Redefining the ME

This article focuses on new technologies and skills that change the profession as it seeks to fit a wide-open global marketplace. Mechanical engineers are actively involved in analyzing the workings of muscle, developing interfaces for artificial nerves, creating virtual reality environments, building nanomachines and medical nanodiagnostics, and even creating realistic physical rules for video games. The MIT-Wharton international vehicle program is collecting case studies from component makers to determine what types of manufacturing are best suited for overseas facilities. The institute’s preliminary findings are not surprising. A manufacturer of diesel fuel injectors that runs a highly automated plant with clean rooms and tight-tolerance production may prefer to stay close to local technologists. Biomechanics, which develops prosthetics and medical devices, is already a growing field. In the future, though, new challenges will involve the mechanical aspects of artificial bone, skin, muscle, nerves, and even organs at both the cellular and tissue levels.