Engineering is quite a common choice amongst students. Even statistics show that most colleges and universities’ engineering department gets the highest number of entry applications every year. Electrical engineering, in particular, has recently gained a considerable amount of popularity. It deals with the technology of electricity and electronics. Students enrolled in this field learn to design, develop, construct, and manufacture electrical equipment from factory machines to space navigation systems.
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For centuries, electrical engineers’ one true mission has been to redefine the way of living. Some notable contributions that the field has made in the past include Clarke’s calculator invention in the early 1920s. The pacemaker in the healthcare department was also a revolutionary development in the 1950s. Of course, Alexander Bell’s legendary first-ever voice transmitting device is another best example.
Thanks to technology’s consistent growth, electrical engineers are now more in demand than ever. The scope is increasing with each passing year, and the future seems bright. Electrical engineers’ employment is likely to grow by 2% within the coming year, with average annual salaries as high as $100,000.
The field not only offers high salary prospects but also mass career opportunities. Undoubtedly, it is an ever-growing and ever-changing field. It will teach you adaptation and allow you to gain broader perspectives on various developments. Another advantage of opting for electrical engineering as your major is that you can easily find plenty of affordable and convenient electrical engineering degrees worldwide. Many engineering institutes also give the option to pursue BEE and MSEE degrees online. Not only this, electrical engineers have a global demand, meaning you can also get opportunities to work in foreign countries. A diverse set of skills and experience will indeed look good on a resume.
Here, we have discussed a few electrical engineering’s influential trends, which elaborate on the field’s future.
Automotive reformation
Studies predict that number of electric vehicles on the road will triple within a decade. With millions of electric cars already on the road, this doesn’t seem like a no-go. However, progression and improvements are vital. More reliable batteries, improved charging technology, and appealing and upgraded infrastructure are some beneficial investments for manufacturers to consider. Given the extent of technological advancements in the automotive industry, including electric planes and solar-powered EVs, even self-driven cars seem plausible.
Energy sector
If one industry has benefitted the most from electrical engineers, it is the energy sector. Electrical engineers have played an essential role in developing all, from power generators to green energy electrical power converters. They have also significantly contributed to the renewable energy sector. Wind turbines, solar photovoltaic cells, and green energy converters were designed, constructed, set up, and developed by electrical engineers.
As the world becomes more and more conscious about sustainability and environmental conservation, companies are highly dependent on electrical engineers to develop sustainable solutions.
Smart grids
Smart grids are one of the most famous inventions of renewable power. They are developed and vastly used by electrical engineers. They store valuable data and give access to consumers and suppliers to a high degree of power sources. It provides reliable power by instantly detecting surges in usage and identifying outages. It uses a mix of energy sources, including hydropower and biomass, which significantly reduces carbon footprint. Smart grids also increase employment opportunities. The end-to-end communication feature increases efficiency and considerably reduces costs.
Lighting technologies
LED bulbs have led to some very fundamental energy changes globally. They are no longer accessible to the elite only. Technological evolvements have made them more energy-efficient than bulbs. They now cost nearly $3 and are used by almost all households in the US. With LED lighting, households can save up to $100 in their utility bills annually. Apart from this, LED bulbs are also more durable, last longer, and use nearly 75% less energy than conventional bulbs.
Wearable tech
The invention and advancement of wireless wearable tech are nothing less than remarkable. Developed by engineers and used in multiples industries, wearable tech quite literally acts like life-savers. They warn engineers about high-voltage electricity. The GPS sends signals of overheating, proximity to dangers, and falls.
However, many use them as communication information devices at times. Overall, they vastly improve efficiency and are a staple technology for engineers. Not only engineers but healthcare workers also use wearable tech to a greater extent. They monitor and observe patient’s health and instantly send signals in cases of emergencies. These devices also record patient’s medical data like heart rate and blood pressure, so nurses and doctors do not have to note them down every time. They are quick, time-saving, and highly efficient.
Artificial Intelligence
With AI and machine learning, electrical engineers can create algorithms that will draw inferences, find patterns, and learn to complete tasks without instructions. They will also generate new and revamp older codes and build machine-learning platforms like fuzzy logic control systems. AI can also guide electrical engineers with image processing. The technology can detect and alert any defectiveness in a machine.
Such advancements can be a significant safety upgrade for many engineers, especially those constantly in contact with dangerous equipment.
Wireless charging
You must be aware of the invention of wireless speakers, headphones, earphones, earbuds, and the infamous apple air pods. However, wireless power transfer doesn’t stop here. We can soon expect wireless chargers for all our smart devices and much more.
Not only smart devices, experts predict that soon enough, electric cars will also use wireless chargers. Some even predict the possibility of charging a vehicle while it’s moving. With the given pace of technology, these possibilities aren’t hard to imagine.
Conclusion
Even though gender roles have significantly altered today, the male-to-female engineer ratio is still unbalanced. With more awareness and encouragement about various STEM subjects, institutes expect more female students to opt for the field. However, not for long.
The above-given points are just a few examples of how electrical engineers play an integral part in shaping our future. However, there is no end here! Electrical engineering is an evolving field, and there is no doubt that technology directly affects it. As technology advances, we are likely to see more and more progress in the electrical engineering field. If you are considering becoming an electrical engineer, you are in for a treat. The scope is at an all-time high, with a lot of exciting innovations in the future.