Popular Technology Degrees

3D Technology: It's Not Just for Movies Anymore

March 29, 2007
by Mary Hobson
Technology Schools Columnist

For the last 15 years, technology schools and auto companies have been developing 3D technology for automobile safety. The latest technology is offered through a partnership between Takata, a global manufacturer of automotive safety systems, and Tyxz, a privately funded company that is using research from Harvard, MIT, and Stanford to produce cost-effective 3D systems.

This kind of technology will allow Takata to design car safety systems that receive data from the outside environment as well as onboard electronics. For example, 3D technology can be used to track the movements of pedestrians, objects, and other cars. That information can be fed to an onboard safety system to help prevent accidents, either through warning the driver or slowing the car electronically.

Technology Opens New Doors

These advancements are only possible through the hard work and innovation of IT professionals, but there are more job openings than qualified candidates for many IT positions. This shortage is predicted to continue in the near future. Although the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a high demand for IT professionals in the coming years, undergraduate enrollment in information technology degree programs at schools across the country declined by as much 18% in 2004.

Career Prospects for Information Technology

A high demand and small supply of IT professionals means that career prospects are bright for students who earn a bachelor's or master's degree in information technology or computer science. We are living at a time where research and development has never been so exciting or so productive, and a degree in information technology or computer science gives you the opportunity to participate in the research and development of these new technologies.

If you are looking for a challenging and exciting career, then studying for an information technology degree or a computer science degree can help you get started in this fast-paced industry. Begin by researching the many technology schools around the country that offer either on-campus or online programs, and launch your IT career right now.

Sources:

• AutoBlog, "3-D Technology to watch for car safety"
• News.com, "Students saying no to computer science"
• PR NewsWire, "3D Vision Company Tyzx Receives Investment From Global Auto Supplier to Improve Vehicle and Pedestrian Safety"
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Computer Scientists and Database Administrators"

About the Author
Mary Hobson is the Head of IT School at a Polytechnic University in New Zealand. She also works as a freelance writer.