I agree with Nathan that the future implications of sensor capabilities can be terrifying. Beyond domestic or commercial use such as in cars or building control systems, there is a lot of money being poured into military sensor technology. Increasing sensor capabilities have moved from equipping soldiers with night-vision, rangefinders, and the like, to equipping UAV’s (Unmanned Arial Vehicles) with these things. In my opinion, the ability to identify and fire on targets without having to physically participate or maintain a line of sight is one of the most frightening implications of sensor technology we are facing in the near future. Clearly, the ongoing conflict between US and a number of different threats in the Middle East has created a demand for the use of sensor technologies such as infrared imaging for identifying enemies unbound by the traditional rules of combat. It can be argued, and recently released information suggests, that without sensors to supplement their vision, soldiers may not have been able to “catch” Osama Bin Laden, and likely a number of other terrorist targets.  The benefits and power associated with possession of the newest and most accurate sensors can be seen in this example, but now the conflict is purportedly ending, and we are still advancing our technology.

One of the latest efforts has been to equip UAV’s with increased capability for defining a target. Much like the self-driving cars that John wrote about, these UAV’s possess highly sensitive cameras, wind instrumentation, and even radar, all backed by algorithms that help the aircraft interpret all this data into fluid movement. One of the most exciting emerging concepts in UAV technology is that of a swarm UAV. As sensors have been getting smaller and smaller, so have the UAVs carrying these sensors. Now Miniature UAV’s or MAV’s are widely used by armies in a number of countries. Only 2-3 feet long, these MAV’s can be transported and assembled by a regular foot soldier and used for reconnaissance without any fear of personal injury. The concept of swarm UAV’s is much what it sounds like. A swarm of UAV’s can be deployed around a base vessel such as a submarine or destroyer, which is covered in an array of sensors. Data from the UAV’s can then be transferred to the vessel, and the UAV’s used to jam any third-party radar, essentially making the vessel invisible and acutely aware of its surroundings. Furthermore, the production-line mentality of UAV’s make them highly replaceable so that there is virtually no risk in sending out one or a swarm of them to identify (and sometimes destroy) a target. The implication is a sort of distant, unmanned warfare that I would fear to see in action.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miniature_UAVs

http://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007%2Fs10846-012-9698-1

http://search.proquest.com/docview/216203750

Future - Analysis Techniques

During the first class, it was pointed out that the future of the civil engineering field could be previewed as a result of the current happenings in the aerospace and automotive fields.  A perfect example of this can be read in the opening two sentences of a paper found in the ASCE Journal of Aerospace Engineering (Henshaw).  It reads, “A successful autonomous spacecraft must be able to navigate intelligently.  Intelligent navigation entails finding and following collision-free paths through space which can be traversed in a ‘reasonable’ time and which can use a reasonable amount of fuel” (147).  Building off of many of our initial, in-class, week-1 posts, this definition of intelligent navigation can be applied to the definition of intelligent building.  Much like the autonomous spacecraft needs to be able follow a collision-free path and use minimal time and fuel; the intelligent building/intelligent integrated systems would need to be autonomous, utilize minimal energy (and, therefore, money), require minimal maintenance, and all the while being as efficient as possible.

The Henshaw/Sanner paper analyzes trajectory planning algorithms that are necessary for an autonomous spacecraft to navigate intelligently (155) and similar calculations will undoubtedly be required for intelligent building/building systems to optimize the “intelligent” nature of each system, the integration of the systems, and the building as a whole.  An example of such an algorithm can be found in my fellow Group A member, Gayaneh Gulbenkian’s post (see “Future Analysis Techniques”, machine-learning algorithm).  Although the algorithms currently being applied in the civil engineering field are (probably) not yet as complicated as those involved in the “obstacle-constrained trajectory planning” algorithms required by the Hershaw/Sanner article; this may become the case as we require buildings to become more and more intelligent.  This increasing complexity of algorithms will also require more sophisticated and dynamic modeling software.  Evidence of this already occurring in the field is discussed by Gabrielle Carpenter in her Future Analysis Techniques post (Group A).

But, is translating this idea from one field to another done as simply as with the definitions?  Maybe, maybe not.  It is and will most likely be different for each of the other topics of discussion (sensor capabilities, robotics capabilities, 3D manufacturing capabilities, and computer hardware technology) and have each be dependent upon the progress of the other with multiple iterations in between.

Henshaw, Carl Glen and Robert M. Sanner.  “Variational Technique for Spacecraft Trajectory Planning.” Journal of Aerospace Engineering. Volume 23, Issue 3 (July 2010): 147-156.

Sensors - the Future

Thermostats are one of the first examples of intelligent systems in buildings. As simple of a device as temperature controlling unit have evolved throughout the years and today the Nest Thermostat is seen as the future of thermostats.

To read and watch more about the Nest, you can use this link:

http://mobile.theverge.com/2011/11/14/2559567/tony-fadell-nest-learning-thermostat

It exemplifies the different capabilities of former Apple employee Tony Fadell’s thermostat, as well as the technological evolution of the industry.

More important than the neat design and touch screen, the Nest has multitude of sensors to help maintain thermal comfort, as well as save energy in the building. This thermostat does not only have a thermometer like old thermostats; it also has a humidity sensor, light sensor and even an activity sensor. The touch screen has a touch sensor and the wifi receiver is also a sensor. This tiny device includes all of these sensors for a relatively cheap price. Just like an iPhone, that is sold for $200 and includes many sensors (and selling the smart device is not even what the phone companies make their money off of, but the plan), the Nest is small, cheap, and very intelligent is term of its sensor capabilities. It is unbelievable how some houses built in the US a few years ago still did not have a central air system or a thermostat, and now this simple device has expanded to be able to sense activity in the room, adjust itself, and save energy accordingly.

Looking to the future, sensors are just going to evolve more. A study that was done five years ago by Kim Fowler (see link below) asked people what they think about sensor and network development in the next five years. The study shows how different people think sensors are developing in a variety of areas. Expectedly, academics who work with sensors predicted the most drastic increase in sensor use and advancement. Some people don’t even realize how fast this technology is moving and it is hard to predict how the future will look like with even more, better, smaller, and cheaper sensors. Factors like dependability, size, ease of diagnosis, security of data, power consumption, etc. are some of the areas in which sensors seem to improve dramatically.

It is funny to think how eight years ago we used to think the ultra thin Motorola phone was the most advanced piece of technology out there, and touchscreens, wifi, voice command and other features that exist in every smartphone today were only science fiction. And this development is all thanks to sensors.

Sources:

http://mobile.theverge.com/2011/11/14/2559567/tony-fadell-nest-learning-thermostat

http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?arnumber=04801766

Flight Assembled Architecture Response

We believe that aspects of the video will be a part of the future.  However, to be a complete reality, advances in the technology will need to be accomplished.  Places where this would be useful would be in the micro-level where a designer could input a design into a computer program and the robots could construct it.  We agree that the human element in construction can never fully disappear though.

Week 1-Introduction

Hi! My name is Gayaneh Gulbenkian and I’m a Master’s students in Civil Engineering.  My expectation of this class is to learn what makes up intelligent buildings and how they can contribute to society.  The definition of an Intelligent Building to me is a building that can function on its own with minimal human input.

Jeanine- Introduction Post

Hello, my name is Jeanine Lancellotti and I am an architectural engineering major with a concentration in HVAC.  I began my college career with the intention of pursuing a BS in Architectural Engineering with a structural concentration, but my second co-op lead me in a different direction. This co-op provided me with experience working with a senior HVAC engineer and also aiding an electrical engineer. To me, an intelligent building is a building that uses advanced technology to control a combination of building systems in the hopes of reducing energy use and make the building as efficient as possible. Aside from the little experience I gained with electrical design, the only other experience I have with Intelligent Buildings was in AE 340. My final project for this course involved a presentation regarding the details and advantages of lighting control systems. Although this presentation only skimmed the surface of building control systems, I found this topic to be intriguing. In this class I hope to learn more about systems like the one I previously researched. I am interested in learning the benefits of intelligent buildings, and where their use is the most practical.  I also hope to gain more experience with using Revit, as it is a good skill to have with its advancing use in the field. 

Matthew Tedesco - Introduction

My background includes using labor and material price computer databases to compile design and construction estimates for new buildings and renovations. I have used Microsoft Excel databases for both estimating with steel construction and general (all trades) construction. I have also utilized and developed databases from companies such as RS Means and my companies own past projects to build estimates. I have used databases while on the construction site to help with project management, by generating status reports and finance reports using Project Management software that operates as a database.

I am interested in HVAC and other Mechanical Buildings Systems in relation to their design, implementation and operations.

I expect to learn how to implement sensors and data gathering programs to monitor the construction and service of new and retrofitted buildings. In gathering the information, I would like to learn how to process the information effectively and be able to share the information with the respective parties involved in the project. I expect to learn more about Revit and the BIM concept but I understand that the course’s sole purpose is not to make us BIM experts.

An “Intelligent Building” should be thought of as a project that can be tracked and monitored from the design and construction teams as it is being built. The building, once built, will be able to send information to the teams responsible for servicing the systems. An “Intelligent Building” can have sensors that monitor both interior and exterior conditions in real time, such as temperatures and relative humidity. Other sensors and information can be used to ensure safety and serviceability, such as the structural health of the building and how it responds to environmental changes. An “Intelligent Building” to a certain extent, should be able to makes changes autonomously. The “Intelligent Building” should be able to maximize the use of energy provided and therefore minimize the operating cost associated with purchasing such energy.

Natasha's Intro Post

Hello Everyone!

I’m Natasha and I’m an architectural engineering junior with a mechanical concentration.  Coming into school I was dead set on studying structures, but after a few HVAC classes and a co-op with a mechanical firm I know I definitely want to study mechanical building systems. In AE 340, I worked on a project that detailed various lighting control systems. This served as a brief introduction to the different ways in which a building's systems could be automatically controlled by sensors to improve efficiency and occupant comfort. I wasn't sure what to expect when signing up for this class but after Professor Mitchell's introduction I now expect to learn about the technology behind building automation systems. I am excited to explore different facets of this topic and have the freedom to explore the areas I find most interesting through blog posts and the final project. 

I would define an "intelligent building" as one that utilizes a system of controls to better and more efficiently serve the needs of its occupants.  There are so many building systems that can be involved in this process. I would imagine that designing an intelligent building would entail and extremely complicated and integrative design process, but would yield a very satisfying result for the end user.

Mitch Butler Intro

I am an Architectural Engineering major who transferred to Drexel from Burlington County College in 2010. My original goal was to become an architect, but after realizing architects don’t build buildings, I decided on architectural engineering. Throughout my time at Drexel, I’ve been seeking to find ways of integrating aesthetics into the functionality of a building, and have often found that good form follows succinct structural design. That is to say, architects should listen to the structural engineers.

In this course, I expect to learn more about the concepts behind BIM as well as some of the technologies emerging in the industry. Particularly, I hope to gain a better understanding of how buildings are monitored over their life, and how this modeling system can be used to predict and mitigate problems. I’m expecting that better and better models will be able to track long-term structural behavior such as creep and foundation settlement.

I would define “Intelligent Buildings” as those buildings that make use of current technology and knowledge in various disciplines of engineering to increase the efficiency of their construction, operation, and maintenance. I believe that all systems, including Structural, Electrical, HVAC, Building Envelope, and even Architectural can benefit from an informed approach to design and tracking of a building.

Hello,everyone~

My name is Xiang Li and I am a master student of Civil Engineering. I come from China and I choose this class because I am curious about it.I want to learn BIM and else tools that will be used in my future career.I think intelligent building is a kind of building that is smart and easy to administrate by human. It must be environmental friendly and energy saving.

Elda Cifligu Week 1 Intro

Hi everyone,

My name is Elda Cifligu. I am a senior in Architectural and Civil Engineering and my concentration is Structural Engineering. I came to the United States about 4 years ago from Greece to start at Drexel. 

I signed up for AE 510 because I wanted to learn more about BIM; I was introduced to this concept in AE 390 and I thought it would be a great experience to learn more. I do not have any other experience with BIM other that. I am expecting that this course will encourage me to research a lot about Intelligent Buildings.

My explanation of Intelligent Buildings is the integration of building systems that will improve the efficiency of the buildings and will reduce energy consumption levels.

First In-Class Blog

Hi, my name is Gabrielle Carpenter and I am a graduate student pursuing my M.S. in Structural Engineering.  I graduated in 2011 from Bucknell University and will be finished with my Masters degree in March.  After graduation I will be working for Clark Construction.  My expectation of the class is to learn more about BIM.  To me, the definition of an intelligent building is a building that has an integrated system that works without manual direction (like a thermostat, but on a much larger scale).

Jalpesh Patel Intro.

Hi, my name is Jalpesh Patel a junior at Drexel University majoring in Architectural/Civil Engineering BS/MS. I have some knowledge with 3D modeling with AutoCAD Revit, Catia, and Inventor which I gain from my previous coop employers. Other than these softwares everything else we do in this course will be pretty much new to me. Therefore taking this class I plan on widening my knowledge of more software used for integrated building modeling which I have not used previously. Integrated building is when all aspects of the building are worked and thought about together from the beginning which can lead to better efficiency in all aspects of a project from design to operation of the final product.      

Tom Ben-David

Hey class.

My name is Tom and I am a pre-junior, BS/MS student, with an HVAC concentration.

My experience with BIM is limited to classes I’ve taken in high school and at Drexel where I had to use AutoCAD and REVIT, as well as a summer internship at an interior design company where I used AutoCAD to create ID drawings. I am fairly familiar with both AutoCAD and REVIT but my experience with them professionally is limited.

My expectations from this course are to learn more about intelligent buildings, BIM, and explore more aspects of AE that might interest me.

The way I see intelligent building is a way to automate a buildings with sensors and programs to be able to control their own systems intelligently with minimal human interaction. Smart homes are part of intelligent building, as well as other systems that can make the building maintain itself better.

Mike Sawin Introduction

My name is Mike Sawin; I am a junior at Drexel doing the BS/MS program. I have a decent amount of experience using Revit; however I have only used it for basic design so I’m sure there are many things to still learn. In this class I expect to learn not just BIM but how the whole process of making a building intelligently works. My definition of intelligent building design is a design that uses integrated building design techniques. This approach leads to a building that feels much more whole instead of a building that feels like a shell designed by an architect, with a structure designed by an engineering, and HVAC trying to squeeze in between the beam where it can.

Kayleigh Houde

Background
My name is Kayleigh Houde and I am a fifth year senior in the Architectural Engineering program. In 2009, I began as a Mechanical Engineering intern at KlingStubbins. During my time at Kling, I developed an excellent foundation with Revit MEP, working alongside their Revit coordinator. Since leaving my first co-op, I have spent two and half years (both on and off of co-op) at Ballinger AE and have been the lead Revit coordinator for several projects. Most recently, I completed the entirety of the Revit mechanical design on a project for Boeing. In addition to this, I have developed the majority of Ballinger's Revit mechanical equipment family and schedule libraries that are utilized in projects throughout the company. 

Expectations
Through this course, I am hoping to expand my knowledge of BIM technologies as well as databases. In previous courses that I have taken with  Dr. Mitchell, I have learned a great deal and I expect that this course will not be an exception.

Definition of Intelligent Building

In my opinion, intelligent building encompasses all technologies which allow our engineering calculations and vision to be enhanced. In my experience, creating a solid foundation of these technologies within architecture and engineering companies enhances the vision for the building at hand when presenting to the owner and avoids conflicts between disciplines that may have occured with two-dimensional technologies.

Issa Haddad

Background

Hello Class,

My name is Issa Haddad. I am currently a senior majoring in civil engineering and concentrating in structural engineering. I do not have any kind of formal training in BIM or databases. I have mostly worked on stormwater management and erosion settlement control while on co-op. 

Expectations

My expectations are to be able to use Revit at a proficient level so that I could possibly use the new skills in a future job position. I also hope to learn a lot about intelligent building design so that I can take what I have learned and use it in the field.

Definition of intelligent building

I guess my definition on an intelligent building is that the building can adapt to the needs of the occupants. It can also give the occupants statistics like energy use, efficiency of certain systems, if a system needs maintenance, if something can be improved by changing a component, etc.

Brian Hindes

AE-510 Winter 2013

Introduction

                My name is Brian Hindes, and I am senior AE student with a concentration in structures.  My experience with BIM comes from previous class projects with Professor Mitchell and work I did during my second and third co-ops.  For my last two co-ops I worked at an AE firm called EwingCole.  This firm consisted of about 300 architects, engineer, designers, and planners.  Revit was beginning to be used to design more and more projects during my time there, and a few projects where I was heavily involved in.  I began doing small clean up tasks within Revit, and by the time I finished there I was modeling major building components.

               What I expect to gain from this class is a further understanding of the integration of the various disciplines during a building design, and how BIM can help mitigate future problems with the design that previously would have gone unnoticed.

                To me, "Intelligent Buildings" not only means buildings that have the latest technology regarding sensors and energy efficiency, but also intelligent design.  Meaning, during the design phase all of the disciplines work together instead of around each other to develop the best building possible.