Senior Editor Imagine you're a mime, trapped in that famous invisible box. Now imagine that the box has an Internet hookup, and each web page you read is projected on a different wall of the cube. Today's engineers do virtual design on CAD and collaborative engineering over the Web, then they order rapid prototypes from bureaus and components from online catalogs. Every now and then, a trend comes along that is so pervasive that it seems every company finds a way to hitch its wagon on for a ride. Right now, that trend is Bluetooth.
Most people book a conference hall or hotel, pick a date, and spread the word.
Surfing at the South Pole Benjamin B. Ames, Associate Editor On Nov. 14, a company called Antarcti.ca launched the web site, which offers Web surfers a method of navigating the Internet geographically. OK, maybe there are other issues. As companies race to perfect Bluetooth, wireless broadband and other wireless communication methods, the winner may be the company that can build the best RFIC chipsets. Today's designers are often asked to perform their own CFD and stress analysis. Other engineers use animated CAD files to illustrate the manufacture, assembly, or function of complex parts.