THERE have been major engineering infrastructure achievements locally that have contributed to both the social and economic development of the country, but more investment is needed to prepare for and adapt to changing conditions and to withstand and recover rapidly from disruptions. But while acknowledging this, President of the Jamaica Institution of Engineers (JIE) Marvin Campbell says more investment is needed to boost Jamaica’s resilience.

Speaking at the JIE Engineer’s Week conference at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel on October 3, Campbell said, “The extensive flooding from the recent impact of Tropical Storm Ian has shown that the stormwater drainage infrastructure across the country requires significant improvement to preserve property, life, and to foster business continuity. Billions of dollars continue to be lost to this perennial problem as we fail to invest in the engineering solutions.”

On the positive side, he said, “We have seen the impact the 1970 construction of the Causeway bridge from Newport West in Kingston to Port Henderson in St Catherine had on the subsequent explosion of housing developments in Portmore, St Catherine, and subsequent Portmore toll road. The Jamaica North-South Highway project has significantly reduced our transportation time from Kingston to the north coast while stimulating tourism and commerce. Modern combined cycle power plants, such as the South Jamaica Power Company and Bogue Power Plant, have resulted in greater efficiency in power generation, improved grid stability, and fuel diversification as we transition from fossil fuels (heavy fuel oils, automotive diesel oil, and liquefied natural gas) to a greater penetration of renewable energy sources. Wigton Wind Farms, Content Solar Projects, and Paradise Park Solar Project are essential renewable energy projects to address climate change and reduce our dependence on foreign oil,” Campbell expanded.

Further, he noted, engineering achievements like Caribbean Cement Company’s Kiln 5 construction and the planned expansion has been critical in securing cement for our local and Caribbean construction industry that remained robust during COVID-19.

Tank Weld Metals’ Port Rio Bueno has been critical in navigating the global supply chain and logistic challenges to ensure critical construction materials are available.

Acknowledging numerous scholars and global pioneers in the field of engineering and the evolution beyond the primary disciplines of civil, electrical, mechanical, and chemical, Campbell said that, “With several sub-disciplines and interdisciplines, engineering today is very dynamic and we cannot remain relevant and competitive in the new normal and adequately serve the needs of our nation by ignoring emerging technological and industry trends. These trends are changing the engineering landscape and jobs of the future.”

Among these advances he named artificial intelligence (AI), which involves using computer systems to perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence or physical input utilised in computer search engines, medical diagnosis, handwriting recognition, and much more. The proliferation of AI is happening rapidly and will continue to act as a main technological innovator for the near future.

Campbell also mentioned virtual reality (VR), which immerses a user in an environment, and augmented virtual reality, which enhances the environment, both of which have potential not just in gaming but also in training, entertainment, education, marketing, and much more.

“From training doctors for surgery to enhancing customer experience, there will be an increasing demand for knowledge in these technologies. The implementation and development of VR in engineering can reduce model design time by 10 per cent and construction time by seven per cent,” he shared.

Noting that modern creations are increasingly being built with Wi-Fi connectivity, Campbell said, “The Internet of things is the future, enabling devices, appliances, cars, and much more to be connected using the Internet [IoT).”

“Industry has a lot to gain from the implementation of the IoT, enabling for better safety, efficiency, and decision-making. It can enable predictive maintenance, enhance medical care, and improve customer service.

“Other products like 5G, which enable us to browse the Internet, use data services, stream music, and much more, are expected to revolutionise our daily lives. By enabling services that rely on advanced technologies, 5G has the potential to make our lives smarter, safer, and more efficient. It is expected to be used in factories, safety, traffic management, smart grid control, and much more.”

Campbell predicted that robotics, drones, and vehicle automation advances in machine learning and automation are ushering in the new age of digital assistants.

“Drones, automated vehicles, and robots will be further integrated into our daily lives, seamlessly assisting in transportation, communication, and productivity. AI-powered drones help farmers keep a wide eye on their property, such as using thermal imaging to identify praedial larceny,” he said.