Peter Cochrane

Birmingham Motorcycle Museum

Engineer, Technologist, Futurist

Michael = You need to look closer and think more. The basic form of many things don't change because of the human body or their base functionality, but every object you cite has changed markedly through the use of new materials and the methods of manufacture .

New ceramics, new fibres, new adhesives, better design, robotic assembly/control means they all use less energy/fewer atoms and are generally more durable.

Your old HP calculator requires 5 - 10 fold the atoms and uses far more energy than the modern equivalent. But progress in mathematics, and the lack of progress in peoples mathematical abilities sees the same basic functions today!

Why is all this important? It means more people can enjoy a wealth of goods and facilities at a much lower cost - and with a much lower impact on the planet.

Peter

PS = You need to take a course in staircase design and production!