Types of Technology

Since technology can be so simple or so complex, there are many types of technology. One type is mechanical technology, which includes wheels, cams, levers, gears, belts, and engines. Things that turn, or allow motion in one direction to cause a different kind of motion, are mechanical. The wheel is probably one of the most important technological advances in human history, and yet it’s super simple.

Perhaps the type of technology that we’re most familiar with in modern life is electronic technology, usually just called electronics, which is a complex form of technology that uses electric circuits to achieve a goal. Electric circuits can also vary in complexity. If you have a look at a circuit board with dozens of apparently random pathways mixed in with various components, you know how complex electronics can be. But, anything that runs on electricity is electronic. This includes computers, washing machines, dryers, MP3 players, car radios, televisions—anything you plug into the wall outlet. You can also split technology into types based on purpose. There’s industrial and manufacturing technology, medical technology, communications technology, and others.

Industrial and manufacturing technology is technology with the goal of either producing a product on a large scale, or performing another large-scale function where customers are not directly present. For example, you might be manufacturing cars or generating electricity. Cars are created using mechanical robots, which is very advanced technology.

Medical technology is technology that serves the purpose of diagnosing, treating, or preventing disease. This can include things like MRI scanners, which take images of the inside of the human body; ventilators, which breathe for people; or even simply drugs and medicines that people take to make them better.

Technology: Identification Exercise

In this activity, you will check your knowledge regarding the types of technology presented in the lesson.

Guidelines

For this activity, identify whether the highlighted word in each of the given scenarios is an example of a mechanical, electronic, industrial, medical, or communications technology. To do this, you must right-click and print this page. With a pencil and an eraser, neatly write your answers in the blank space provided.

_______________ 1. Cochlear implants are used to enhance the hearing of people with auditory nerve damage.

_______________ 2. The agitator in a washing machine twists and turns during the machine’s wash cycle

_______________ 3. A robotic arm is used to conduct bomb disarmament and disposal.

_______________ 4. The brakes on a bicycle push the brake pads on the front tire, to reduce the speed.

_______________ 5. Distance learning among individuals is aided by video conferencing applications.

_______________ 6. Automated phone systems are used by business companies to promote new products or services to targeted consumers.

_______________ 7. Cathode-ray tubes in televisions have now been replaced with energy-saving LED technology.

_______________ 8. Fast chargers can rapidly charge the phone without damaging any of the cells in the battery.

_______________ 9. Brain sensors monitor pressure and temperature within patients who suffer from severe brain injuries.

_______________ 10. Changing gears in a car is necessary to either increase speed, increase force, or change direction.

Answer Key

1. Medical
2. Mechanical
3. Industrial
4. Mechanical
5. Communications
6. Communications
7. Electronic
8. Electronic
9. Medical
10. Mechanical