Tech Trends

Manufacturing: The Solution To The Jobs Crisis

January 28, 2013 1:02 pm | by CNN Money | Videos | Comments

Dow Chemical CEO and chairman Andrew Liveris says advanced manufacturing is coming back to America and will drive our economy. Liveris argues that technology became the new word for manufacturing since technology has to be researched and made.

Bendable Phones Are Bunk

January 28, 2013 8:00 am | by Chris Fox, Associate Editor, PD&D | Blogs | Comments

The age has come! Phones are now bendable and flexible while containing every nuance of your life. A recent AP story even said, “By showing off a phone with a flexible screen, Samsung is hinting at a day when we might fold up our large phone or tablet screens as if they were maps.” It’s the next revolution in electronics! Who hasn’t been chomping at the bit for this tech?

Manufacturers Cutting White-Collar Jobs Now, Too

January 24, 2013 2:21 pm | by Bernard Condon, Paul Wiseman, AP Business Writers | News | Comments

Manufacturers have been using technology to cut blue-collar jobs for years. Now, they're targeting their white-collar workers, too. Factory Automation Systems makes machines that help companies cut, bundle and load products faster and cheaper than humans can. But it didn't realize how much technology could help its own business until the Great Recession hit.

Boeing Battery Burn-Out

January 24, 2013 1:42 pm | by University of Michigan | Videos | Comments

University of Michigan Chemical Engineering Professor Levi Thompson discusses the grounding of the Boeing 787 jets due to battery malfunction. Thompson explains how overheating of Lithium Ion batteries could cause leaking of fluids, which may lead to ignition. For more information visit http://www.engin.umich.edu.

Is Innovation Booming Or Dead?

January 23, 2013 4:25 pm | by CNN Money | Videos | Comments

There's only a handful of things that have truly changed the way the human condition lives, says Time International Editor Jim Frederick. Indoor plumbing and the railway have created life as we know it, but has innovation now reached a wall? At a Time/CNNMoney panel at the World Economic Forum, CEOs talk about the state of innovation in the global economy.

3-D Printing Factory Boosts 'Made In USA'

January 23, 2013 4:20 pm | by CNN Money | Videos | Comments

New York manufacturer, Shapeways, opened its first U.S. factory where up to forty 3-D printers will make designer products to ship worldwide. Shapeways CEO, Peter Weijmarshauser, talks about the factory and the company's plans for the future.

The Reimagining Of American Muscle

January 23, 2013 4:14 pm | by CBS News | Videos | Comments

In 1963, the newly unveiled Stingray turned the Corvette into something really special, and now the Corvette Stingray is back and in a big way. CBS News' Lee Cowan takes a spin in the new car and talks about this iconic roadster's history.

Is Technology A Job Killer?

January 23, 2013 2:17 pm | by Bernard Condon, AP Business Writer | News | Comments

To workers being pushed out of jobs by today's technology, history has a message: You're not the first. From textile machines to the horseless carriage to email, technology has upended industries and wiped out jobs for centuries. It also has created millions of jobs, though usually not for the people who lost them.

TN Volkswagen Plant Powers Up Solar Park

January 23, 2013 2:12 pm | by Erik Schelzig, Associated Press | News | Comments

German automaker Volkswagen on Wednesday flipped the on switch for a new solar park at its Tennessee assembly plant. The 33-acre installation next to the Chattanooga plant has a capacity to produce more than 13 gigawatt hours of electricity per year. That's the equivalent of the amount of energy used by 1,200 area homes each year, according to Volkswagen.

iPhone Formula Needs A Shake-Up

January 23, 2013 12:49 pm | by Reuters | Videos | Comments

It's easy to forget just how amazing the Apple iPhone was when it made its market debut - it's the top product at the world's top company. But the iPhone formula needs a shake-up, before Apple loses the platform war to Google in price-sensitive emerging markets.

Can Apple Maintain Its Shine?

January 23, 2013 10:29 am | by Peter Svensson, AP Technology Writer | News | Comments

For many investors, Apple's best days are behind it. Competitors are catching up, they believe, and the latest iPhone is stumbling. The company's doubters have backed their conviction with billions of dollars. Last week, the stock fell below $500 for the first time in 11 months.

Eye-Control 'Magic' In Hyundai Concept Car

January 22, 2013 12:27 pm | by CNN Money | Videos | Comments

For automakers, distracted driving has become a major issue. At the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, Hyundai unveiled technology that they think will go a long way in solving that problem. Hyundai's car of the future uses retina scanning and gesture control to eliminate driver distraction and create a button free interior.

Batmobile Sells For $4.2M

January 21, 2013 2:30 pm | by The Associated Press | News | Comments

"Holy windfall, Batman!" The Batmobile just sold for $4.2 million. The original 19-foot-long black, bubble-topped car used in the 1960s "Batman" TV show sold at auction Saturday. The Barrett-Jackson Auction Co. in Scottsdale, Ariz., revealed the selling price but says the winning bidder has not been disclosed.

The Cockpit Of Your Future Car

January 18, 2013 1:52 pm | by CNN Money | Videos | Comments

At the Detroit Auto Show you can see how automakers are working to keep up with the pace and change of consumer electronics, including tablet computer technology that could soon replace many of the controls in your car for both drivers and passengers.

The Robot Waltz

January 16, 2013 3:05 pm | by CBS News | Videos | Comments

"Manufacturing automation" may not have a fun ring to it, but the 60 Minutes team spoke of nothing but fun after reporting "March of the Machines" for the broadcast this week. The story, reported by Steve Kroft, is about the new generation of robots marching out of the realm of science fiction and into mainstream manufacturing, medicine, and other industries.

A Police Car Loaded With Tech At CES 2013

January 16, 2013 3:03 pm | by unboxtherapy | Videos | Comments

This video shows a quick look at a futuristic police car from the show floor at CES 2013. This car packs a massive in-dash touchscreen connected to an in-trunk PC. It also features solar panels and a redesigned backseat. For more information visit www.youtube.com/unboxtherapy.

Corvette At 60 Resurrects The Stingray

January 16, 2013 3:00 pm | by ReutersVideo | Videos | Comments

Chevrolet introduced its latest Corvette, which has been called "the car of the show," at the North American International Auto Show. Reuters' Paul Ingrassia breaks down the highlights of the new model and delves into the legendary sports car's rich history.

Detroit Auto Show: What's Exciting This Year

January 16, 2013 2:58 pm | by CBS News | Videos | Comments

The North American International Auto Show is up and running in Detroit. Consumer Reports Cars managing editor Jonathan Linkov discusses this year's most exciting vehicles with the "CBS This Morning" co-hosts. A "green" Cadillac, an affordable Nissan Versa, and "the car of the show" - the Corvette Stingray - top the list.

Automakers Get A Triple Fuel Injection

January 16, 2013 1:05 pm | by ReutersVideo | Videos | Comments

Detroit is firing on all cylinders. Breakingviews' Antony Currie says Detroit automakers will benefit from new luxury cars, higher truck sales, and a rebounding economy. That should boost stock of major U.S. automakers, including Ford and GM.

Are Robots Hurting Job Growth?

January 15, 2013 1:28 pm | by CBS News | Videos | Comments

One of the hallmarks of the 21st century is that we are all having more and more interactions with machines, and fewer with human beings. Technological advances, especially robotics, are revolutionizing the workplace, but not necessarily creating jobs.

Photo Of The Day: Thomas Edison Visits Auto Show

January 15, 2013 10:40 am | by David Runk, Associated Press | News | Comments

Past met present at the auto show Monday when a holographic image of Thomas Edison was used to promote vehicles from electric truck and van maker VIA Motors. Bob Lutz, the retired General Motors executive who led development of the Chevy Volt, took to the stage at the North American International Auto Show to listen as a hologram of a person portraying the inventor gave advice about the potential for electric vehicles.

Apple Slices Orders, Bernanke To Talk Policy

January 14, 2013 1:06 pm | by ReutersVideo | Videos | Comments

Apple has cut orders for LCD screens and other parts for the iPhone 5 this quarter due to weak demand, the Nikkei reported. In other news, U.S. unemployment is expected to fall this year and chairman Ben Bernanke will give his first policy speech of the year later today.

Rolls-Royce CEO: Global Balance Is Key To Success

January 11, 2013 1:41 pm | by ReutersVideo | Videos | Comments

Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Muller Otvos takes Reuters for a ride in his Phantom to explain why global balance is the key to luxury success. The luxury end of the auto market is doing so much better than the mass market for the company because it is "very properly globally balanced," says Otvos.

MakerBot CEO Wants Easier 3-D Printing

January 10, 2013 12:22 pm | by CNN Money | Videos | Comments

MakerBot CEO Bre Pettis shows off the company's latest 3-D printers and says they want to make 3-D printing more approachable for users. He explains that MakerBot is an innovation company, and they make machines that help other people become innovative and make things.

A Touchscreen With A Pop-up Keyboard

January 9, 2013 2:54 pm | by CNN Money | Videos | Comments

Tactus Technology has developed a keyboard that rises up from a touchscreen when you need to type. Tactus Technology CEO, Greg Ciesla, demonstrates the technology that gives users all the advantages of a touchscreen, but converts to a tactile surface to make it easier to type.