Automation, innovation and soup: Morley takes on Houston for ISA Automation Week

摘要

Not too long ago, I was asked by Pat Gouhin, the fearless director of the International Society of Automation (ISA), to give the closing talk at the 2010 ISA Automation Week Technology and Solutions Conference held in Houston, Texas in October. A chance to speak unfettered? How could I resist? More on my gig later. I made my way down to Houston like I have in October for the last several years for the association's annual conference; though this year, the format was different, with more of a focus on the technical sessions rather than the exhibition. The show opened with keynote speaker Dean Kamen, inventor supreme. He is one of the founders of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), an organization to promote the recognition of engineering and technology among young students. His "business" model is based on the idea that sports in school gets the attention of students, so maybe we can do the same with technology. So far, it's working.