K-State professors point to technology’s positive potential in new textbook
Are you a glass-half-full or a glass-half-empty type of person? If you’re the latter, a new book authored by three Kansas State University professors might just help you ditch the dystopian outlook.
“Advanced Technologies for Humanity,” the ninth textbook in a series about technological advancements that are better known for their ability to harm instead of help, shows readers the future doesn’t have to be feared.
Co-authors Randall Nichols, senior professor at K-State Salina; Patricia Ackerman, retired K-State Salina professor; and Haley Larson, teaching assistant professor at K-State Olathe make a powerful argument for optimism: While developments in artificial intelligence, biotechnology and uncrewed equipment are typically associated with threat and conflict (think drones’ use in modern warfare and surveillance or robots automating jobs), modern technologies can help us feed an ever-expanding population, protect the environment, assist with mobility and more.
Is technology a harbinger of doom or hope for humanity? Combining their expertise with others’ across the wide K-State knowledge base, the authors prove there’s promise for a better tomorrow.
Read “Advanced Technologies for Humanity,” on Pressbooks or purchase on Amazon as Kindle or softcover.
Bringing tomorrow’s tech to the masses
K-State is no stranger to technological innovation. A trio of university organizations — the K-State Research Foundation and its partners, the Technology Development Institute and the Office of Corporate Engagement — collaborate with university, industry and community partners to develop and commercialize new concepts designed to improve lives.
The research foundation has secured more than 300 patents for the university, generating $5.5 million in licensing revenue in fiscal year 2024 alone, and the TDI has a team of engineers ready to help move projects from patent to prototype. It’s also fair to say the Office of Corporate Engagement means business, launching new partnerships and companies regularly. At K-State, expertise, determination and philanthropy are met with the means to make a difference.
Read more:
- There are more reasons to support research at K-State than you think! Learn why a gift toward new discoveries goes a surprisingly long way: A better tomorrow: Support K-State research.
- Read about one of the university’s biggest commercialization success stories in Discovery, down to a science – Kansas State University Foundation.
Curated from: K-State professors coauthor next textbook about advanced technologies to benefit society
