Generated Title: The IEEE: Still Relevant, or Just Another Old Boys' Club?
Alright, let's get real. The IEEE. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Sounds important, right? A bunch of eggheads pushing the boundaries of tech. But is it, though? Is it really? Or is it just another bloated bureaucracy, a self-congratulatory circle jerk for academics and industry types patting each other on the back while the real innovation happens somewhere else?
They keep sending out these press releases, see? "BioRob 2026 – IEEE: Leading the Future of Biomedical Robotics and Biomechatronics!" Okay, sure. But leading where, exactly? Into another decade of slightly improved prosthetics that still cost more than a damn house? I read that they're patting themselves on the back about the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society, but let's be real, what have they really done lately that's been revolutionary?
Quantum Leaps and Underwater Screams
Then there's this profile of Genya Crossman, some "quantum strategy consultant" at IBM. She's all excited about quantum computing being in the spotlight because UNESCO declared 2025 the "International Year of Quantum Science and Technology." Yeah, well, UNESCO also declared 2023 the "International Year of Millet." Did that make millet taste any better? I didn't think so.
Crossman says, "Anyone can use one [a quantum computer]. And if you know programming languages like Python, you can code a quantum computer.” Give me a break. That's like saying anyone can fly a 747 if they know how to play Microsoft Flight Simulator. It's technically true, but it completely misses the point. The point is, quantum computing is still mostly theoretical, years away from being useful for anything other than cracking encryption and making weapons.
And don't even get me started on the 2025 Biannual IEEE Underwater Acoustic Signal Processing Workshop. Apparently, this has been going on since 1985 at the University of Rhode Island. Sound travels four times faster in water than air, so... underwater acoustics are useful? Groundbreaking stuff, people. They're trying to improve signal processing for underwater applications. I guess that's cool if you're into sonar and talking to whales or something.
Priorities, Schmiorities
This article about engineer strategy talks about how to prioritize for success. Some dude at Meta got promoted super fast because he only worked on the "right things" and skipped meetings. Okay, that's actually kind of based. I can respect that. But how many engineers can actually pull that off? Most of us are stuck in endless meetings and pointless "team bonding" exercises.
It says, "The biggest productivity 'hack' is to simply work on the right things." No freakin' way! It's about getting the right people in charge, and giving them the resources so that they can do the right things. That's what it boils down to, and anyone who says otherwise is selling something.
Speaking of selling something, this Webert Montlouis guy... "Displays Excellence in Technological Advancement"? What kind of BS headline is that? He's got a PhD, he's a Fellow at the IEEE, he founded some lab... okay, good for him. But the whole article reads like a press release written by his mom. He's "instrumental in shaping the future of wireless communication standards." Right. And I'm the King of England.
This reminds me, I gotta get my car inspected. What does that have to do with the IEEE? Absolutely nothing. But that's how my brain works. One minute I'm thinking about quantum computing, the next I'm wondering if my brake lights are working.
Then again, maybe I'm just being cynical. Maybe the IEEE is doing important work. Maybe these conferences and workshops are actually fostering innovation. Maybe I'm just a bitter old crank who's jealous of people who are actually making a difference. Nah.
So, What's the Real Story?
It's mostly self-promotion and academic wankery, with a few genuinely interesting ideas buried under a mountain of jargon and press releases. They ain't moving the needle as much as they want you to think.
