Presentation by Jim Conrad, UNC-Charlotte engineering professor on robotics and geoscience careers

1. James Conrad, jmconrad@uncc.edu
Assoc. Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering
UNC Charlotte
Technology in Geosciences
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Image from the iRobot Website

2. James Conrad - Quick Background
• Worked in industry and academia in embedded systems
and robotics.
• Consultant for iRobot Maritime Division
• Worked with students building underwater robotic vehicles
• Worked with students building geological sensing systems
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3. One Way to Get Involved …
Marine Technology Society, holds a
annual underwater Remotely Operated
Vehicle (ROV) competition.
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Image from the Marine Technology Society Website

4. Example of Technology in Geosciences
• “Instrumented” bolder,
measured temperature,
moisture, strain, sound.
• Recorded data, looking for
“cracking” or other events.
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5. Prepare Well for What You Want
User of technology (i.e. Geologist, Marine Scientist):
• Understand measurement systems (i.e. National
Instruments data collection systems)
• Understand sensor technology (pressure, moisture, strain,
temperature, humidity, sound, light)
• Understand data collection and statistics
• Able to use problem solving skills to draw conclusions
Creator/Designer of technology (i.e. Engineer)
• 4-year degree, Calculus, physics, disciplinary topics
Builder of systems using technology (i.e. Technician)
• 2 or 4-year degree, science, disciplinary topics
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6. Prepare Well for What You Want
User of technology (i.e. Geologist, Marine Scientist):
• Understand measurement systems (i.e. National
Instruments data collection systems)
• Understand sensor technology (pressure, moisture, strain,
temperature, humidity, sound, light)
• Understand data collection and statistics
• Able to use problem solving skills to draw conclusions
Creator/Designer of technology (i.e. Engineer)
• 4-year degree, Calculus, physics, disciplinary topics
Builder of systems using technology (i.e. Technician)
• 2 or 4-year degree, science, disciplinary topics
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