Researchers have demonstrated that low-cost magnetic levitation brings the prospect of such superfast passenger trains nearer. On the manufacturing front, the scope of emerging technologies is staggering and highly promising both for U.S. competitiveness and environmental progress. Logs may be cut with powerful lasers, furniture assembled with microwave dryers and coatings set with electron beams. Silicon wafers may be cleaned without water, using powerful ultraviolet laser light. Electron beams can sterilize food-product containers.
Ion implantation can improve metal hardness so that equipment lasts longer.
Superefficient chemical processes are emerging based on the use of microwaves and lasers rather than thermal energy. The technology revolution embraces agriculture through developments in biotechnology, information technology and radically new technologies for fertilizing. Biotechnology holds the promise for increasing crop yield, reducing spoilage, and reducing both fertilizer and water usage with new generations of crops all of which reduce energy use and emissions. America s businesses, schools, governments, factories and hospitals are housed in millions of buildings. Emerging building technologies that first appear in the commercial sector frequently show up in residential building designs as costs drop.