Gender Neutral Mr. Potato Head

Gender Neutral Mr. Potato Head

April 8, 2021
Lisa M. Spencer

Hasbro’s iconic “Mr. Potato Head” is being rebranded as simply “Potato Head.”

According to a company spokesperson, this allows children as young as its target audience of two- and three-year-olds to create whatever gender potatoes and families they wish.  A “family-pack” will include two large potatoes and one small one with over forty pieces for children to use to create the families of their choice.

While some welcome the change in the name of inclusiveness, others are raising an eyebrow to this level of “political correctness” in a toy targeted towards small children.

Video Spotlight: 

This post is based on the Fast Company article, The iconic Mr. Potato Head gets a 21st century rebrand, by Dr. Elizabeth Segran,  February 25, 2021, and the YouTube video in the Spotlight. Image source: D. Hurst/Alamy

Discussion Questions:

1. What is the product life cycle and where are Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, soon to be known simply as “Potato Head,” in that cycle?

Guidance: The product life cycle depicts the various stages in the life of a product, beginning with the introductory phase, Continue reading →

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UPS and FedEx Manage Capacity for Peak Vaccine Shipping

UPS and FedEx Manage Capacity for Peak Vaccine Shipping

April 4, 2021
Lisa M. Spencer

UPS and FedEx are planning to increase vaccine delivery capacity threefold by May.

As of February 2021, the two companies were delivering about 14 million doses per week.  UPS in particular believes it can still prioritize timely vaccine delivery when increased production by multiple manufacturers allows triple the volume in May 2021.

Video Spotlight: 

This post is based on the Bloomberg article, UPS expects 40% jump in vaccine doses next week, peak in May, by Thomas Black,  February 25, 2021, and the YouTube video in the Spotlight. Image source: FG Trade/Getty Images

Discussion Questions:

1. How have distribution points grown since the start of 2021?

Guidance: Distribution points are becoming increasingly varied as local and state governments open up stadiums, arenas, amusement parks, and other large-scale venues in addition to smaller outlets like pharmacy and grocery chains.  Whereas there were about 14,000 distribution points in the vaccine supply chain when UPS and FedEx began deliveries, there were 100,000 as of late February 2021, with that number increasing rapidly.  As distribution points open up, more delivery capacity is needed Continue reading →

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Robots: Why Can’t They Just Get Along?

Robots: Why Can’t They Just Get Along?

March 8, 2021
Lisa M. Spencer

Robots at Singapore’s Changi General Hospital are learning much needed communications skills.

The hospital uses about 50 robots from eight different manufacturers to perform a variety of tasks including assisting with surgery, cleaning, monitoring COVID isolation patients, and overseeing patients’ rehabilitation exercises.  Unfortunately, these robots could not communicate with each other, and hallway traffic jams occurred several times a day.

Two robots moving towards each other in a hallway would meet and freeze up, not knowing how to navigate around an object or person.  They would be stuck there in limbo until a hospital worker arrived to get them back on track. Open Robotics’ free software programs now help the robots communicate better with each other.  This promising approach is much needed as more and more robots enter the workplace.

Video Spotlight: 

This post is based on the Wired article, As Robots Fill the Continue reading →

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