Automation (4)

Amazon Go - Automatic Grocery Store

In January of 2018 Amazon announced its first Amazon Go location in Seattle, Washington, would be open for public use. Previously, the store was only open to Amazon employees to act as "beta testers" for its technology. The main attraction of this store is the fact that it lacks a checkout line of any kind. Instead, customers walk in, collect their groceries, and walk out. Currently, 4 of these stores exist in the world. The most recent was opened only a few days ago on September 17, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The other 3 are all in Washington where Amazon's headquarters resides. 

How Does it Work?

Customers must have a smartphone with the Amazon Go app installed to shop at any of the locations. Upon entering the store, they scan the app to let the store know they are currently shopping. Using a combination of hundreds of cameras and weight sensors, the store can keep track of what item is being picked up by whom. Upon exiting the store, customers are simply charged electronically for whatever items they have with them.

The technology to make this work involves computer vision and machine learning. Computer vision aims to replicate tasks that can be performed by the human visual system. For example, analyzing and understanding components within images or videos. Machine learning is, in a way, a sort of automation itself. Essentially, machine learning writes a set of instructions (that would previously be written by a programmer) for itself by gathering data from thousands of examples. For example, Amazon Go's cameras and sensors used computer vision and machine learning to perfect itself over time. That period in which Amazon Go remained employee only was essentially a beta test to make sure the technology learns and functions properly. The longer the technology is used, the more efficient it will become at correctly determining who is picking up what.

In the event the system cannot identify what item someone has picked up, it resorts to other means. One method uses a customer's past shopping history and current shopping inventory to determine what the item is. The takeaway here is that the store relies on a myriad of technology to provide an accurate and efficient means of shopping without having to wait in a checkout line. 

Will Automation Replace Jobs?

Unfortunately, the answer is most likely yes. Fundamentally, automation means replacing the need for human assistance. It remains difficult for anyone to determine how big of an impact this technology will have on the retail job market. The technology is still new and limited to specific customers (people with smartphones) and locations. Amazon has announced its plans to have up to 3,000 cashier-less stores by 2021. Only time will tell whether or not this will really happen. 

Smart Technology (3)

The New iProducts and their Technologies

In their latest keynote, Apple announced news regarding the new iPhone models and a new Apple Watch series. Normally, I pay little attention to these keynotes, often just skimming to see if anything catches my eye. This one in particular certainly caught my eye. There are a few interesting features here that I'd like to explain. For instance, the A12 chip, battery life, and the Apple Watch.

A12 Bionic Chip

What is the significance of this chip? Two things. Primarily, it is the first 7nm (nanometer) chip within the industry. This doesn't really mean anything for the general public; it mostly allows Apple to brag about their tech lead to the competition. Next, the device sports 2 high performance cores and 4 efficiency cores which provide an increase in speed and a decrease in power consumption (both good!). This means users will enjoy faster and smoother interactions when running many apps at a time. According to Macworld, the processor is 20-30% faster than its predecessor, the iPhone X. Though I personally will not be buying a new phone any time soon (have you seen what they cost? It's outrageous!), I am certainly excited to see the technology in action.

Apple Watch Series 4

I want to preface this section by saying I've never really had an interest in smart watches. However, the series 4 has some really cool technology that I couldn't resist looking into. The main thing that caught my attention was the watch's capability to detect irregular heart rates. It is important to note that, though the device has been tested to have a near perfect track record (~98%), it is not intended to replace actual heart rate monitors or ECG devices. The FDA has stressed that the watch should be used as a guide and that any serious concerns should be mentioned to a doctor. The device can notify the wearer if their heart rate appears low, if it detects atrial fibrillation, and even perform an ECG in under a minute. To me, this is insane. To think we can possess a near perfectly accurate heart monitor on our wrist is really amazing. I am very excited to see how this technology improves over time and the lives it will save!

Battery Life

I'm sure many of you have experienced a phone battery that drains from 100 to 0 in only a few hours, especially older models. One of my old devices is nearly unusable unless it is plugged and charging because the battery will die in minutes! Battery life and power management are features that slightly improve every time Apple releases a new phone. The release of the iPhone XR and XS MAX are no different. Admittedly, this is the most boring feature to talk about (which is why it's here at the end), but it is worth mentioning because to me, battery life is one of the most important aspects I look for when buying a phone.

Virtual & Augmented Reality (2)

What's the Difference?

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are relatively new technologies that change our perception of the world around us. The main difference between the two is simple. VR is more immersive because it "takes" the user somewhere else with the aid of a head-mounted display and occasionally a pair of sensors or handheld joysticks. 

AR is less immersive, but also less restrictive as it does not require a clunky headset. Rather than fully altering our reality, AR technology simply adds to our current reality. AR tech functions by creating layers of computer generated information over a camera feed, smartphone, or even special glasses.

Both of these technologies have seen a massive increase in functionality over the last few years. Notably, the electronic entertainment industry because of VR systems such as the HTC Vive (pictured left), Oculus Rift, and more. Currently, the gaming technology is far from perfect, but the experience is unlike any other and definitely worth a try if the opportunity presents itself.







As far as AR in the electronic entertainment industry, many mobile applications such as Pokemon GO or Snapchat use augmented reality technology to enhance the user's experience. Those filters that add dog ears or a dancing cartoon character to your pictures are all possible using augmented reality.

Other Uses?

The entertainment industry isn't the only one to benefit from VR and AR technology. Virtual reality even has a place in the medical industry. Using CAT scans or ultrasounds, medical professionals can create 3D models of a patient's anatomy. This allows them to more efficiently diagnose patients or even practice difficult procedures. Additionally, the e-commerce industry has already begun using augmented reality to create "virtual showrooms". Customers can get an idea of what their potential purchase will look like on their bodies or in their homes. For example, stores like Gap have virtual dressing rooms that allow customers to "try on" clothing and change the color or style at the tap of a screen.

Wrap it up.

5 years ago, these technologies existed in a much more primitive form. 5 years from today, I am sure we will look back and think the same of our current level of technology. Virtual and augmented reality have a lot of potential in many aspects of our world. I believe when the technology catches up we will absolutely be seeing much more use of these devices. 

Tyler Peters, Introduction (1)

About Me!

Hello, my name is Tyler Peters and I am an IST major at Penn State Greater Allegheny. Before I commit to a blog topic, allow me to tell you about myself. Some of my interests include online gaming, technology, and playing the piano. I like to mix my interests together to create more engaging activities. For example, I frequently download MIDI files of scores from movies and video games to run on a program called Synthesia. If you've ever seen the game "Guitar Hero", Synthesia is basically the piano equivalent except its played on a real keyboard.

Recently, I've gotten into the hobby of ship bottling. In my spare time I've been building a small wooden vessel that will fit into a glass bottle. Every part of the process has been built from scratch! It's surprisingly relaxing and I'm pretty excited to get it all finished up!

I have 3 pets at home with me. A dog named Dory and two ferrets named Socrates and Storm. To my surprise, the 3 of them have become great friends over time. At first, Dory was afraid of the little guys (not the other way around!) and would not go near them. After about 6 months, she enjoys letting them crawl on and around her! It's always interesting to watch them interact because the ferrets are so mischievous and frequently get on her nerves.

Down to Business!

The topic I have chosen to center my blog around is emerging technologies and innovations. I've always had an interest in learning about new types of technologies that improve upon existing ones. I will use this blog not only for the opportunity to learn for myself, but to share my interests to anyone that will listen.

I'll give a little preview of what's to come. My next post will be writing about "VR" and "AR" technologies. It will explain the difference between virtual and augmented reality technology, how the tech can be useful in the real world, and what it means for the average person. Hope you will enjoy!