Engineering news
Portable exosuit gives wearable robotics a change of pace
Professional Engineering
Now, researchers at Harvard University have developed a portable exosuit that can assist with hip extension during both walking and running. It’s lightweight, and made of textile components worn at the waist and thighs, and a system of actuators controlled by an algorithm can detect the transition from walking to running.
Fracking has caused a sharp rise in levels of atmospheric methane
Professional Engineering
A paper published in the journal Biogeosciences, based on research conducted at Cornell University, suggests that increasing methane concentrations in the Earth’s atmosphere are due to shale oil and gas operations.
Why wind turbines are going to get even bigger
Professional Engineering
A team of researchers from Germany surveyed the growth of wind as a source of renewable energy, and notes the dramatic improvements in the technology thanks to economies of scale. It foresees even larger, more cost-effective turbines in future.
Laxatives could be the unlikely solution to our big energy storage problem
Professional Engineering
Research published today in the journal Nature Materials describes research from an international team of scientists, which explains why detergents called ionic liquids could be better electrolytes than current materials in supercapacitors.
Reflective film could make road signs easier to read at night
Professional Engineering
A new reflective film could make road signs shine brightly and change colour when it is dark. The use of the film could draw greater attention to important traffic updates, benefitting both drivers and pedestrians, according to research recently published in the journal Science Advances.
The staggering power of Russia's new top-secret nuclear rocket
WIRED
It's believed Russia's 9M730 Burevestnik rocket – dubbed Skyfall by Nato – caused the country's nuclear explosion. The engine is expected to be a nuclear-propelled cruise missile.
Investigation launched into cause of last week’s massive power cut
E&T
An investigation has been launched into the cause of last Friday’s power cut that resulted in travel chaos and left almost one million homes without power.
Space-inspired truck scanner could detect illegal border crossings
E&T
A super-sensitive security scanner inspired by technology used in satellites has been shown to detect hidden humans and animals travelling in vehicles, even when they are moving at 160km/h.
Second life for repurposed EV batteries in off grid locations
The Engineer
EV batteries are being repurposed by researchers at WMG, University of Warwick for use as small energy storage systems (ESS) for off grid locations. With 2kWh of energy capacity, the repurposed units are expected to find use in developing countries or isolated communities where they could provide electricity to small shops, farm holdings, or residential homes.
US robotics teams gear up for DARPA mine challenge
The Engineer
The DARPA Subterranean (SubT) Challenge will see 11 teams using robotic systems to map, navigate and search a variety of complex underground environments, including man-made tunnels, urban underground structures and a natural cave system.