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Recently, machine learning and deep learning algorithm are frequently mentioned in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) development. As a student without programming backgrounds, I always wondering what exactly is deep learning and how it is used in the application. Oleksii Kharkovyna (2019) gives a clear and brief explanation that for the greatest extent, deep learning is based on a concept of human brains and is to learn from the interaction of brain neurons (Kharkovyna 2019). The deep learning algorithm is modeled after the neural networks and interactions in the neocortex of human brains, where high-level cognition occurs (Kharkovyna 2019). In the brain, a neuron (same as a cell) transmits any information to other neurons, forming a neural network. Similarly, in machines, the neurons are virtual, consisting of bits of codes running complicated and nonlinear statistical regressions (Kharkovyna 2019). The detail of the process can be vividly presented in the figure below. The processes or iterations will not stop until the output has reached an acceptable level of accuracy.

With this basic concept in my mind, when I looked at my iPhone and used Face ID to unlock it, I thought that Face recognition technology must also involve deep learning. The answer is definitely a yes and it has been researched that deep learning is the most appropriate approach to enable a computer to determine the characteristics that needed to be collected in facial recognition (Kharkovyna 2019). Deep learning shows excellent ability in learning image features based on 2 neural network types: convolutional neural networks (CNN) and deep auto-encoder networks (Fenjiro 2017). CNN is used for image segmentation and image compression, whilst deep auto-encoder networks shrink image representation into a simple vector, minimizing the time of searching (Fenjiro 2017).

It was Apple who uses Face ID (the facial recognition technology) when launched its new iPhone in 2017, iPhone X. The technology remains for the latest iPhones (iPhone 11 etc.) as well. It can also be used to enable payment, such as ApplePay and Alipay. Although Apple claimed to work hard to ensure Face ID cannot be spoofed by things like photographs and to continue improving this technology (Tillman 2019). It does have some shortcomings with Face ID. The first thing I was concerning is the safety issue. It is said that your twins (if you have one) or siblings might have the chance to unlock your phone. Additionally, sometimes people may not unlock it with make-up or without make-up. How can Apple work to solve this issue? In a new patent published by the USPTO, Apple details a method by which Face ID can be able to take advantage of subepidermal imaging, identifying features underneath the skin, such as blood vessels and veins (Heisler 2019). It is reported that the assessment of subepidermal imaging can distinguish users with closely related facial features (twins or siblings) during the facial recognition authentication process (Heisler 2019). That is because veins and blood vessels underneath our skin are unique and vary from users even with similar facial features. However, the authenticity of this claim remains to be proofed by the public.

Fenjiro 2017, ‘Face Id: Deep learning for face recognition’, Medium, viewed 13^th October 2019 at < https://medium.com/@fenjiro/face-id-deep-learning-for-face-recognition-324b50d916d1>.

Heisler 2019, ‘Apple is working on new technology that’ll take Face ID to the next level’, BGR, viewed on 12^th October 2019 at < https://bgr.com/2019/03/15/face-id-vs-twins-subepidermal-imaging-veins-blood-vessels/>.

Kharkovyna 2019, ‘An Intro to Deep Learning for Face Recognition’, DataScience, viewed 13^th October 2019 at < https://towardsdatascience.com/an-intro-to-deep-learning-for-face-recognition-aa8dfbbc51fb>.

Tillman 2019, ‘What is Apple Face ID and how does it work?’, viewed on 12^th October 2019 at < https://www.pocket-lint.com/phones/news/apple/142207-what-is-apple-face-id-and-how-does-it-work>.

 

 

 

 

 

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Emerging technologies such as 3D printing, Artificial Intelligence, Drones and cognitive systems are often referred to as “innovation accelerators” due to their disruptive impacts on markets and business (Lalchandni 2017). However, what may not be realized by people is that 3D printing has existed since the late 20th century with Charles “Chuck” Hull inventing stereolithography in 1984 (Pechter 2018).

The effects of 3D printing have been firstly discussed in the construction industry (Burger 2019). It is expected that 3D printing can lead to a reduced supply cost (Wollenhaupt 2019). China-based 3D printing construction company Winsun estimates that 3D printing will save construction companies up to 50% on the cost of building a house (Burger 2019). This reduced cost can help the construction company to obtain a cost leadership strategy (Amadeo 2019) to outperform its competitors within the traditional construction field who are not using 3D printing technology. Consequentially, considering that more and more companies might adapt to this technology, this contributes to increased competition amongst construction companies. Additionally, it is expected that consumers can benefit from lower prices caused by increased competition among construction companies (Burger 2019).

Also, 3D printing has disruptive effects on other industries. In the fashion industry, many fashion companies have tapped into the power of 3D printing to redefine clothing and accessories (Alexander 2019). Additive manufacturing (3D printing) impacts fashion designers on testing and prototyping their designs (Alexander 2019), a process that originally was expensive and inaccessible for new fashion entrants. For example, high fashion designers, such as Iris Van Herpen, have created an entire collection of wearable clothing through 3D printing (Alexander 2019). In addition, Adidas is now moving ahead with plans to mass-produce 3D printed shoes through its partnership with Carbon, a 3D manufacturing company (Wollenhaupt 2019). Healthcare is also expected to benefit from 3D printing. Startups like MBC Biolabs have already developed ways to print functioning organs using 3D printing (Wollenhaupt 2019). In general, 3D printing reduces manufacturing costs in many ways, such as supply costs and R&D costs. It also promotes current business players to rethink their operations in the supply chain, such as finding new partners and redefining their competitors.

Taking these benefits into account, people might ask what is the future of 3D printing. Normally, people might expect a cool list referencing 3D printed organs, human augmentation, and life-size houses. However, the article written by Mika Yeap (2019) aims to explore a higher-level impact of 3D printing. He indicates that the most important aspects of 3D printing in the future is not a specific process or technology, it is democratization. As more and more have access to 3D technology, more and more people have the power to affect 3D printing as a whole (Yeap 2019). Taking the fashion industry as an example, 3D printing makes personalization and customization in an easier way. It can be expected in the near future that consumers can download fashion designs online and do a 3D printing themselves. In conclusion, 3D printing changes the way people doing business and changes consumer purchasing behaviors.

 

Alexander 2019, 7 Industries in 2019 That Are Currently Being Disrupted by 3D Printing, viewed at 8 October 2019, < https://interestingengineering.com/7-industries-in-2019-that-are-currently-being-disrupted-by-3d-printing>.

Amadeo 2019, What Is Competitive Advantage? Three Strategies That Work, theBalance, viewed at 8 October 2019, < https://www.thebalance.com/what-is-competitive-advantage-3-strategies-that-work-3305828>.

Burger 2019, The Effect of 3D Printing on Global Construction, viewed at 8 October 2019, <https://www.thebalancesmb.com/3d-printing-construction-industry-845342>.

Lalchandni 2017, Digital disruption and the evolution of 3D Printing, GulfNews, viewed at 10 October 2019, < https://gulfnews.com/technology/digital-disruption-and-the-evolution-of-3d-printing-1.2097316>.

Pechter 2018, History of 3D Printing – Who Invented the 3D Printer, viewed at <https://all3dp.com/2/history-of-3d-printing-who-invented-the-3d-printer/>.

Wollenhaupt 2019, One more product of 3D printing: supply chain disruption, viewed at 9 October 2019< https://www.supplychaindive.com/news/3D-printing-supply-chain-disruption-manufacturing/547615/>.

Yeap 2019, The Future of 3D Printing: A Glimpse at the Next Generation, All3DP, viewed at 10 October 2019 < https://all3dp.com/2/future-of-3d-printing-a-glimpse-at-next-generation-making/>.