Engineering news
Airbus plans 15,000 job cuts
BBC
Airbus is planning to cut 15,000 jobs, including 1,700 in the UK, due to the huge financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The UK cuts, representing about one-tenth of the company’s workforce in the country, are expected to affect the commercial aircraft division in Broughton, Flintshire, and Filton, Bristol.
Changes to come
Professional Engineering
The devastating spread of Covid-19 touched every aspect of our lives, bringing many challenges – but also opportunities for positive change. Here’s four ways engineering could change after the pandemic, including increased focus on collaboration and the potential for more home working.
Device could monitor Covid-19 recovery
Professional Engineering
A new handheld device that measures a person’s breath could track recovery from Covid-19, its creators have said. Wideblue said it is working with NHS England on a clinical trial of its personal ‘capnometer’, and will be submitting its device in the next month. It could also help determine if a patient needs a ventilator.
New blade could boost wind turbine energy generation
The Engineer
An ultra-light and sustainable wind turbine blade in development at an Innovate UK-funded project could boost energy generation by up to 9% compared to conventional blades. A lighter material enables longer blades, and the increased generation potential.
Spaceport planning go-ahead
Professional Engineering
The UK’s first ever spaceport has received planning permission, bringing orbital spaceflight from British soil a step closer. The Highland Council gave the go-ahead for the Space Hub Sutherland spaceport late last week. The facility will be built in Melness, on the northern coast of Scotland.
Researchers create ‘lightest electromagnetic shielding material’
New Atlas
A team at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology have developed an aerogel-based material that blocks a wide range of electromagnetic frequencies. The material is the lightest shielding material in the world, the researchers said.
Public support for electric vehicles
Energy Live News
More than half of people believe only electric vehicles should be sold in the UK after 2035, a new report by the Connected Kerb and CT Group has found. Almost 90% of respondents said they would support a government-backed charging infrastructure roll-out.
PM calls for British ‘Jet Zero’
Professional Engineering
Prime minister Boris Johnson has set a target of producing the world’s first “zero emission long haul passenger aircraft” in the UK. He made the ambitious call during his ‘New Deal’ speech, setting out plans to “rebuild Britain and fuel economic recovery” after the coronavirus pandemic. People hoping for a quick and easy solution to aviation emissions will be disappointed, however, as the technology is far from ready.
Team builds ‘stopgap’ ventilator
The Engineer
A team at the University of Glasgow has developed a ‘stopgap’ low-cost ventilator for Covid-19 patients. The device automates a bag valve mask, and could help keep people alive to recover or receive treatment. The team said the design could be rapidly manufactured in the event of a second wave of infections.
Lightweight 'BionicSwift' takes off
The Engineer
German automation company Festo has revealed the BionicSwift, a flying robot that mimics the famously agile bird. The wings feature ‘feathers’ made of ultra-lightweight foam to replicate flight as closely as possible.
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.