Engineering news
Lewis Hamilton tackles barriers for black students in engineering
Professional Engineering
Hiring practices favouring select high-ranking universities, disproportionately high levels of school exclusions, and lower expectations of students’ academic abilities are all limiting black people’s progression into engineering and motorsport careers, a new report from Sir Lewis Hamilton and the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng) has found. The report identified barriers to potential black recruits – and 10 recommendations to help overcome them.
Government aims for ‘net zero’ flights by 2040
E&T
The government has set out its plans for transport decarbonisation, including consultation on a pledge to reach net zero emissions from domestic flights by 2040. The plans also include the end of new polluting road vehicles by 2040.
Surrey team clinches top prize at UAS Challenge
Professional Engineering
Team Peryton from the University of Surrey has won the Grand Champion prize at this year’s UAS Challenge, despite a dramatic crash on the last day. The group triumphed thanks to scoring well across a number of categories, and for their aircraft’s autonomous flight – a feat which other teams at the downsized event found difficult.
Scottish Power and Shell plan floating wind farm
E&T
Scottish Power and Shell have submitted plans for a large floating wind farm off the coast of north-east Scotland. The companies said the plans, contained in several bids to Crown Estate Scotland, could create new jobs and help cut carbon emissions.
5 reasons to attend Advanced Manufacturing week
Professional Engineering
Manufacturing is changing – make sure you don’t get left behind. Our Engineering Futures series of events kicks off on Monday (19 July), with a week of bite-size briefings dedicated to Advanced Manufacturing. Here are five reasons to attend.
Battery industrialisation centre opens
The Engineer
Prime minister Boris Johnson officially opened the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre in Coventry yesterday (15 July). The £130m facility is aimed at supporting UK industry to develop new battery technology and scale up production.
‘Electronic paper’ displays brilliant colours with low energy consumption
Professional Engineering
A new type of electronic paper can display brilliant colours under ambient light, keeping energy consumption at a minimum. The reflective screens, which could cut the energy consumption of smart phones, tablets and other technology, were developed at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden.
Liquid metal could bring more natural prosthesis sensations
The Engineer
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University and partners have developed new liquid metal sensors that could bring more natural sensations to the fingertips of prosthetic hands. The stretchable sensors offer high conductivity and flexibility.
Construction industry 'must go further in embracing digital'
Professional Engineering
The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated delays and rising costs in the construction industry, but the government has ambitious infrastructure and energy efficiency aims. If the industry is going to achieve transformational change, said Paul Dunn from architecture company CallisonRTKL, “it must go further in embracing digital, advanced materials and new technologies.”
’3D lasers’ could transform manufacturing
Process Engineering
Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh has secured a £586,000 grant from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council for the development of 3D laser beams. The technology, which involves using specifically-designed beams for accurate manufacturing, could improve efficiency and precision.
Get to grips with the future factory: sign up now for our Advanced Manufacturing briefings (19-23 July), part of the Engineering Futures series.
Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.