Engineering news
Back on track? Network Rail plans massive £42bn improvements
Rail Technology Magazine
Saying that "performance has been nowhere near good enough", Network Rail has announced £42bn funding for a five-year modernisation programme aimed at improving punctuality and reliability. The investment will reportedly be used to improve trains, tracks and stations. The organisation also said it will work much more closely with operators.
The helicopter on Mars
New Atlas
Boring old Mars rovers are so 20th century – NASA aims to revolutionise the study of the surface with the first ever Martian aircraft. The agency has successfully tested its new Mars Helicopter demonstrator in conditions similar to those it will encounter in a mission launching in July next year. The first-of-its kind craft uses materials including carbon fibre and flight-grade aluminium to fly in thin atmosphere.
‘A wake-up call’: car production plummets as EU demand falls...
Professional Engineering
The number of cars built in the UK in February dropped 15.3% year-on-year, the ninth consecutive month of decline. The figures are a “wake-up call” for those who think the industry could survive a ‘no-deal’ Brexit, said the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. It blamed the reduced output on declining demand in the UK, as well as in “key European and Asian export markets”.
... but commercial vehicle production accelerates
Production Engineering Solutions
Although car production dropped, commercial vehicle production leapt 53.5% in February. The boosted figure for vans, trucks, taxis, buses and coaches was reportedly thanks to "strong market incentives ahead of model changes".
Autonomous cars race ahead
New Atlas
Most autonomous car testing does not generally involve burning rubber on the race track, but Stanford University researchers took a different approach. The team drove autonomous versions of a Volkswagen GTI and Audi TTS on an icy track near the Arctic Circle and Thunderhill Raceway in California, collecting data on friction during "emergency manoeuvres". The data was then combined to create a new control method.
Hitachi trains to charge off using battery power
Rail Engineer
Hitachi is discussing with the Scottish government the installation of underfloor batteries on its Class 385 trains. The batteries would reportedly charge while under wires on the network, or while stationary. They could add 20 miles of range beyond wires, or 60 miles with a more complicated modification.
Star Wars: India destroys satellite with missile
The Verge
India has claimed the successful testing of anti-satellite missile technology. The missile, fired from Earth, destroyed one of the country's own satellites. The same technology could potentially intercept intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Tom, Dick and Harry farmbots work the land on 'plant-by-plant' basis
Professional Engineering
British start-up the Small Robot Company told Professional Engineering that that its Tom, Dick and Harry robots will tend the land on a 'plant-by-plant' basis. “We are trying to deliver the things you couldn’t do even if you had 100 people," said the company's 'head of robot awesomeness'.
Out with the old, in with the new (trains)
Rail Technology Magazine
Govia Thameslink Railway has started to replace the UK's oldest electric rail fleet with new Siemens Class 717 trains. The 100mph trains will increase capacity by 11%.
'Personal flight devices' aim for take off
New Atlas
A flying 'motorbike', a go-kart that leaves the ground and an 'aerial Segway' – the five finalists in Boeing's GoFly competition have some wacky concepts. The teams received $50,000 to develop their prototypes, and hope to win funding from the $1.6m prize pool to potentially transform personal mobility forever.
Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.