How often do you rely on technology?

Question: How often do you rely on technology?
- Keywords:
  rely,
  technology
Asked by florence to Matthew, Neil, Paula, Pete, Philippa on 12 Mar 2015.
- Matthew Gall answered on 12 Mar 2015:
  
  Hey florence,
  
  Great question! I use computers all day, every day for my work, so you could say they are very important to me!
- Pete Symons answered on 12 Mar 2015:
  
  Hi Florence,
  
  I use computers everyday for the work I do and software tools to enable to do analysis and present my work. Without technology I suppose I could write it by had but I’ve almost forgotten how to write neatly, I have doctors handwriting these days!
- Philippa Jefferis answered on 14 Mar 2015:
  
  I rely heavily on technology, but also do hand calculations to check I am getting the right answer. Engineering has really changed with the invention of computers. 20years ago the design office would have had everyone sat at desks with drawing boards, where as now everyone has their own computer and uses specialist software to do their work.
- Neil Taylor answered on 15 Mar 2015:
  
  Hi florence!
  
  In terms of using technology myself, I use a computer (much like the other engineers!) to perform analysis, write reports, and create presentations.
  
  In terms of relying on technology to help me with solving problems, there are a whole bunch of technologies that are really important as a subsea engineer – although I don’t control them directly!
  
  One example is ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles). An ROV is essentially a VERY expensive but very useful robot that is controlled by a joystick. The person controlling the joystick is called a pilot – just like the ones that fly planes! The pilot sits on a boat and performs underwater missions with the ROV, using cameras to see what he is doing. A mission may be to pick up and move certain objects, investigate a certain area of concern, or repair something,…. A bit like R2D2 from Starwars!
  
  ROVs are a useful option to have as a solution to some problems – and often the first step is “let’s get the ROV to go and have a look at it”. The footage that comes back from the ROV can give a great insight to what might be happening (e.g. if something is moving that shouldn’t be, or if something is leaking).
  
  Another example is an “accelerometer”, which is a small piece of technology that you can place on objects to work out how they are moving in three dimensions (forwards/backwards, , left/right, up/down). This is very useful tool to have, as you can work out if things are moving as expected hundreds of meters underwater!
  
  Hope this helps!

Question: How often do you rely on technology?

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