| . |
|
Feedback is the Answer
On September 11, the world witnessed how useful technology, when placed in
the wrong hands, can be used to destroy. Feedback from flight simulators enabled two terrorist-pilots to learn to fly without ever controlling a real
airplane. A quote from Henry George, operator of the SimCenter School where the two had taken flight lessons, describes how a technologist
might feel when technology is misused. "To think that I helped in any way their terrible cause, that my skills were used for such a terrible deed," he
said.
While we must be aware of the potential misuses of innovation, we must also
continue to employ the latest technology to protect lives and well-being. For every evil and wrongful use of technology, there may be thousands of
beneficial uses of the same. Technology was used to destroy many lives but
technology will be employed, perhaps in innovative new ways, to protect against future tragedies.
"Feedback technology" will undoubtedly take a prominent role in preventing
harmful use of technology. Verifying authorized pilots and securing against
unauthorized entry of people and materials will require sensing and reporting techniques.
Medical devices must also provide feedback to reduce the risk of misuse.
The "flashback" feature of the Koala® IUP catheter provides assurance that
the device is placed in the amniotic space to reduce the risk of placental
abruption and other complications.
Recently, we added a traction force indicator to the
Kiwi™ vacuum extraction
device. This gauge reports the force being used to assist in delivery of the fetus, reducing the risk of trauma to mother and baby. High in the
Himalayan Mountains of Nepal, this same traction gauge is used to help midwives sense proper traction forces. Here, where C-sections are
non-existent, feedback, with training from an OB from the H.E.L.P.
organization (Health Environmental Learning Program), is saving the lives of
the mothers and infants.
|
|
. |
