Engineering news
Jacobs Engineering Group to hire 2,400 new staff
PBC Today
Texas engineering group Jacobs will hire about 2,400 new employees in the UK over the next few years. Mainly focused at its new London office, Jacobs will also hire for additional roles across 30 other offices around the country. The jobs will focus on digital and advanced technology for areas including the environment, energy and cyber defences.
'Devastating' tariffs 'could halve UK car production'
Professional Engineering
Extra costs of more than £3.2bn per year from World Trade Organisation tariffs could slash UK automotive R&D in clean, smart technology in a vital time for the sector. Equivalent to almost 90% of the industry’s annual R&D spend, the tariffs on imported components and exported vehicles could result if the next government fails to agree an “ambitious” post-Brexit trade deal with the European Union, said the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
ESA spending takes off…
Financial Times
The European Space Agency (ESA) has agreed €12.5bn funding for the next three years, a 45% increase on funding agreed in 2016. The figure included €1.65bn from the UK, a 23% increase showing firm commitment to the agency ahead of final Brexit settlements. An X-Ray telescope, asteroid collision study and Earth observation are among the projects requiring funding.
and takes lunar rover for a spin
New Atlas
A prototype Moon rover on Earth was controlled by an ESA astronaut on the International Space Station this week. Luca Parmitano drove the Analog-1 around an obstacle course, in preparation for future remote missions. The rover, which provides haptic feedback from its robotic arms, could also be used for missions on Mars.
New material cuts foam down to size
Professional Engineering
Shock-absorbing pads made of a ‘microlattice’ resembling miniature Eiffel Towers can reportedly absorb impacts better than established foams used in a wide variety of applications. HRL Laboratories in California claimed the microlattice could replace currently-used foams in applications such as protective packaging, shock isolators for electronics, vehicle interiors and padding in American football, military or bicycle helmets.
Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre opens in Wales
Aerospace Manufacturing
A new facility aimed at increasing manufacturing innovation amongst businesses has opened in North Wales. The £20m Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre Cymru will boost R&D, provide support and encourage new skills.
Tiny, complex glass objects created with new 3D printing process
Professional Engineering
A new process based on a classic 3D printing technique has created tiny and complex glass objects, offering potential improvements on other methods. Researchers from ETH Zurich in Switzerland developed the method, which is based on stereolithography and uses a special resin containing plastic and organic molecules.
Super-fast jet drone
New Atlas
FusionFlight have reimagined propulsion for a quadcopter-style drone, using four jets instead of rotors. The diesel microturbines produce up to 200 horsepower. The Texan company said a production model will go over 483km/h (300mph), with 15 minutes of cruising or 30 minutes of hovering.
Bullet train-inspired trains on the tracks
Rail Technology Magazine
Hull Trains’ first Hitachi Rail Paragon train, offering both electric and diesel power, has started running between Hull and London. The Class 802s, which are built using bullet train technology, will offer 5,500 additional seats per week once fully rolled out early next year.
Japanese display creates 'sticky' sensation to transfer extra information to user
Professional Engineering
A sticky display might conjure thoughts of dirty train station ticket terminals or drinks spilled over smart phones, but for researchers at Osaka University it could be an important new tool for conveying information. The team created a new 2D display which can add a sense of touch, a ‘sticky’ sensation, to parts of the screen. The researchers at the Japanese university said the technology, known as StickyTouch, could be useful for people with visual impairments if applied to a touchscreen.
Want the best engineering stories delivered straight to your inbox? The Professional Engineering newsletter gives you vital updates on the most cutting-edge engineering and exciting new job opportunities. To sign up, click here.
Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.