The History of Industrial Innovation and Technology
When that first caveman clapped two rocks together, not only did he ignite a fire, but he also ignited a technical revolution. From there came cooking, smelting, tools, wheels, agriculture, civilization, and finally the digital age. Let us discuss this evolution of advances in technology and where it has led us.
The Steam Engine
1698 Thomas Savery, a miner and engineer invented the steam engine. By 1705 this machine was used for pumping water out of mines. Others like Thomas Newcomen saw the benefits of such a device. In 1711, Newcomen innovated the steam engine to make the atmospheric engine. Using his innovation, water could be easily transported throughout towns.


Additionally, the machine was used for effectively countering flooding. Decades passed with no innovations to the atmospheric engine until James Watt entered the scene. Watt, a Scottish innovator from Glasgow University rebuilt Newcomen’s original steam engine and took it to a level past that of Newcomen.
Watt solved the atmospheric engine’s overheating issues and added a centrifugal governor to allow for speed control. Afterward, every production facility and transportation service were using Watt’s engine.

This behemoth of a machine is what led to the industrial revolution.
Technological Growth
Since then, technology has thrived greatly. New tech is appearing every year, aiding production and the R&D of new technology. The exponential growth of technology has advanced so much that now we are developing applications that research, develop, and act for us. Such is artificial intelligence (AI). But to continue the human progression and the expansion of technology, AI must be utilized especially in the transportation industry.

From steam engines to jet planes, transport vehicles have gotten better, faster, sturdier, and more accessible. Now, it is time for them to become smarter. In our next journal article, we will take a look at how the transportation industry is ongoing its own technological revolution in its shift towards automation over land, on the sea, and in the skies.
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