Some Semiconductor Advances

I just read 2 interesting articles on semiconductor technology. This is about all the 2 articles had in common though.
Although I'm not fully versed in industrial engineering, there are a number of techniques typically taught in IE curricula that I have a fondness for due to their impact on design. The first article summarizes the effects of applying the Toyota Production System (TPS), a kind of common-sense philosophy for maufacturing, to a semiconductor facility. I like these types of solid design philosophies - they just resonate with me. One thing that is pointed out in the article is that tools (application) are not the same thing as the principles of the philosophy itself. For all the students out there, that translates roughly to "don't use an equation until you make sure the corresponding assumptions are valid." :)
http://www.spectrum.ieee.org/may08/6179
The other thing I learned was that I need to redo all my notes for MECH 350 next semester. Apparently there is a 4th basic circuit element called a memristor - basically a resistor with varying resistance and memory of what its former resistance was. I sure would hate to be a EE and have to relearn everything. But apparently there are some cool applications for memristors that could make life nicer. Kudos to HP for discovering that this formerly theoretical element actually exists.
http://www.spectrum.ieee.org/may08/6207
Quote of the week: apparently former president Bush recently said that the FIRST robotics program is like "the WWF, but for smart people." I like that. :)