Engineering news
'Space is Virgin territory'
Aerospace Manufacturing
Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo, also known as the VSS Unity, completed its first space flight this week, paving the way for fully-fledged space tourism. The Unity's unique 'feathering' design is reportedly suited for the supersonic atmosphere reentry.
Cancelled Bloodhound 'gave inspiration like Apollo missions to 2m children'
Professional Engineering
“I’m someone who grew up around the Apollo project, and so my interest in engineering can be traced back to the 1960s. I think Bloodhound offered something similar," said IMechE head of education policy Peter Finegold.
Folding drone squeezes through gaps
New Atlas
Drones are great for surveying hard-to-reach areas, but struggle with small gaps. Enter the new quadcopter from the University of Zurich and EPFL, which can fold itself to reach confined areas.
'We are sorry to announce that your next Crossrail service has been delayed for more than one year'
Rail Technology Magazine
More bad news for the Crossrail project, which required a £1.4bn bailout and could be pushed back even further than the already-delayed opening date of autumn 2019.
A smart charge
Energy Live News
Smart tech such as remote access must be included in all government-funded electric vehicle charging points from July 2019. The move is aimed at reducing high peaks of electricity demands and lowering infrastructure costs.
'Digital air traffic control tower' lets controllers zoom in on planes
Cranfield University
With a 360º airport view and the ability to focus in on oncoming planes, Cranfield University launched its cutting-edge digital control tower.
Would you put this in your stomach?
Professional Engineering
A 3D-printed, Bluetooth-enabled capsule that automatically unfolds after being swallowed could monitor seriously ill patients and release medicine when needed, its creators have said. Researchers at MIT, Draper, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Massachusetts designed and tested the ingestible capsule, which can be customised for people with various conditions, potentially including HIV or malaria.
Absorbent 'microcapsules' to suck in carbon dioxide
The Engineer
Many scientists believe that carbon emissions will have to be actively removed, rather than simply reduced. These 'microcapsules' could help prevent emissions from factories by capturing carbon dioxide from exhaust gas.
New tech needs huge manufacturing jobs boost
The Manufacturer
A million new manufacturing jobs are needed to help fully prepare for the impact of digitalisation, according to a new report from the Trades Union Congress. Unfortunately, it's not clear if anyone would fill those roles...
Robo-farmers hit the field
New Atlas
The pastoral scene may be very different in years to come, with robotic farmers providing your five-a-day. Waitrose & Partners is leading the way with the introduction of its Tom, Dick and Harry robots into the field.
Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.