Engineers at the University of Washington have combined a flexible, biologically safe contact lens with an imprinted electronic circuit. The device contains an electronic circuit, as well as red light-emitting diodes for a display.

Believe it or not, the bionic eye is more fact than fiction. A device called Argus II is currently being developed by engineers at five U.S. Department of Energy laboratories and four universities. The high-density microelectronic-tissue hybrid device aims to restore sight to people blinded by diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa.

Cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, presbyopia, diabetic retinopathy, posterior uveitis and other vision-related conditions make ophthalmology one of the most dynamic market segments in the medical device industry. An aging population, proposed federal healthcare reform and an increasing number of elective surgeries is creating a huge demand for diagnostic instruments, surgical equipment, lasers, intraocular lens implants, shunts, artificial retinas and other products.

According to the 2009 ASSEMBLY State of the Profession survey, budget cutbacks, time constraints and global competition will continue to create big challenges for manufacturers during the next five months. But, things should be less stressful than they were during the first half of 2009. A recent study conducted by Mercer LLC also indicates that deep workforce, pay and benefit cuts will moderate during the next five months.

Are layoffs really the best answer to a sluggish economy? “No,” according to the CEO of a small company who believes it's not about who’s “essential” and who’s “expendable.”

Many workers are being hit by large losses to their retirement funds. At the same time, a significant number of older workers are planning to delay their retirement. In fact, 60 percent of respondents to ASSEMBLY Magazine’s 2009 State of the Profession survey have changed their retirement plans because of the economy.

Next week marks the 40th anniversary of the historic Apollo 11 moon landing. Looking back on this amazing feat of engineering four decades later provides plenty of opportunity to grasp its significance and appreciate its impact on manufacturing.

Design engineer salaries are influenced by factors such as age, experience, industry and company size.

Manufacturing engineer salaries are influenced by factors such as age, experience, industry and company size.

Most foodservice equipment manufacturers rely heavily on stainless steel. The shiny material is widely used to make commercial coolers, dishwashers, fryers, ovens, refrigerators and other products because of universal demand for corrosion resistance, durability and hygiene. However, it presents unique assembly challenges to manufacturing engineers.