools to underwater acoustics, Atlantic Canada is recognized around the world for its ocean technology products, services and expertise. Some of the world’s most modern naval vessels and their integrated electronic systems have been designed and built in this region. Atlantic Canadians are also designing and installing some of the most advanced integrated ocean surveillance systems in the world. Growth Industry There are some 140 companies active in Atlantic Canada’s vibrant ocean technology industry, generating an estimated $330 million in sales annually. The region is home to a wide range of scientific and engineering expertise including ocean mapping and charting to cold water engineering and geophysical surveying.
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LEADERSHIP IN TECHNOLOGY Winter 2015
Centre of Excellence There are many reasons why Atlantic Canada has become a thriving centre of excellence in ocean technology including an abundance of academic and technical expertise, as well as extensive investment in research and development infrastructure. Companies benefit from the strong synergy between the private sector, academia and government in the region. This collaborative environment encourages technology transfer and strategic partners that are contributing to the growth of a robust ocean technology sector in Atlantic Canada. R&D Pioneer The Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Canada’s largest centre for ocean research and the first major national centre devoted to oceanography, is located here. The Marine Institute of Memorial University specializes in applied research in modeling and simulation of harsh ocean environments at its Centre for Marine Simulation and has developed an expertise in ice management.
What Atlantic Canada Offers Geographically close to United States – seamless access to the lucrative US market Highly educated workforce – more post-secondary graduates per capita than the Canadian and US averages, and home to 17 universities Dedicated workers – among the lowest rates of turnover and absenteeism in North America Low business costs – Canada leads the G7 countries in low business costs, with a cost advantage of 5.5 percent over the US World-leading R&D commitment – Canada ranks first among the G7 countries for offering the most generous R&D tax incentives
SOURCE http://www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca/eng/ publications/FactSheetsAndBrochures/ Pages/FS_OceanTechnologyIndustry.aspx
How You Benefit • Improved communication and lower project management costs • Greater ability to recruit new graduates and retain their services • Lower turnover rates, which means corporate knowledge doesn’t leave your organization along with staff • Improved profitability thanks to lower labour costs and operational cost efficiencies • Greater potential for revenue growth • Enhanced ability to innovate, be creative, and continuously learn • Opportunity to improve performance and profitability through access to government programs and services geared to the needs of the industry
OCEAN TECHNOLOGY IN ACTION CARIS (Fredericton, NB) develops geomatics software and information management software for use in marine as well as land software development applications. The company is represented in over 70 countries and employs 125 people. Deep Vision (Dartmouth, NS) specializes in developing real-time, intelligent machine perception technology. The company has developed a unique and proprietary technology that enables systems or devices to detect, recognize, and interpret objects and events, in their environment, with blazing speed. Deep Vision’s technology is applicable to intelligent surveillance, robotics, intelligent transportation systems, automated inspection systems and a host of other applications. Interactive Visualization Systems (Fredericton, NB) is the market leader in the provision of interactive 3D visualization and analysis software for marine information in commercial, academic and military fields. Ultra Electronics Maritime Systems (Dartmouth, NS) is recognized as an international leader in the design, development, and production of advanced antisubmarine solutions. Over the last half century, Maritime Systems has built its reputation for excellence as an innovative provider of low frequency sonar, military towed arrays, and undersea surveillance systems. The company is renowned as the industry leader in its capability to design and manufacture high-performance sonobuoys and bathythermal buoys for ASW platforms worldwide. Key areas of technical expertise include digital and analogue electronics design, telemetry systems, acoustic transducer design, construction, and calibration, autonomous undersea surveillance systems, and mechanical design and packaging for the rigours of the marine environment.
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TechNova
Recognizes Nova Scotia Community College Dean of Technology
Left to right: Rick Tachuk, Lucy Kanary, Joe Simms
On September 11, 2015, TechNova’s Executive Director Joe Simms, accompanied by CCTT CEO Rick Tachuk, awarded Lucy Kanary, Dean of the School of Trades and Technology at Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) with an honourary CET designation. “Dean Kanary and NSCC have been great partners of TechNova, CCTT and CTAB and we are delighted to be able to recognize Lucy for her efforts with this honourary designation” commented Tech Nova’s Joe Simms. Nova Scotia Community College received more good news recently learning that it had made the top 10 finalists list in the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB) annual Technology Report competition. Next month NSCC will host CTAB and representatives of the International Engineering Alliance (IEA) who will be conducting a routine CTAB accreditation audit. The audit is an independent verification that the CTAB process and programs meet the most rigorous requirements demanded the international community. The audit is an important component of maintaining international accreditation for Canadian programs within the International Engineering Alliance. The IEA recognition afforded through CCTT allows graduates from CTAB accredited programs to have their credentials recognized in IEA member countries. CCTT would like to officially thank Dean Kanary and NSCC for their on-going support and collaboration.
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LEADERSHIP IN TECHNOLOGY Winter 2015
GET YOUR TECHNOVA MERCHANDISE!
Promotion ends January 31, 2016. All prices include embroidery and setup, freight and tax is extra. Prices based on stock availability at time of ordering. Allow 10-14 days for delivery. www.technova.ca
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Seven Renewable Energy Myths exploded with 4 easy explanations
Renewable energy is expensive Many critics claim that clean energy technologies are too expensive, some of them pointing to subsidies as the main cause. For example, an article in The Economist magazine in January 2014 claimed that countries with large amounts of renewable energy, such as Denmark and Germany, endure the highest electricity bills in the world and that in Britain electricity from wind farms costs twice as much as that from conventional sources. But just how accurate is this? Actually, it is true, Denmark and Germany do have the most expensive electricity bills, but there are other explanations for this besides renewable energy. One reason is ineffective competition between suppliers. And then there’s tax.
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It appears that before tax, electricity in Denmark is actually cheaper than that in the UK, at 9.35 pence per kilowatt hour compared to 14.8 pence. However, tax in Britain is set at a reduced rate of VAT which means that once tax is added, Danish households pay the highest electricity price in Europe, over half of which (57 percent) consists of tax, levies and VAT. Another reason for high electricity bills is the introduction of new technology. At present, the UK is involved in the initial stages of a smart energy rollout, which some experts say will drive prices upwards. Another culprit though is nuclear power, with Hinkley Point C (Hinkley C) likely to become one of the most expensive power projects in the UK for many years, particularly given that the price of nuclear has been
LEADERSHIP IN TECHNOLOGY Winter 2015
rising steadily for the past 50 years. Hinkley C will add a predicted £13 to annual energy bills, according to an analysis by The Telegraph. There are a variety of ways to examine this issue, which means that critics of renewable energy can cherry pick in order to promote their arguments. Admittedly, this may also be true of renewable energy proponents, but it’s worth looking at the case for the defense. Many critics do not take into account the wider external costs of conventional fossil fuels, particularly over the long term, compared to renewables which are rarely reflected in the market price, thereby giving the false impression that a particular fuel source is cheap when actually it is more expensive in real terms. One such cost is contribution
to global greenhouse gas emissions. This is especially true of coal which, according to a report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 2013, enjoys subsidies of $1.9 trillion per year. The true picture then is that the cost of renewable energy is actually falling. This is true for both wind power and solar. According to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), the cost of wind power has fallen by 58 percent over the past 5 years. In the UK, the government’s own advisory body, the Committee on Climate Change, has found that renewable energy investment, rather than fossil fuels, will be the cheaper option in the years ahead. According to Bloomberg New Energy Finance, electricity from Australian wind energy
is already cheaper than that from fossil fuels at A$80 (US$84) per megawatt hour, compared with A$143 a megawatt hour from coal or A$116 from natural gas with the cost of carbon emissions included. Solar meanwhile has already reached grid parity with fossil fuels in California and looks set to become the cheapest power source in many countries across the world within the next few years. Renewable energy is unreliable Intermittency makes it useless Not available 24/7 Grid can’t handle it The main argument here is that renewable technologies are intermittent and therefore they need backup power provided by fossil fuel plants such as gas. Renewable
energy is indeed intermittent, but there are various ways to compensate for this, including modifying the entire grid itself. First, wind and solar support each other, as wind speeds tend to be greater at night when solar is ineffective.
so that they become more flexible. The Energy [R] evolution scenario predicts a renewable energy share of 41 percent by 2030 and 82 percent by 2050, at which point almost the entire global power system would be sourced from renewables.
These two technologies will also be supported by other renewable electricity generation, such as wave and tidal and biogas power generation, though these two technologies are both currently in their infancy. Energy storage is also compensating for intermittency, storing energy for use when it is most needed and also, increasingly, as a source of backup power. Finally the grid itself needs to be modified in order to accommodate renewables.
Germany is leading the way in Europe – it already sources 25 percent of its electricity supply from renewables and is aiming for 35 percent by 2030 and 80 percent by 2050, when it also wants every building to be zero-carbon. Another country rapidly pushing ahead on renewables is China. In 2012, Chinese wind power overtook power supplied by coal. Similar progress is occurring in Portugal, the US, Spain, The Philippines and Denmark.
This can be achieved not only through increasing the amount of power the grid can accommodate, but also, perhaps more importantly, by making grids more adaptable and flexible through smart grid technology.
Bad for the environment Critics claim that wind turbines kill birds and bats, that wind farms and solar farms ruin the environment, that turbines are noisy and that wind and solar farms
prevent land being used for agriculture. With regard to birds and bats, these species can be protected if environmental impact assessments are conducted prior to construction, in which migratory patterns are assessed. The wind turbine noise (infrasound) myth has been debunked at least twice, both in Australia where such criticisms have been particularly prevalent. The criticism concerning land use can easily be debunked through the simple observation that the land around wind turbines and ground mounted solar systems can still be used for grazing
REPUBLISHED SOURCE http://interestingengineering.com/7renewable-energy-myths-exploded-4-easyexplanations/
Insignificant amount of power A study conducted by The International Energy Agency (IEA) found that renewables can provide significant amounts of power given adaptation of national grids
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Good Move, Good Advice Moving can be challenging. On average, Canadians move once every eight years. Whether there’s a family, professional or other personal reason for a relocation, moving is never easy, so it’s a good idea to take steps to ease the stress and protect your property. When planning your move, take some time to select a certified, reputable professional moving company that offers support through every stage of your move. When possible, hire a mover who is certified by the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM), and check with your local Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if there have been any
Some good advice
complaints filed. CAM maintains a directory of moving companies that have met their “best move” certification standards. The Consumer Checklist for Moving is a detailed tool that supports consumer decisionmaking. This website also provides other checklists and tips to help guide you in your decision making. Together, let’s make it your best move ever. What a good move looks like In a good move all of the bases are covered. From the minute your possessions leave your home until they arrive at their destination, all of the necessary moving expertise, along with insurance and worker protection is in place. You’ll have peace of
mind and you’ll know that you got value for money and quality customer service. No surprises, no extra fees, no losses, no scratches and dents, and no missed deadlines. Wrapping up your move Now the fun begins. Ahead of you are days of unpacking boxes, hanging curtains, making beds, connecting telephone and cable services, and putting your furniture in the right places. Before you know it, it will feel like home. But there are still some final details to attend to: When the unloading has been completed, do a walk-through of your new place, checking all hallways and pathways into your
premises, as well as the moving vehicle, to ensure that you have everything. Verify with the mover that you have both gone through the inventory to confirm that the move is complete. If there are lost items or unresolved issues with the mover, send a letter or email and ask for a resolution. Any damage or other insurance claim should be filed right away, as there are often very strict timelines associated with making a claim. Take pictures of anything that you think is damaged or broken. Don’t forget to give your mover some feedback. Moving companies can only improve and sustain their high performance if they know that it is recognized and appreciated. Now, go and enjoy your new home!
Get estimates from at least three movers. Check references and contact your local Better Business Bureau (BBB). Visit the website for your provincial government’s consumer protection agency. Visit the website for the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM). Get the costs, terms and conditions of your move in writing. Make sure you have adequate replacement value protection for your goods. Follow the advice provided in the Checklist for Moving. (Source: http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/icgc.nsf/eng/h_07523.html#p3)
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LEADERSHIP IN TECHNOLOGY Winter 2015
CCTT to Become Canada’s Signatory for New International Mobility Agreement for Technicians
CCTT Vice-Chair David Little (second from left) represents Canada in Istanbul Turkey as signatory to thenew Agreement on International Engineering Technicians (AIET)
During the June meetings of the International Engineering Alliance (IEA) held in Istanbul Turkey, CCTT entered into an agreement in principle with five other IEA member nations (United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand) to establish a new international mobility agreement for engineering technicians. The accord will be known as the Agreement on International Engineering Technicians (AIET). The new agreement will eventually allow engineering technicians who are certified in Canada to have their credentials recognized by other IEA signatory countries overseas. According to CCTT Vice-Chair David Little, “This brings all of our provincial members (and their certified technicians and technologists) coverage under the international educational accords - the Sydney Accord for Technologists and the Dublin accord for Technicians -- as well as under two international mobility agreements - the existing IETA for Technologists and the
new AIET that will cover Technicians.” Under the proposed accord, a new IntETni(Canada) professional designation will provide Certified Technicians seeking overseas employment opportunities with a competitive advantage by having their credential recognized internationally. It will also benefit employers wishing to deploy Certified Technicians possessing the IntETni(Canada) designation on international projects within the AIET member countries. CCTT Chair Louis LeBel has been named the inaugural Deputy Chair of the new Agreement on International Engineering Technicians. The six members of the newly formed AIET have agreed to work together to assess and finalize the agreement within the next year. Additional information on the accord will be provided in the coming months as CCTT moves forward in launching the new IntETni(Canada) designation.
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Biologic fabric
uses living bacteria that reacts to the user’s sweat
Smart clothes, which makes use of technology to benefit the wearer, has been undergoing lots of development lately, particularly in the areas of high-performance sports, where small details can make a huge difference to an athlete. Following this trend, MIT Media Labs’ Tangible Media Group in collaboration with MIT’s
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Department of Chemical Engineering have developed a fabric called “biologic” which uses bacteria as an energy source. The project uses Bacillus Subtilis, a bacteria discovered by the Japanese a long time ago in dry stalks of rice which was used to make bags to carry soybeans. Since then, this microorganism has been used in food fermentation in the Eastern cuisine.
LEADERSHIP IN TECHNOLOGY Winter 2015
What scientists at MIT have discovered is that this bacteria reacts to the humidity in the environment by changing size. Therefore, the microorganisms were used to created a secondskin that, when exposed to the user’s sweat flaps open to release heat from the body. This allows the sweat to evaporate more easily and help cool the user’s body. When the heat zone dries, the
bacteria reacts once more causing the flaps to close again. To bring this technology to the sportswear market, MIT is working with sport clothing manufacturer New Balance.
REPUBLISHED SOURCE http://tangible.media.mit.edu/project/ biologic/
Registrar’s Report 2015 Since the spring issue the following have been added to the Registrar, or upgraded. Members added Year to date; 72 members receiving full certification or associate status. NR. 10
DECISION OF BOARD Applicants were awarded status as Technologist.
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Applicants were awarded status as Technicians
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Applicants were awarded status as Associate Technologist
1
Applicants were awarded status as Associate Technician
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Applicants were upgraded to Technician
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Applicants were upgraded to Technologist
The TQAC self-assessment tool has been released and is being used on a reduced load until final touch up, which will be completed shortly. The grant from CIC for completion of the foreign assessment program has been received and work is will under way I have also started the process of scanning and sending applications to Board Reviewers in order to hasten the review process. The files after the preliminary review can then be readily processed at the monthly meetings.
We have successfully completed and processed a total of eight Foreign Applications and letters have been sent to successful applicants. These applicants are now in the process of applying for immigration to Nova Scotia. We are receiving an average of 2 to 6 inquiries per week from foreign applicants.
As ESO/Registrar I attended the 50th anniversary of CTTAM in Winnipeg, almost all provinces were represented. This was a major milestone for one of our member associations who have stood by CCTT in what has been a few turbulent years, so congratulations to CTTAM.
We are in the process of reviewing our By Laws and Certification Board Policy to ensure applicants from other countries have every available opportunity to apply for certification with TechNova.
Yours in Membership Joseph Simms, CET
www.technova.ca
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Call now to join. 902 463-3236.
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LEADERSHIP IN TECHNOLOGY Winter 2015
One big, robotic foot and then the other; that’s how a man wearing a clunkylooking exoskeleton makes his way across the room. The machine’s motors are noisy and its movements are painfully slow, but these details seem to fade into the background when you realize how the man is controlling the cumbersome contraption: He’s doing it with his mind. The exoskeleton — a robotic device that fits around the man’s hips and legs — is part of a new technology being developed by researchers in Germany and Korea. The other part is a dark cap on the man’s head, covered with electrodes that facilitate the connection between his brain and the machine. The man wearing the exoskeleton in the experiment can walk on his own (he’s one of the participants in the researchers’ newly published study), but the scientists think their new mindcontrolled device could one day be used by people who can’t walk — such as those who have suffered severe spinal cord injuries, or people with neurodegenerative diseases, like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Lots of researchers are working to develop
technologies that help people regain control over their movements through a combination of robotics and brainpower (formally known as brain-computer interface control systems). if it is disabled in your In 2011, a woman who suffered a stroke that left her unable to move lifted a cup with a robotic arm that she manipulated with her thoughts. In 2012, another woman (this one a quadriplegic suffering from spinocerebellar degeneration) doled out a few high fives and ate a piece of chocolate using a similar, mind-controlled robotic arm. But these technologies differ from the new braincontrolled exoskeletonin a very important way: In order to manipulate either of these robotic arms with their brains, the patients had to first undergo invasive brain surgery. Surgeons implanted tiny electronics into the patients’ brain that, when connected to external wires, allowed the women to control the robotic arms using electrical impulses from their brains. But the brain-computer interface developed by researchers at Korea University in Seoul, South Korea, and the Technical University (TU) of Berlin
doesn’t require brain surgery. In order to control the exoskeleton, study subjects first strap on the cap covered in small electrodes that cling to their scalps. The skullcaps are the tools that connect the subject’s brain to the exoskeleton, the researchers said, and are commonly used in electroencephalograms (EEGs) — a method of recording electrical activity by placing conductive materials on the scalp (the brain waves are then plotted on a chart, much like heart rate). In the exoskeleton study, the EEG cap was used to pick up very particular brain signals — those created by what the researchers call steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEPs). Essentially, the electrodes detect “flashing lights,” the researchers said. A small controller jutting out from the exoskeleton holds a set of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that light up in different patterns. The patterns represent specific commands that the exoskeleton can carry out, such as stand up, sit down, walk forward, turn left and turn right. The person wearing the exoskeleton stares at one of these lights (for example, the one that corresponds to the command for taking a step forward). His brain produces a particular electrical signal in response to seeing the light. That signal is picked up by the electrode cap, which sends the brain signal information to a computer via a wireless connection. The computer then translates the brain signals into the appropriate command and sends that command to the exoskeleton. Within a few seconds, the exoskeleton takes a step forward.
The setup is “robust and intuitive,” according to Klaus Müller, a professor in the computer science department at TU and lead author of the new paper outlining the research. The technology is considered robust because the interface still works even though the exoskeleton creates all kinds of electrical signals that could interfere with a person’s brain signals. And it’s intuitive because, despite all the steps involved in the brain-controlled process, it’s actually pretty simple to get the exoskeleton to do what you want it to do, Müller told Live Science in an email. But the brain-computer interface is not without its quirks. For one thing, all 12 participants in the study had to be screened for epilepsy before participating, and even Müller said that staring at the interface’s flashing LEDs for extended periods of time gives him a headache. In the future, the researchers hope to create a similar system that causes less “visual fatigue,” Müller said. The other obstacle standing in the exoskeleton’s way is cost. Not only do the researchers need to conduct all kinds of expensive clinical studies before getting these devices anywhere near patients in the real world, the patients themselves will then have to pay for them. Getting insurance companies to cover the cost of this futuristic (but potentially lifealtering) tech could be the hardest part of the process, Müller said.
REPUBLISHED SOURCE by Elizabeth Palermo, Associate Editor http://www.livescience.com/51940mind-controlled-exoskeleton-robot. html
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HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! TechNova would like to congratulate the Certified Technicians and Technologists Association of Manitoba (CTTAM) on their 50th anniversary! Registrar/ESO Joe Simms attended their AGM and 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner on behalf of TechNova.
CCTT RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP ONLINE IN 4 EASY STEPS You no longer have to wait for your renewal statement to arrive in the mail. The convenience of renewing your membership online is here. To renew online you will need: • Your credit card. To renew online, follow these 4 easy steps: 1. 2. 3. 4.
Go to TechNova website (www.technova.ca). On the homepage, click on the link to pay online. Select your membership type from the menu. Next, follow the online instructions.
If you have questions or require assistance, please call toll free: 1-866-723-8867
CCTT ON-LINE JOB BOARD NOW AVAILABLE CCTT is pleased to announce that it has launched a NEW job posting online service. This service may be used by CCTT partners and its goal is to bring job seekers and employers in the technology field together. The portal is divided into three main categories: Industry Jobs, Academic Jobs and Government Jobs. Interested candidates seeking employment may view listings and obtain information on job opportunities at no charge. To access the service visit www.cctt.ca and click on the CCTT Jobs button on the home page, or go directly to http://jobs.cctt.ca.
STORY IDEAS WELCOME Leadership in Technology strives to present news, stories and other content in the course of each year that is of particular interest or pertinence to TechNova members. We rely in part on your input to guide and generate articles. This is your publication and you are always encouraged to contribute. NEWS: Your technology career is ever-changing. Let others know about the changes and trends in your particular field, discipline or worksite. PROFILES: Want to share your own story? Leadership in Technology is a great way to demonstrate the ways that members utilize technology in their careers. FEEDBACK: Write to us and share your viewpoints (members and non-members alike).
Write to info@technova.ca or send your letter/article to the TechNova office.
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LEADERSHIP IN TECHNOLOGY Winter 2015
MELOCHE MONNEX CONTINUING EDUCATION BURSARY*
The Meloche Monnex Continuing Education Bursary awards $1000 (actually two awards of $500.00 each) to a member, or child of a member, who is enrolled in a recognized technology program at the post-secondary level. The winner is selected at random from all eligible applicants. 1st of October. Entries must include proof of enrollment.
2015 Receipient : Zoe van Lingen
AWARDS & BURSARIES Provincial Awards & Bursaries • • • • •
RAY FISKE EDUCATION AWARD*
Named in honour of long-time Registrar Mr. Ray Fiske, P.Eng., CET (Hon.), TechNova awards a $500 bursary each year to the son or daughter of a member who is undertaking post-secondary studies. The winner is drawn at random from all qualified applicants. The deadline for entries is 1st of October.
2015 Receipient: Julie MacQueen Rice
President's Awarrd The Ray Fiske Memorial Award for Service Excellence Meloche Monnex Continuing Education Bursary Ray Fiske Education Award Student Achievement Awards
National Awards & Bursaries • • •
National Achievement Award Manulife Scholarship Canadian Technology Scholarship
* To apply, simply send a letter along with the name of your son or daughter and proof of his/ her enrollment at a college or university. See our website (www.technova.ca) for more information.
TECH TORCH HANDHELD THERMAL BREACHING Firefighters, police and soldiers don’t have many good options when they want to breach a door: blowtorches and lock picks are usually slow, while battering rams, explosives and guns aren’t exactly subtle. The US Air Force and EMPI recently crafted a far better solution, though. Their TEC Torch creates a brief but super-hot (5,000F) metal vapor jet that cuts through steel in less than a second, making short work of virtually any lock. In some ways, it’s like Star Wars’ Qui-Gon Jinn cutting through doors with a lightsaber -- it’s just faster and less dramatic. The torch was originally built for special forces that wanted a simple, handheld breaching tool. However, it should also be very useful for civilians. EMPI sees firefighters using it to get into burning buildings, and it could also come in handy for everything from salvage operations to cutting underwater cables. No matter what, it’s clear that metal alone isn’t much of a deterrent to authorities who want in.
APRIL 2015 AGM MEET & GREET FRI, 1 APRIL 2016, 6PM – 10PM 2015 AGM SAT, 2 APRIL 2016, 9AM – 1PM
LETS MAKE THIS PUBLICATION AMAZING! We rely in part on your input to guide and generate articles. This is your publication and you are always encouraged to contribute.
Source: Engadget
www.technova.ca
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PUBLICATION DATES SPRING EDITION Deadline: April 1, 2015 Delivery: May 25, 2015 FALL EDITION Deadline: October 15, 2015 Delivery: December 15, 2015
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www.technova.ca
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LEADERSHIP IN TECHNOLOGY Winter 2015