Thursday, November 28, 2019

ASME Launches New ASME.org Website

ASME Launches New ASME.org Website ASME Launches New ASME.org Website ASME Launches New ASME.org WebsiteIf youre reading this sentence, youre on the new website. What you see here is just one of many new page designs on the new ASME.org. After you finish reading this article, we encourage you to explore the site and see for yourself. While youre here, check out the new My Account page and make sure your information and communication preferences are up-to-date. Itll help us keep in touch and better serve you with relevant information and content in the future. www.asme.org One of the main goals of the new website design is to improve the mobile web experience to better serve the increasing number of ASME constituents who primarily use their phones to visit websites and consume digital content. The new site was built using a technique known as responsive design, which enables better viewing and functionality on smartphones, tablets and other devices. Whether you wish to access edito rial content, find the latest society news, purchase a product, access your member benefits, update your account profile or any number of other ways to engage with ASME.org all of those experiences are now fully mobile-optimized with new page designs that look great and function well on any screen.Improved usability and navigation is another goal of the website redesign. The product pages, content pages, full checkout process including shopping cart, My Account page, and calendar of events were all revamped for better ease of use and faster access to information. The website also features a new millionenfach menu navigation that helps visitors see what pages are within each section of the site before they click making it easier to find information quickly by scanning the menu. This menu also contains links to critical tools and resources that are hosted outside of ASME.org, providing a shortcut to the most important websites and tools for each area of ASME all in one place. The new Mega Menu navigation bar expands to preview mora pages within each section of the website.We will also prominently highlight divisions and sections in the navigation via a permanent Sections Divisions link in the site header, appearing at the top of all website pages, as well as in a featured unit on the home page both will lead to a content page with relevant links for these key parts of the Society. The expanded Get Involved menu within the navigation bar also features access to divisions and sections, along with other opportunities to engage with the Society.Whether you are new to ASME and visiting the site for the first time or have been to the ASME.org many times before, it was critically important for the new website to be more intuitive and enable you to find what youre looking for without the trial and error clicking that many experienced on the old site, said Josh Heitsenrether, Managing Director, Marketing Digital Strategy. We wanted the experience of A SME.org to match what youd expect from other leading websites you visit. The millionenfach menu, the layout of the pages, the ability to filter and sort are all intended to make the site easier to use and come back to over and over again.Another change visitors will notice is the new Topics and Resources area of the site, which will be the new central hub for information, news, and thought leadership content all of which was previously scattered throughout separate sections of the website. Now, editorial content from the editors of ASME.org and Mechanical Engineering magazine, resources provided by contributors and collaborators, and society news will be available in a single stream that enables the reader to filter and sort the content as they wish based on source, content type and format. The flexibility of this new content area will enable expansion to include other types of news and information, such as news items from local sections or ASME Divisions. The new To pic Resources area home page and listing page showing one of the ways to filter content based on user preferencesCentralizing the content takes away the complexity of having to click to multiple hub pages to find the topic or type of content youre interested in. If, for example, you only want to view webinars on a specific topic, you can do that easily through the filter options, said Deborah Johnson, Director of Digital Operations. Weve made it much easier to find content all in one place and decide which content you want to view.The websites Search functionality also underwent a major upgrade as part of the redesign, which will result in more accurate and precise results for those using the search feature and the ability to refine results further using the search facets available on the page. This is powered by a new search engine and machine learning technology that has been running on the old website since January 2019 to learn about the sites search activity and deliver bette r results on the new website.The relaunch will be followed by a series of iterative releases over approximately 18months that will include new functionality, new content formats, and further enhancements to navigation. You can provide your feedback by taking a short survey here. A separate project is also slated to upgrade the Community area, which was out of scope for this relaunch. Several other ASME websites have been relaunched or are undergoing a redesign currently. This includes a majority of the RD Conference websites and the ASME E-Fest website.Now that weve done a big redesign of the website, youll start to see continuous enhancements and updates from here including items weve already planned as well as those we gain from feedback from ASMEs constituents, said Heitsenrether. We have a new beginning for our web presence to the world that will show immediate benefit to visitors to the website today, coupled with a regular release plan that will ensure the site remains useful , relevant, and modern for future audiences to come.What to do next?Go to My Account to update your preferences and profile informationCheck out the new homepage and browse the siteBrowse content on the new Topics Resources areaCheck out the Societys other newsletters hereGive us your feedback by taking our post-launch surveyNeed help? Contact Customer Care.

Saturday, November 23, 2019

Marine Corps Weight and Fitness Requirements

kriegsmarine Corps Weight and Fitness RequirementsMarine Corps Weight and Fitness RequirementsAccording to the 2008 Marine Corps Order6110.3 W/CH 1 from the Officer of the Commandant, the current voreingestellts of height and weight of all Marines (Male and Female) are listed in this link. Male Weight ChartsFemale Weight Charts If a Marine does not pass the height and weight standards, he/she will be given the Circumference Tape Test that is a measurement of the neck and stomach.Using a body fat percentage algorithm, as long as the Marines are below the following body fat percentages, they are within the standard The Marine Corpschanged their body-fat standards, effective August 11, 2008. The new standards are MALEAge 17-26 18%Age 27-39 19%Age 40-45 20%Age 46 21%FEMALEAge 17-26 26%Age 27-39 27%Age 40-45 28%Age 46 29% Note Many Marines are heavy on muscle/lower on body fat and the current height/weight standards do not accurately reflect someone with more muscle than body fat. If a Ma rine FailsAll Marines are required to maintain their weight/body fat in accordance with Marine Corps standards. Marines who weigh more than allowed on the charts linked below must undergo a body-fat measurement. Those who are over the Marine Corps body-fat standards are enrolled in the Body Composition Program (BCP). Every Marine must be physically fit, regardless of age, grade, or duty assignment. Marines are required to pass a semi-annual Physical Fitness Test (PFT). The events of the USMC PFT areCrunches - 2 minutes, Pullups max reps, 3 mile timed run. The Marine Corps has developed a Combat Fitness Test (CFT), that all Marines must pass, in addition to the standard Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test (PFT). The grading system for the Marine CorpsCFT establish points for these events, and they will count toward Marine Corps promotion points, just as the PFT currently does. The Marine Corps CFT consists of the following events 880 Yard Run.Marines will run for 880 yards while wea ring boots and camouflage uniform (pants and t-shirt). Ammo Can Lifts.Marines will lift a 30-pound ammo can from the ground, over their heads as many times as they can in two minutes. Maneuver Under Fire.Marines must move through a 300-yard course, and perform designated tasks, in the time limit authorized. The tasks include Moving in a quick scurry for 10 yards, then a high craw for another 15 yards.Drag a casualty for 10 yards, while zigzagging through several cones. Then lift the casualty and carry him/her at a run for 65 yards.Carry two 30-pound ammo cans for 75 yards, while zigzagging through a series of cones.Toss a dummy grenade 22 1/2 yards and land it in a marked target circle.Perform three push-ups, pick up the two 30-pound cans and sprint to the finish line. Stew Smith is a former Navy SEAL and fitness author certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Five Personal Robots Coming to Your Home Soon

Five Personal Robots Coming to Your Home Soon Five Personal Robots Coming to Your Home Soon 5 Personal Robots Coming to Your Home SoonNearly every story you read about progress in robotics tries to grab your attention with a hypothetical robot conquest scenario. This one is no exception.However, the robots in this story arent overtaking philanthropischity as a whole just an increasing share of our daily lives. A new generation of friendly, efficient, and adaptable synthetic servants is invading US homes, exerting a new level of control over our household affairs.And as people surrender to them in record numbers, these real-world robots now dominate a $31-billion global market traditionally ruled by industrial-grade systems.Advanced artificial intelligence and machine-learning technologies have rendered the bucket-of-bolts automaton of old-time sci-fi movies obsolete. The mechanoids at the vanguard of this new invasion are as diverse in physical form as they are in functionality. Fro m extremely lifelike humanoids to playful caricatures of celebrities to totally unobtrusive smart home control systems, theres no longer a limit to what a robot is and what it should look like. And increasingly, robots can do much more than simply obey direct orders. They can predict their owners wishes based on their past behavior.A recent report by the Boulder, CO-based market research firm Tractica underscores big changes afoot in the robotics industry. If you factor in specialized items like drones, unmanned aerial vehicles, and autonomous cars, sales of nonindustrial robots have now outpaced those of traditional shop-floor robots, claiming a 64% share of the total robotics market revenues.The key underlying story emerging in the industry is that industrial robotics has given way to non-industrial categories, says Tractica research director Aditya Kaul. In this process, the epicenter of the industry is shifting toward Silicon Valley, which is now also becoming a hotbed for artif icial intelligence.Another prime indicator of consumer robots rise to power was the considerable buzz they generated at this years Consumer Electronics Show (CES) held in January in Las Vegas. As the nations largest and most influential showcase of next-wave tech, CES is a reliable predictor of coming attractions at your local Best Buy. This year, at least as far as tech-watchers pundits were concerned, consumer robots like the five profiled below stole the show.Smart GarbageWeve all been there before. You come back from the grocery store only to find you forgot to buy the one thing you needed most. Forgetfulness is one of the most human of all foibles, and at least in this case, robots can help. A personal shopping assistant from GeniCan helps households keep their pantries stocked by automatically populating a shopping list on the users smart phone. The device clips on to the side of a garbage or recycling bin, where it holds vigil over whats being thrown away. As empty containers are discarded, the GeniCan scans their barcodes and adds the product information to the digital shopping list. The device also features a speech recognition function, so noncoded items can be added to a list verbally. To fully eliminate the need for return trips to the grocery store for commonly used items, the system connects with Amazons Dash Replenishment service to arsortiment automatic home or office delivery.Professor Einstein. Image Hanson RoboticsPersonal GeniusIt walks. It talks. It understands quantum physics. Professor Einstein (Hanson Robotics) is the real Albert Einsteins mechanized Mini-Me counterparte. The 14.5-in. free-moving figure is a lighthearted facsimile of the worlds most famous scientist, right down to the iconic white mane and a tongue that sticks out on command. Designed for ages 13 and up, the Lilliputian laureate is part science tutor, part personal organizer, part comedian, and part chat partner. Currently selling for a consumer-friendly $299, the Profe ssor incorporates many of the novel features behind Hansons high-end, ultra-realistic, empathetic robots natural language processing, advanced artificial intelligence, and more than 50 realistic if playful facial expressions. Those expressions, in fact, are keys to engaging learners in ways that other apps or learning tools cant. Like the companys more advanced robots, Professor Einsteins skin is made of a biologically inspired nanomaterial called Frubber for flesh rubber which works with a system of internal motors to mimic the motion of human facial muscles. The Wi-Fi-enabled device connects to Hansons Stein-o-Matic app for both iOS and Android devices, bringing a daily influx of fresh knowledge.Cute CompanionLynx from Ubtech Robotics, is a multi-function robot specializing in personalized interactions with its owner. This in-home companion is an extension of the companys Alpha series of humanoid-style devices, which move with either 16 or 20 degrees of freedom. By combining a lifelike range of movement, advanced AI capabilities, and Amazons Alexa AI voice recognition power, Lynx can recognize faces, images, and voices detect emotions offer personalized greetings and handle a range of personal tasks from playing music to monitoring the home while the owner is away. Its connection to Alexa enables users to order products directly from Amazons Prime service with basic voice commands.Leka. Image LekaBonding BallAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions latest statistics, onein 68 children in the U.S. are on the autism spectrum. Although the disease affects people in different ways, autisms hallmarks include challenges with language, social interaction, empathy, learning, and sensory perception. Kids with autism have trouble interacting with other people. Fittingly, a new robot has been developed that could reach these kids in ways their human teachers and parents cant. Leka, the product of Paris-based start-up Leka, now in testing at scho ols and therapy providers as a non-threatening, self-paced learning tool for kids with autism and related developmental disorders. The spherical device about the size of a typical playground ball stimulates learning with lights, sounds, music, vibrations, and other stimuli that can be customized for the needs of individual children. An internal video screen displays images and videos, including a range of facial expressions that help children develop greater ease with eye contact and personal interaction. Leka can be used to teach specific skills like color recognition or it can be used in exercises guided by an adult to practice interpersonal skills.Predictive PalKuri from Mayfield Robotics packs a comprehensive set of home-monitoring and personal assistant tools into a petite, almost pet-like package. Specifically developed to foster a personal connection with family members, Kuri is heavy on the soft skills. It likes to be petted. It can blink, smile, nod and move its head from side to side. The 20-in.-tall, 14-lb companion even shares its feelings through a built-in heart light that changes color to reflect different moods. The robots mapping sensors and drive system help it navigate around edges, corners, and different types of floor surfaces. A 1,080p camera installed behind one of its eyes helps homeowners keep tabs on property or pets while theyre away. A four-microphone array enables Kuri to hear and recognize various voices, while a dual speaker system cranks out music, podcasts, and other audio from Wi-Fi and Bluetooth sources. Wired included Kuri on its list of the 10 Sharpest Designs at CES 2017.Michael MacRae is an independent writer. For Further DiscussionThe epicenter of the industry is shifting toward Silicon Valley, which is now also becoming a hotbed for artificial intelligence.Aditya Kaul, Tractica