Nuclear meltdown and a slower, less frequent HS2: 10 top stories of the week

It may have been another week of impasse in UK politics, but engineering kept on moving. Stories included problems with nuclear projects new and old, life-changing potential from tiny biomedical devices and positive predictions for the year ahead.

Slower trains and fewer services on HS2?

The Guardian

During years of fractious public debate, many aspects of the £56bn HS2 project have been relentlessly criticised but its supporters have always had at least two things to trumpet – fast trains and regular services, cutting travel times between major UK cities. Now, however, even those aspects may fail to materialise as the project faces cutting costs to stay within budget. 

Life after Wylfa: What will plug the gap in UK energy mix?

Professional Engineering

The government faces a gaping hole in future energy provision following the latest suspension of a major nuclear project. Wylfa Newydd, Oldbury and Moorside could have provided 15% of the UK's electricity demand – what will fill the hole?

Battery-free chip runs on ambient radio frequencies

The Verge

Harvesting energy simply by tapping into the myriad wi-fi, Bluetooth and phone signals surrounding us might sound fantastical, but it is a step that will need to happen to enable the promised vast expansion of the Internet of Things. That technology came a step closer this week, with Wiliot unveiling a sensor-enabling, paper-thin, battery-free Bluetooth chip that harvests energy from ambient radio frequencies.

A productive 2019 for UK manufacturers?

The Manufacturer 

Political uncertainty seems potentially never-ending, but British manufacturers are nonetheless optimistic for the year ahead. According to the EEF, two-thirds anticipate increased productivity in 2019, compared to 7% expecting a decrease. 

Tiny biomedical device to seal heart holes in premature babies

Bloomberg 

One of the "smallest complex medical devices ever invented" has been cleared for sale, Bloomberg reported this week. The Amplatzer Piccolo Occluder is a pea-sized invention to plug holes in the hearts of premature babies, aiming to prevent developmental issues.  

'Zipping' mechanism that keeps feathers unruffled could lead to aerospace materials

Professional Engineering

A 'zipping' mechanism that keeps feathers unruffled could provide a model for new aerospace materials and adhesives, a researcher has claimed. The mechanism, which allows segments of birds’ feathers to be ‘unzipped’ before they pull themselves together again, was investigated by materials scientist Tarah Sullivan.

VW and Ford announce electric collaboration 

E&T

A new partnership between Volkswagen and Ford will focus on developing autonomous and electric vehicles, E&T reported. The partners hope to save billions of dollars. 

Automatic tram brakes aimed at preventing repeat of fatal Croydon crash

Professional Engineering 

Measures aimed at preventing any repeat of a fatal tram accident will see automatic brakes installed on the vehicles in London. The installation follows the derailment of a Tramlink service in Sandilands, Croydon, on 9 November 2016. The tram overturned on a sharp bend after travelling at an estimated 73km/h in a 20km/h zone, killing seven people and injuring 62 others.

Employers want greater flexibility with apprenticeship levy

The Manufacturer 

Almost all businesses want to see more flexibility in how they spend their apprenticeship levy allowance, according to new research published by City & Guilds. Almost half of employers want to use money to fund non-apprentice training, such as leadership and management training. 

Robots hoover radioactive sludge from 'most hazardous' Sellafield area

Professional Engineering

D-Bay at Sellafield has been a no-go area for about 40 years after radioactive sludge began accumulating in the 1970s. Now, however, Brokk manipulator robots are leading a charge against the waste using a hoover-like device and cutting tools.