association news: The past and future of automation--what's in store for the next 40 years?

摘要

As I prepared this article, I realized I've been involved in this profession for over 40 years. How time flies when you are having fun! I also began to realize how significant the changes have been in those 40 years. Who would have ever thought a computer in your pocket that you can talk on, without wires, powered by batteries, and no vacuum tubes? I began to think about the significant changes our profession faces in the next 10 years or so. Our profession faces a significant "changing of the guard" as the Vietnam generation retires and leaves the workforce. This change means many newcomers in our ranks over the next few years. Where will they gain their practical knowledge to become skilled practitioners?