Here's how you can keep yourself informed about the latest technologies and tools in Mechanical Engineering.

In my experience, staying updated with the latest technologies and tools in Mechanical Engineering is crucial. Online learning platforms are invaluable for this purpose. Many universities and private companies offer a variety of courses, from basic engineering principles to advanced computational techniques. By enrolling in these courses, you can learn at your own pace and focus on the technologies most relevant to your career. Opt for courses that provide practical, hands-on experience to ensure you can effectively apply these concepts in real-world scenarios. This approach will keep your skills sharp and industry-relevant.

Journals are a great source of latest happens in the research arena. Reading them will enable one to widen their horizon. Gain SAE, ASHRAE and other body's membership which will prompt one with seminars, conferences and also publish scholarly journals.

To be a good and informed mechanical professional - Subscribe to publications like Mechanical Engineering, ASME Journal, and International Journal of Mechanical Sciences.

Networking events can be excellent opportunities to stay informed about the latest technologies and tools in Mechanical Engineering. You just need to attend Industry Conferences and Seminars. Look for conferences and seminars specifically focused on Mechanical Engineering. These events often feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, and workshops where industry leaders discuss emerging technologies and trends.

Participate in events like the ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress & Exposition (IMECE) or regional conferences. You may also join selected online groups of mechanical professionals

Keep some time to visit sites like Engineering.com, Machine Design, and Tech Briefs for news and articles. These sites have meaningful information for mechanical professionals.

It's been said that everyone should have 5 hobbies: the money-maker, the body-transformer, the knowledge-builder, the mindset-evolver, and the creativity-bloomer. Personal projects relating to keeping yourself informed in engineering dealings can quite easily check boxes for the last three (and make you money, if you so choose to pursue it). For example, I and many of my colleagues picked up 3-D printing as a hobby. We have gathered knowledge by building our own 3-D printers, learning how to set them up, upgrade them, calibrate them, maintain them, etc. They have evolved our mindsets by opening us up to the world of additive manufacturing. Our creativity is sparked by all different ways we can apply additively manufactured things in life.

I would add that there is a lot of very high quality newsletters out there. I recently subscribed to "Hardware FYI" newsletter and it is a great read.