Category Archives: Tech Developments

Indiana's New Cell Phone Law

11 Monday May 2009

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woman_car_highresHey, Indiana, leave those kids alone!  Senate Bill 16, signed last week by Governor Daniels, hopes to prevent young drivers  from using a “telecommunications device” while operating a motor vehicle.  So, kids, no more texting, talking or tweeting while behind the wheel.

SB 16 goes into effect July 1, 2009.  The pertinent language (full image below):

(4) The individual may not operate a motor vehicle while using a telecommunications device until the individual becomes eighteen (18) years of age unless the telecommunications device is being used to make a 911 emergency call.

SB 16

SB 16-2

Click here for the full text of Senate Bill 16.

The bill, heavily sponsored by AAA, is based on statistics conclusively showing that teens driving and using a cell phone is dangerous.  But I’ve seen plenty of statistics that say the same about adult drivers.  In fact, maybe the additional comfort level that comes with years of experience could make adults more prone to losing focus on the road while texting or talking.  Could this law be a precursor to some more expansive cell phone restrictions down the road?

2009 Indiana Robotics Invitational – Applications accepted May 1

30 Thursday Apr 2009

Posted by in Just for Fun, Tech Developments

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iriGet those applications ready for the 2009 Indiana Robotics Invitational. It’s the 10th annual Indiana Robotics Invitational, and promises to be the “biggest and best ever.”  Applications will be accepted starting tomorrow, May 1.

The event takes place July 31 – August 1, 2009, at Lawrence North High School (Indianapolis, IN). 72 teams will compete for a handful of prestigious awards and $1000 scholarships.

Here are your 2009 Robot requirements:

A. Robots must meet the design and safety requirements of the 2009 “Lunacy” Game
B. Teams have an honorary 5 pound allowance in total robot weight. Bring your Gracious Professionalism.  There will be no weigh in or technical inspection.
C. The Referees reserve the right to Disqualify or require Repair or Modification to any robot that appears to be unsafe or is operating outside of the “Lunacy” rules and guidelines.
D.  Robots may be highly modified from their official FIRST competition configuration provided they meet rule A.

Visit www.indianaroboticsinvitational.org and www.chiefdelphi.com for updates.

Please leave a comment if you plan to participate or have a story from a past event.

Indiana's Clean Technology Opportunity – TechPoint Event 3/6/09

20 Friday Feb 2009

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Indiana’s Green Technology Future has caught the attention of Indiana’s tech leadership…the next TechPoint New Economy * New Rules event topic is “Indiana’s Clean Technology Opportunity“:

There’s a perfect storm brewing for ‘clean technologies’. As federal climate change legislation threatens to increase energy costs by 50% and the Obama administration focuses on ‘green’ investment as a cornerstone of its stimulus plan, market demand is growing for technological innovations to harness the power of alternative energy. That’s why it is expected that the value of sectors like fuel cells, biofuels, solar and wind power will more than triple over the next decade to represent a $300+ billion industry by 2017.

Join us for a panel discussion of how the cleantech revolution can mean big business for Indiana’s technology and manufacturing industries, from the hybrid-electric vehicle market to the high-tech demands of the new smart power grid. Participants include Paul Mitchell, former economic advisor to Governor Daniels, who is now leading the formation of a new cleantech initiative for the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, as well as representatives of Indiana companies in the sector.

green_technology

Speakers:
Paul Mitchell, Central Indiana Corporate Partnership
David Heger, Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Date: March 6, 2009

8:00 a.m. Registration and continental breakfast
8:30 – 9:30 a.m. Presentation

Click here to register.

Hope to see you there!

Indiana Supreme Court hires Director of Appellate Court Technology

18 Wednesday Feb 2009

Posted by in Tech Developments

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No longer can anyone accuse our Indiana Appellate Courts of not being tech-savvy.  Robert Rath

Today, the Indiana Supreme Court has named Robert Rath as the first-ever Director of Appellate Court Technology.  “Rath will play a crucial role in developing a stronger vision for how the Court utilizes technology.  Rath will review Court processes and identify how changing technology may improve Court functions and services.”

The National Center for State Courts (NCSC) recommended Indiana hire an Appellate Court IT Director.  A consultant from the NCSC helped evaluate candidates for the position.  The Supreme Court also formed a selection committee made up of Directors from the Division of State Court Administration, Court of Appeals, Indiana Judicial Center, and Clerk of the Appellate Courts.  The decision to hire Mr. Rath allows Indiana to dedicate one person to developing a strategy for technology improvements.

I look forward to seeing what changes he implements.  Streamlined online filing, trial simulcasts, enhanced public access for educational purposes…these are some of the ideas on my wishlist.

Click here for the full press release.

Hat tip to the Indiana Law Blog for the story.

TechPoint Tech Thursday 2/19

18 Wednesday Feb 2009

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Tomorrow is TechPoint Tech Thursday.

TechPoint in their own words:TechPoint Logo

“Indiana’s premier initiative for growing Indiana’s thriving technology-based economy, TechPoint is known for its ability to identify and empower high-growth Indiana technology companies through education and networking programs, government advocacy and strategic economic development initiatives.

TechPoint represents Indiana’s entire technology community, including publicly-traded companies, private businesses, colleges and research universities, and local economic development organizations. As the preeminent voice for Indiana’s growing technology community, TechPoint is leading a focused and aggressive statewide effort to help transform the state’s technology sector.”

The speaker tomorrow is Jeff Ready,  co-founder of Scale Computing.

Location:

Baker & Daniels LLP, Indianapolis North
600 E. 96th Street, Suite 600
Indianapolis, IN   46240

Time:

5:00 pm – 6:30 pm

Click here for further info and here to register.

Hope to see you there.