Here is your monthly dose of my Canadian engineering news created for licensed and aspiring engineers, geoscientists and technicians in Canada.
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Toronto engineer Harsh Shah has introduced an app poised to revolutionize Canadian skin health diagnostics. Skin CheckUp, launched in November, employs real-time AI analysis to offer remote diagnosis for various skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and melanoma, eliminating the need for in-person appointments. Users receive initial diagnoses for free through PDFs and can opt for virtual consultations with dermatologists and dieticians for a fee. Shah's motivation, inspired by his family's medical history, led to this innovative solution, aiming to streamline skin care nationwide.
- The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE) at the University of Toronto has achieved a milestone, with over 40% of first-year students being women – a historic high for the department. This progression, reflecting International Day of Women and Girls in Science's goals, signifies significant growth from a mere 15% women students entering a decade ago. ECE Chair Professor Deepa Kundur, who oversaw these developments, emphasized the importance of showcasing successful women in the field to inspire prospective and current students. The department's inclusive environment and initiatives like the ECE Amplifier series further promote diversity in engineering, nurturing a talent pool that fosters innovative problem-solving.
Meet the Kowoll Kolmower M28E, the world's pioneering mower equipped with 3D LiDAR SLAM technology. With a cutting-edge fusion of 3D LiDAR SLAM, RTK-GPS, and multi-sensor positioning, the M28E ensures precise navigation even in complex surroundings. Effortlessly manage your lawn via the Kowoll app, benefiting from its robust hardware and smart algorithms for an impeccably manicured green space.
Introducing ZeTime: a pioneering hybrid smartwatch that seamlessly integrates mechanical hands and a vibrant round touchscreen. By ingeniously placing watch hands through a high-res TFT display, ZeTime merges timeless aesthetics with cutting-edge smartwatch capabilities.
Fed up with neck and back discomfort while on the move? Shifting between tabs and apps costs around 10 seconds every five minutes, resulting in significant daily productivity loss. Discover Mobile Pixels' breakthrough: DUEX Float, a 15.6” portable touchscreen laptop monitor. Effortlessly craft a stacked dual-screen setup anywhere you go!
What technology or gadget are you currently enjoying and would recommend to other aspiring and licensed engineers? Let us know in the comments below.
Here are the news links to every Canadian Association. If there is anything beyond the standard stuff (elections, new appointments), I'll try to list them below. The news tends to slow down during certain parts of the year (e.g. Summer, X-Mas).
Feeling underpaid and aiming for a better salary? Unsure about asking for a raise? In this piece, derived from Chapter 24 of John Hoschette's "The Engineer's Career Guide," you can read about how asking for a raise is easier than you think, even in bad times.
Head over to our recruitment page where you can send us your resume and enter our select candidate pool. We'll contact you if your resume matches one of our client's open jobs.
Search all 300k eng. jobs | Use my three career-hunting tips for better success.
Similar to various professions, networking is vital for an engineer's progress. Despite the negative associations, networking can be tailored to your style and preferences, avoiding discomfort. Click here to read about how to build a network as an engineer.
- Architectural secrets of the world's ancient wonders- Discovering how ancient civilizations erected Stonehenge, Pyramids, and Easter Island statues, TED Fellow Brandon Clifford unveils their architectural feats and their relevance in contemporary construction.
- Building the world's largest (and most controversial) power plant-During 2018, a solitary power station exceeded the energy production of the world's largest coal and gas plants combined. China's Three Gorges Dam harnesses water flow, earning its place as the leading global energy producer. The mechanics behind this achievement are explored by Alex Gendler.
"Strive for perfection in everything you do. Take the best that exists and make it better. When it does not exist, design it."
-Sir Henry Royce
Thanks for reading and have a great month!
Gavin Simone, P.Eng., PMP, LEED AP
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Thank you for reading. This month’s question is, What outdoor engineering task do you dread doing in the cold?
Cleaning snow from car and feared to scratch the car while doing it.
In water/underwater tasks. The cold just makes it worse. Underwater surveying and inspection, construction and demolition can be really unpleasant when it’s cold. Whether in hip waders or dive gear, it can be really nasty even in a dry suit.
Topography data collection using a gps system. Little tough to get accurate points when you are walking in feet of snow and ice. Not to mention how cold you get doing it in. Between the massive amount of energy it takes, the miserable feeling of cold and the loss of accuracy in data, it is the worst job to do in the windows
As a drilling inspector, many times I have to stay outside all day in the winter to analyze samples from Slit Spoons or Rock Cores extracted from bedrock. It is so difficult to find good gloves that allow me to do my job and write down my field observations! This Zippo hand warmer would be very welcome for the next winter!
When driving to a site visit feared on cold, snowy and slippery roads.
This is great to help me when I go outside for an engineering survey. Thanks
Surveying, particularly in northern Alberta through the depth of January, was always challenging in the cold (-40C high).
One of the outdoor engineering tasks I find challenging in cold weather is performing inspection, maintenance, and possible repairs on valves. I’ve experienced firsthand how valve components tend to become stiff in the cold, and lubricants often struggle to perform as efficiently. This can make the inspection process cumbersome and disassembling and servicing is a challenge. In these situations, selecting the right lubricants and taking measures to properly insulate valves during maintenance is essential to prevent any damage or wear. It’s all about being prepared and attentive to the specific needs of valves when facing the cold, ensuring they continue to function optimally.
Definitely site inspections on those frigid, windy days!
I’d have to say vehicle field testing. Luckily this is usually done during the warmer months!
I dread inspection of outdoor equipment in the cold!
I would fear to be inspecting the construction site during a freezing weather as the chance of tripping when using the inspection truck and equipment is high even while wearing steel toe boots
The coldest I been is winter testing prototypes. Once your hands get wet, it’s game over!
Surveying Elevators in the winter!
Hi Rafael,
Thank you for the comment. I would imagine that it could get quite cold (and spooky) in the hoistway. Thank you for keeping our lifts running year round!
Finding a fault in the outdoor fibre cables, or working at the Fiber Distribution Hubs in the cold.
Power cable testing and inspection
Two birds with one stone here – something I hate doing in the cold and a new technology that we’re developing to combat that.
Building / power line / wind turbine inspection in the cold is the worst! Hence the creation of ConeLabs! We are using AI to create hi-res 3D models and automate defect detection of the built environment. @gavin, I’d love to connect and be featured in a future newsletter.
Hi Albert,
Very inventive idea. I like it. I’ll have Markie from our team get in touch about the newsletter.