- Author
- Wright, R. N.
- Title
- Intelligent Engineer.
- Coporate
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD
- Book or Conf
- Bridging the Generations: The Future of Computer-Aided Engineering. Proceedings. June 18-19, 1994, Pittsburgh, PA, 5-8 p., 1994
- Keywords
- computers | conformity assessment | education | standards
- Abstract
- The growth of Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) is providing revolutionary tools for the engineer: user-friendly access to the world's information on the problem at hand; simulation, analysis, and optimization techniques for dealing with the problem; knowledge systems to assist in decision making; graphical techniques and desktop publishing to transmit the engineer's analysis and recommendations to users; etc. No routine or algorithmic information processing requirements will constrain the engineer's decision making capabilities. However, the intelligent engineer will need to understand: the problem which the engineer is responsible for solving, the information needed for a sound solution, the information processing resources available, the context of the engineer's role in the light of others' responsibilities, and the validity of CAE-supported decisions. These are the dimensions of profound understanding. Beyond this, creative understanding provides the capability to conceive new solutions, beyond any algorithms embodied in available CAE tools, for the problems at hand. The engineer may serve in a variety of roles including: design, manufacturing, construction, operation and regulation. The ability to use effectively CAE tools will be important to each role. Above all, the engineer must understand the behavior of the system for which the engineer is responsible in the environments of importance to have an independent, personal perspective of the validity of simulations of the behavior of the system. The understanding should extend to synthesis. What schemes for the system are most promising to meet users' needs, and how may the system be modified to perform better? Interpersonal abilities also will be critical to the engineer's effectiveness. The engineer's system must be related to other systems of the project and to the context of the project. The engineer must work with others concerned with the project or its context; the engineer must use conflict constructively to assure that sound decisions are made by the project team. CAE is producing revolutionary changes in engineering practices. Education and training must be restructured to develop the technical and human knowledge and skills required to work effectively in the CAE environment.