Current Trends Shaping The Future Of Electrical Engineering
The future of electrical engineering is here! Stay caught up. Prepare for success with StudyForFE’s FE Electrical Exam Prep course.
As the digital transformation continues to shape the future of electrical engineering, professionals must adapt to the evolving technological landscape. Integrating artificial intelligence and search engine optimization (AI SEO) into this field brings challenges and opportunities. How can you position yourself to thrive amidst these changes and advancements? By exploring future trends and insights in electrical engineering, you can stay ahead of the curve and drive innovation in your career.
Looking to explore the future trends and insights in the field of electrical engineering? StudyForFE’s FE electrical exam prep review course is your go-to resource. With our guidance, you can stay updated on the latest AI SEO and electrical engineering developments while preparing to ace your exams and excel in your career.
What Is Electrical Engineering?
Electrical engineering is a discipline concerned with studying, designing, and applying equipment, devices, and systems that use:
- Electricity
- Electronics
- Electromagnetism
It emerged as an identifiable occupation in the latter half of the 19th century after the commercialization of:
- Electric telegraph
- Telephone
- Electrical power generation
- Distribution and use
Electrical engineering is divided into various fields, including:
- Computer engineering
- Systems engineering
- Power engineering
- Telecommunications
- Radio-frequency engineering
- Signal processing
- Instrumentation
- Photovoltaic cells
- Electronics
- Optics
- Photonics
Many of these disciplines overlap with other engineering branches, spanning many specializations, including:
- Hardware engineering
- Power electronics
- Electromagnetics and waves
- Microwave engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Electrochemistry
- Renewable energies
- Mechatronics/control
- Electrical materials science
Current Trends Shaping The Future Of Electrical Engineering
Electric Vehicles
The market for electric vehicles (EVs) has surged in the U.S. as the motor vehicle industry attempts to cut climate-warming tailpipe emissions.
Electric Vehicle Surge
According to Argonne National Laboratory, sales of plug-in vehicles were up 47% in January 2023 compared to the previous year.
EV Market Transformation
EVs accounted for almost 8% of all light-duty vehicles sold. As automakers ramp up production, those numbers could increase substantially over the coming decade. S&P Global Mobility projects that EVs will make up 40% of new vehicle sales by 2030.
Plug-In Sales Soar
Electrical engineers are needed to design and develop EVs, including their:
- Engines
- Batteries
- Electrical systems
EV Market Share Rises
Electrical engineers are also involved in creating charging station networks for EVs to make long-distance travel practical.
Automaker Production Ramps Up
The IIJ Act will invest $7.5 billion of federal money into constructing 500,000 charging stations, up from 147,000 at the end of 2022. But that figure may be just a start.
EV Sales Poised for Boom
S&P Global Mobility projects that by 2030, the U.S. will need 2.3 million public charging stations to service a fleet of 28 million EVs.
Wearable Technology
Wearable technology has advanced significantly since the first Bluetooth headset was introduced in 2000. According to Allied Market Research, global sales of all types of wearable technology are growing 12.8% per year and will reach $184 billion by 2031. The top categories of wearable technology relate to lifestyle.
Fitness & Health Tracking
Health and fitness devices can monitor health indicators, like heart rate, while tracking physical activity, like steps. Smartwatches do much more than tell time. They can:
- Communicate via voice, text, and email
- Track vital signs
- Make electronic payments
Beyond Timekeeping
Smart glasses offer voice-controlled access to the Internet, including services such as:
- Search
- Communications
- Video streaming
- Augmented reality
Biometric Clothing
Smart clothing incorporates sensors that can measure and share biometric data with apps. It can track heartbeat and respiration to adjust personal workout plans.
Smart Grids
Homes and buildings use 75% of U.S. electricity. By communicating with the electric grid, users can consume more power when demand is low and less when demand is high, cutting costs and the need for new power plants.
Smart Meters Save Energy
According to Oak Ridge National Laboratory, a community in Hoover, Alabama, that uses smart electric meters uses 44% less energy than all-electric communities with conventional meters.
Smart Grid Investments Grow
Since 2007, the federal Smart Grid Investment Grant program has led to $8 billion in combined public and private investments in smart grids, much of it to utilities for installing smart meters.
Grid Tech Expands
The IIJ Act will invest another $3 billion in smart grids and buildings and develop a more comprehensive range of technologies. This will include solar photovoltaic cells, electric battery storage, and advanced control measures for adding and removing load to and from grids.
Robotics, Automation, and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Automakers have long used robots to help assemble cars. Automation has recently expanded into other manufacturing areas, such as:
- Pharmaceuticals
- Food
- Plastics
- Rubber
- Semiconductors
AI-Powered Automation
Grand View Research reports that the worldwide industrial automation and control systems market was $172 billion in 2022, growing 10.5% annually. The incorporation of AI is making automation more powerful and efficient. It enables robots to learn from experience, performing more precise and complicated tasks.
Safety Through Automation
Combining automation and AI can enhance safety by interpreting data from machinery sensors. Smart manufacturing systems can spot malfunctions and shut down production lines. Remotely operated drones can survey hazardous situations, like downed power lines, before workers enter.
Internet of Things (IoT) Devices
The Internet of Things (IoT) embeds computer chips and sensors in equipment, allowing them to communicate and be controlled over the Internet. Such devices can also be programmed to act independently, like changing temperatures, without human direction.
Widespread IoT Growth
IoT equipment can range from household devices like refrigerators and thermostats to industrial tools. Fortune Business Insights expects the global IoT market to grow from $478 billion in 2022 to $2.5 trillion by 2029.
Industry Embraces IoT
On the industrial side, the most prominent users will be:
- Health care
- Manufacturing
- Telecommunications
- Financial services
Wireless Power Transfer
Wireless power transfer (WPT), or wireless energy transfer, transmits electrical energy from a power source to a receiver without using interconnecting wires. WPT systems use time-varying electromagnetic fields for energy transmission.
These systems ride along the same fields and waves as wireless communication devices. Essentially, a receiver in a device picks up the power, allowing:
- Contactless charging
- Powering
- Data communication
Developed by MIT physicists, wireless power transfer eliminates the need to chase chargers or untangle dozens of cords and cables. This technology transfers power to devices through:
- Plastic
- Granite
- Wood
- Air.
Related Reading
- Is Electrical Engineering Hard
- Electrical Engineering Internship
- What Do Electrical Engineers Do
- Electrical Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering Projects
- How Hard Is Electrical Engineering
- Electrical Engineer Education Requirements
- Electrical Engineering Interview Questions
Impact On Various Industries
Electrical Engineering Impact on Healthcare
Imagine a world where your doctor can diagnose illnesses with pinpoint accuracy and treat them with advanced, minimally invasive technology.
Medical Tech Revolution
That’s where electrical engineering is taking us. Innovations in medical devices and diagnostic equipment, such as wearable health monitors and advanced imaging systems, are becoming game-changers.
Real-Time Health Data
These devices continuously collect data, providing real-time insights into our health. This means better, faster, and more personalized patient care.
Precision Care for Patients
Electrical engineering makes healthcare more innovative and efficient, helping doctors make better decisions and patients get the care they need sooner.
Electrical Engineering Impact on Automotive Industry
The automotive industry is undergoing a revolution, and electrical engineering is at the heart of it. Thanks to advancements in battery technology and charging infrastructure, electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more popular.
EVs: Clean and Green
These vehicles are:
- Cleaner
- More environmentally friendly
- Increasingly more affordable and reliable
Autonomous Safety
The rise of autonomous driving technology is making our roads safer. Electrical engineers are developing sophisticated sensors and control systems that allow cars to:
- Navigate traffic
- Avoid obstacles
- Communicate with each other
Self-Driving Future
Imagine sitting back and relaxing while your car drives you to work – that’s the future we’re heading towards.
Electrical Engineering Impact on Telecommunications
The future of telecommunications is all about speed and connectivity, and electrical engineering is driving this forward.
Ultra-Fast Connectivity
The development of 5G and beyond promises lightning-fast data transfer speeds and incredibly low latency.
This means:
- Smoother video calls
- Faster downloads
- Ability to connect more devices than ever before
Connected Entertainment
Think about how this can enhance everything from streaming your favorite shows to playing video games with friends across the globe. With the Internet of Things (IoT) becoming more prevalent, everything from your fridge to your car can stay connected and communicate seamlessly, making our lives more convenient and efficient.
Electrical Engineering Impact on Consumer Electronics
Regarding consumer electronics, the future is bright and incredibly exciting. Electrical engineering is paving the way for smarter, more intuitive devices that can transform our daily lives.
Predictive Technology
Picture a home where your appliances communicate with each other to optimize energy use or a personal assistant that can predict your needs before you even ask.
Seamless User Experience
From advanced smartphones and wearable tech to smart home devices and beyond, electrical engineering enhances user experiences in ways we couldn’t have imagined a few years ago. It’s about making technology more accessible, user-friendly, and integrated into everyday life.
What Are Common Electrical Engineering Careers?
Broadcast Engineer
Broadcast engineers maintain broadcasting equipment, which can range from consoles in studios and control rooms to transmission towers.
They also monitor and troubleshoot equipment while a station is on the air. As of February 2023, the median annual salary for broadcast engineers was around $65,600.
Substation Technician
Substation technicians work on the design and maintenance of electric substations which distribute power to homes and businesses.
The job requires knowledge of equipment such as circuit breakers and transformers, an understanding of schematic diagrams, and strict attention to safety. As of January 2023, the median annual salary for substation technicians was around $77,700.
Controls Engineer
Controls engineers design devices that regulate the operations of machines and manufacturing processes in the safest and most efficient manner.
Control System Lifecycle
These systems can range from electrical grids to motor vehicles to aerospace components. Control engineers also:
- Maintain
- Test
- Update existing control systems
In February 2023, the median annual salary for control engineers was around $81,300.
Systems Engineer
Systems engineers design and set up power systems. These can range from systems within a building or complex, to an entire power grid. Systems engineers may also design:
- Computer systems
- Computer chips
- Robotics.
As of February 2023, the median annual salary for systems engineers was around $84,200.
Electrical Project Manager
Electrical project managers oversee the design, building, and installation of electrical systems. Those systems can be in homes, commercial or industrial buildings, or electric power construction, such as substations.
The work combines electrical engineering knowledge with managerial skills for:
- Overseeing staff
- Budgets
- Schedules.
The median annual salary for electrical project managers was approximately $87,500 in February 2023.
Hardware Engineer
Hardware engineers do the design work for computer systems and their components. They:
- Assess user needs
- Set specifications
- Test prototypes
- Work with software developers to create more powerful machines
The median annual salary for hardware engineers was $91,300 in February 2023.
Computer Network Architect
Network engineers design, maintain, and secure computer networks, such as LANs and intranets, in large companies.
Their duties combine knowledge of electrical engineering and computer science with attention to details such as equipment compatibility. As of February 2023, the median salary for computer network architects was $124,300 a year.
Trusted FE and PE Exam Prep
StudyForFE is an online exam preparation platform founded by Wasim Asghar, a licensed Professional Engineer with over 15 years of industry experience. We offer comprehensive review courses like the FE Electrical Exam Prep Review Course and PE Power Exam Preparation Course to help students pass the:
- Fundamentals of Engineering (FE)
- Professional Engineering (PE) exams
How Promising Is A Career In Electrical Engineering: Job Outlook For Electrical Engineers
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the career outlook for electrical engineers is quite promising. With employment projected to grow by 7% from 2020 to 2030, nearly 23,000 new job openings are anticipated each year over the decade.
Rising Demand
This growth in employment opportunities is a testament to the increasing demand for skilled professionals in this vital field. By 2030, the number of electrical engineers employed in the solar energy industry is expected to grow by nearly 25 percent, reflecting electrical engineers’ significant role in the renewable energy sector.
Solar Power Surge
Additionally, the number of electrical engineers employed in the wind energy industry is projected to grow by almost 52 percent, showcasing the growing importance of their expertise in sustainable energy solutions.
Lucrative Salaries
As of May 2020, the median annual wage for electrical engineers was $100,830, with the highest ten percent earning more than $159,520. This information reminds us of the attractive compensation packages and financial incentives awaiting those entering the field.
Top Earning Potential
Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution are among the highest paying industries for electrical engineers, promising generous remuneration for those ready to embark on this exciting and dynamic career path.
Benefits & Growth
Electrical engineers are well-compensated and will also find many attractive benefits packages in today’s job market. With the continued growth in renewable energy projects and technological advancements powering the industry forward, the future is bright for those considering a career in electrical engineering.
Rewarding Career Path
The field continues to offer a vibrant tapestry of opportunities for individuals seeking a challenging yet rewarding career.
Original source: Current Trends Shaping The Future Of Electrical Engineering
