A Glimpse into the Future of Engineering

Steven Hogg | 11 September 2024

In today’s rapidly evolving world, the role of engineers is more critical than ever. As technology advances and industries transform, the next generation of engineers must be equipped with both technical expertise and practical skills to navigate the many challenges posed by employers, customers and technology. My recent experience teaching an Introduction to Sales Engineering class for the Industrial Systems Engineering department at the University of Missouri (Mizzou) provided insight into the next cohort of engineers and how they are prepared to make an impact in the future.

From a Teacher’s Point of View

During the course, we bridged the gap between technical engineering knowledge and its practical application in sales.  The course combined traditional lectures, real-world case studies and a hands-on final group project. The students demonstrated an eagerness to engage with the material and apply their theoretical knowledge to realistic scenarios. This generation of engineers are expected to be more than just problem solvers—they need to be able to articulate the value of their solutions to clients, stakeholders and non-engineering audiences. With 17 years’ experience in material handling and automation at Bastian Solutions, I’ve witnessed firsthand how essential a problem-solving and open-minded approach is. We collaborate closely with customers across diverse industries, each requiring unique solutions. Whether it's food and beverage, retail or other industries, we provide everything from traditional racking to advanced robotic piece-picking solutions. What works for one customer may not be suitable for another, so clear communication and understanding their unique value proposition is key.  Practicing and applying these principles before entering the workforce can significantly increase these student’s success after graduation.

It’s clear that this new class of engineers is not only capable of tackling complex challenges but also of driving change and innovation. During the class, the students were not only proficient in their specific engineering discipline but also had a strong understanding of related fields such as data science and business. This knowledge allowed them to approach problems from multiple angles and collaborate effectively within their project groups.  It became apparent they were well-versed in cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and advanced data analytics. They utilized these tools to enhance their problem-solving capabilities, provide innovative solutions and enhance their final presentation. It also became clear that students are increasingly aware of the environmental and societal impacts of their work and design solutions that are sustainable and ethically sound. Companies today are integrating these considerations into their core values and operational strategies. They are focused on a range of environmental and safety practices due to growing regulations, consumer/investor/employee expectations and a recognition of the long-term benefits of more sustainable and safe work practices.

The Final Project: Putting Learnings to Practice

For the final project, the students were tasked with developing a robotic solution in response to the growing production demands at Mizzou manufacturing (a fictional company for the purposes of the class). The teams had to develop a tailored solution designed to meet the requirements outlined in the RFP (request for proposal).  The automated solutions needed to enhance efficiency, reduce the operational cost, adhere to standard safety practices and be scalable to accommodate the company's anticipated growth.

Some of the key components of their proposed solutions included:

• Palletizing robots: Equipped with vacuum end-of-arm tools for efficient row picking.
• Stretch wrappers: For securing loads and ensuring product stability during transport.
• Conveyors and pallet dispensers: Including accumulation and case conveyors, empty pallet dispensers, and pallet conveyors.
• 24/7/365 customer support: To ensure continuous operation and address any issues promptly.

Each team developed a formal layout in AutoCAD to satisfy the RFP requirements and ensured the system design could meet the case flow rates and accommodate the future increase in production rate.  To visualize and validate their solution, some of the teams utilized Material & Information Flow Diagram that we covered during the course.  One team even utilized Simio Simulation Software learned in their other engineering classes to develop a model and optimize the system. These tools helped illustrate how the components interact, confirmed that the design met the required specifications for increased production efficiency and enhanced their overall final presentation.

Problem Solvers: Making an Impact on the Future of Automated Systems

It’s clear that this new generation of engineers is not only capable of taking on complicated technical tasks but are eager to revolutionize and modernize the way these problems are solved. Their fresh perspectives and creative solutions suggest a promising future for engineering, one that embraces both technological advancements and human-centered design.

My experience teaching at Mizzou was a testament to the bright future of engineering. The next group of engineers is qualified to overcome difficult technical obstacles but also navigate the multifaceted challenges of the modern world. Their ability to merge technological prowess with strategic insight and effective communication will undoubtedly steer innovation and success in the years to come.  The engineering profession has shifted towards a more holistic, adaptable and interdisciplinary approach. While technical proficiency remains crucial, the next class of engineers will also be communicators, collaborators and innovators, equipped to tackle complex, global challenges. With my experience here at Bastian Solutions, I can safely say this generation of engineers are well-prepared to handle the future of automated systems integration.

Author: Steven Hogg