Engineering news
Nuclear confusion threatens low-carbon future
Professional Engineering
A limited public understanding of nuclear power’s low-carbon credentials could prevent the energy source from making a vital contribution to the UK’s ‘net zero’ efforts, an IMechE expert has said. Only 26% of people aged 18-24 understand nuclear power is a low-carbon source of electricity – compared to 76% for renewables such as wind and solar – according to institution report Public Perceptions: Nuclear Power.
Mind-controlled prosthesis
MIT Technology Review
Amputees had fine, precise control of the fingers and thumbs of a prosthetic hand thanks to a new technique developed at the University of Michigan. The method uses machine learning to amplify faint nerve signals, before converting that into movement.
New onshore wind possible
Professional Engineering
Campaigners, politicians and experts reacted with ‘delight’ after the government opened the door to new onshore wind-energy projects, ending four years of opposition. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy announced a new ‘contracts for difference’ auction, allowing projects using cheap renewable energy sources such as onshore wind and solar to compete for contracts.
Robotic submarine in development
New Atlas
The Royal Navy and partners have started work on a project to develop an extra-large autonomous submarine. Designed to lay the groundwork for future unmanned navy submarines, the craft will be developed by MSubs Ltd in Plymouth. The 30m sub could have a range of 5,600km.
Mussel power gives adhesive strength from weakness
Professional Engineering
Making a glue stronger by making it weaker sounds counter-intuitive, but a team from Purdue University in Indiana hopes it could lead to better adhesives for everything from aerospace manufacturing to construction. The researchers took inspiration from mussels and oysters to develop their new adhesive.
Boeing reveals future attack helicopter
Defense News
Boeing has unveiled its design for the US Army Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft. The helicopter has a hingeless, six-blade rotor, a tail rotor and a propeller at the rear.
Fuel could get greener
Energy Live News
The bioethanol content of petrol sold in the UK could be doubled to 10%. The government is consulting on the move from E5 to E10 fuel, which could reportedly reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by 750,000 tonnes. The IMechE recently called for improvements to engines and fuel in a report, Accelerating Road Transport: Decarbonisation.
Hannover Messe postponed
The Manufacturer
Hannover Messe, the major industrial trade show, has been delayed due to concerns about the spread of the coronavirus. Originally planned for April, the event will now take place from 13 to 17 July.
3D-printed ‘capillaries’
The Engineer
A team led by a researcher at the University of Nottingham and Queen Mary University London have used 3D printing to create capillary-like vascular structures, which could be used in the laboratory to aid the development of new medicines. The researchers printed graphene oxide with a protein, to create structures which are compatible with cells.
The driving, swimming drone
Professional Engineering
The Cyclopter is a multi-purpose drone concept with an unusual feature – propellers that are built into wheels. The ‘fly-drive’ system could see the drone access previously inaccessible areas, staying on the ground most of the time before extending propellers and taking off.
One intriguing suggestion from developer Cyclopic is using it as a cargo robot. The machine would use its wheels to drive around a factory or warehouse floor before transforming into drone mode for a quick flight, up to a high shelf or over an obstacle. Cyclopic said it could even work in water.
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Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.