By Decire Gonzalez KC'S BLOG • • • • • 0 Comments

The Engineering Behind the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloons

November 24 is Thanksgiving, and while we will spend time around the dinner table next Thursday evening, many people will kick off the day by watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

If you’ve ever wondered about all the science and engineering behind the parade, read on.

When engineering a new balloon design, creators first sketch out a diagram, which is examined and adjusted by engineering experts, to ensure that the design will safely float. Then dimensions are determined and a real-size clay model of the design is created, to calculate how much fabric and helium is needed.

The float then goes through months of testing, conducted by dozens of handlers. The tests are to ensure proper inflation and deflation, easy handling, etc. Then the finishing touches are added to the balloon.

Fun Facts:

  •  It takes 90 minutes to inflate a parade balloon and 15 minutes to deflate one.
  • The average balloon requires 12,000 cubic feet of helium. That’s enough to fill about 2,500 bathtubs.
  • Balloon pilots must attend training and must be able to walk the parade route backwards. Balloon handlers support the pilot and help maintain control of the balloons. They must weigh at least 120 pounds and be in good health.

For more information about this year’s parade, go to: https://www.macys.com/social/parade/

 

By Decire Gonzalez KC'S BLOG • • • • • • 0 Comments

What is Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning?

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are the two interconnected digital technologies that have been transforming engineering designs side by side. According to Britannica, AI is defined as “the ability of a digital computer or computer-controlled robot to perform tasks commonly associated with intelligent beings.” While ML is defined by IBM.com as “a branch of AI and computer science which focuses on the use of data and algorithms to imitate the way that humans learn, gradually improving its accuracy.”

In 1964, John McCarthy, a professor at Stanford University teaching computer science, coined the term AI. AI is designed to simulate human intelligence based on behaviors such as reflexivity, memory, theory of mind, and self-awareness. These behaviors are controlled by triggers and commands and can be simulated. ML was created to assist software programs in making more accurate predictions from historical data. Reinforcement learning, supervised learning, and unsupervised learning are the three types of ML algorithms.

Some examples of digital technologies that use AI and ML in our daily lives include text editors, autocorrect, maps, and navigation systems. Additionally, because it enables more accurate engineering designs, AI and ML have developed into crucial identifying tools. Engineers can adapt each design using the software to the demands and preferences of the client. Also, the software can handle minor issues by itself, freeing up engineers to work on more difficult issues.

Due to their ability to speed up and boost the efficiency of work, AI and ML software will continue being the present and future of engineering designs.

 

By Decire Gonzalez KC'S BLOG • • • • • • 0 Comments

International Women in Engineering Day

Thursday, June 23rd, will mark the 6th International Women in Engineering Day (INWED). Initially, popularity and enthusiasm for the day expanded the celebration from its concentrated origin in the United Kingdom to become a worldwide event.

Originally launched in 2014 by the Women’s Engineering Society (WES), INWED sought to recognize and celebrate the presence and importance of women in engineering. INWED’s website calls the day “an accessible and inspiring way for companies, institutions, organizations, schools, universities, and individuals to raise the profile of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) and related sectors, showcase a commitment to diversity, and inspire future generations by organizing their own events and activities.”

WES’ own mission to be active supporters of women, collaborators with government agencies and policy makers, and challengers of stagnant cultures merges into the yearly celebration of INWED.

This year’s theme, #Inventors&Innovators, will focus on highlighting the work women engineers around the world are doing to build a better future. INWED will focus on encouraging all supporting groups to organize events in support of INWED. Some examples on how to get involved, according to the campaign website, include becoming a STEM ambassador; hosting a networking, mentoring, careers, or social event; signing up to their newsletter and following their social media accounts, such as Twitter and Instagram at @INWEB1919, and joining WES as a corporate partner; and / or promoting this year’s theme with the #Inventors&Innovators and #INWEB22 hashtags.

For more information about INWED and how you or your organization can participate, visit www.inwed.org.uk.

 

By Decire Gonzalez KC'S BLOG • • • • • 0 Comments

What Challenges is the Engineering Industry Facing?

What common challenges is the engineering industry facing in today’s society?

It’s no secret that the engineering industry uses their knowledge in creative ways to find solutions, even while the world has been rapidly changing. Engineers are known throughout history to be the ones to make things happen regardless of what issues the world could be facing. Today’s challenges are no different, which is why engineers are working around the clock to build a sustainable world. However, in order to build a sustainable world, the engineering industry needs to tackle internal challenges, including skill and staff shortages, and the lack of female and minority presence.

There is an engineering skills gap and, in order to overcome the skill and staff shortage of engineers, we need evaluate the root causes of the issues. A root issue is the lack of knowledge regarding what engineers do. When there is not enough awareness on the subject, this turns into a lack of opportunity for future generations. A way to help fix the engineering skills gap is to educate the up-and-coming generations in schools; having knowledge about the different branches of engineering and what each specializes in can spike kids’ curiosity about the industry. This also shows that engineering is not just one general subject, but that there is a variety of branches to choose from depending on their interests.

The lack of female and minority presence has been an ongoing challenge in the engineering industry, and this is caused by misconception and underrepresentation. One of the root issues is the perceived culture of engineering, where the industry is known as male dominant. Due to the low percentage of female in the industry, most companies tend to have less consideration of women’s needs, which causes toxic work environments and leads women to leave the industry sooner than men. Also, the lack of representation of women and minority engineers shows that there is no example for the future generation of engineers to follow, which leads to discouragement. Creating a welcoming environment for both women and minorities is one of the tools to overcome this challenge in the engineering industry.

The engineering industry needs to build a new image and show the future generations that the engineering industry is for everyone. An inclusive industry will be the solution to these challenges because as technology advances, the engineering industry will face larger scale problems and the best way to tackle these current and future issues is by having a large range of diverse minds working together.

 

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It’s Our Anniversary!

This month we are celebrating the 39th anniversary of KC Engineering and Land Surveying, P.C. (KC). So, it’s a perfect occasion to look back and celebrate KC’s achievements over the years and thank everyone that contributed to them.

As we have always envisioned, KC rapidly continues to grow, taking on and successfully completing major projects throughout mid-Hudson Valley and New York metropolitan area. This success is thanks to our vision to always provide the best results to our clients. We are able to provide the best results on each project we take by staying up-to-date with the latest technology and continuously training our personnel with the latest procedures. Our personnel are always learning on and off the field and their dedication to grow is evidenced with each project and the results we achieve. We have successfully completed multiple multi-billion-dollar projects on time and within budget, and we are looking forward to continuing delivering successful projects. We believe there is always room to learn and to never stop improving, which is why our employees also continue to grow professionally and personally. As a token of appreciation, every year we announce on our newsletter each personnel that we promote, any licenses they have obtained, and/or any personal achievements they want to share with KC. We are grateful to have such talented, dedicated, and passionate employees who value KC and what we stand for. We also recognize the importance of our clients and colleagues who have trusted us for many years and contributed to our success. We are honored, thankful, and value all KC employees, clients, and colleagues for being part of our success over the years.

To stay up-to-date on all of KC’s achievements and news, please visit kcepc.com.

Happy anniversary KC!