Engineering news
Most UK industries ‘off track for net zero target’
Energy Live News
Most industries in the UK are not on track to hit the 2050 ‘net zero’ target, according to new research by insurer Zurich UK and the University of the West of England. Just five of the 17 audited sectors were currently reducing emissions, while seven were increasing year-on-year.
Airbus assembles Wing of Tomorrow prototype
The Engineer
Airbus has assembled a full-scale prototype in its Wing of Tomorrow programme. The project aims to test the latest composite materials and aerodynamic techniques, in an attempt to reduce aviation’s carbon emissions.
Winged microchip is smallest ever human-made flying device
Professional Engineering
A team of engineers has taken inspiration from nature to create the smallest ever human-made flying structures. Developed at Northwestern University in Illinois, the flying microchips – known as microfliers – are about the size of a grain of sand. Without motors or engines, they fly by catching the wind like a sycamore seed, spinning through the air towards the ground.
Efficient new catalyst could reduce cost of ‘green’ hydrogen
The Engineer
Researchers at Curtin University in Australia have developed an efficient and cheap new catalyst that could reduce the cost of producing green hydrogen from water. The team added nickel and cobalt to cheaper catalysts to enhance their performance.
Microrobot could ride ultrasonic waves inside the body
E&T
Researchers at Cornell University in New York state have developed microrobots that can be steered by ultrasonic waves. The tiny cell-sized devices could be used for targeted drug delivery.
7 key engineering lessons from Future Skills week
Professional Engineering
Engineering is central to overcoming the challenges of tomorrow – but what skills will engineers need to tackle them? We set out to answer that question with Future Skills week, which examined some of the techniques, approaches and mindsets that engineers can adopt to stay ahead. We collected each piece into this handy round-up, highlighting important lessons from each of the articles and expert case studies.
GKN to produce wings for flying taxi
Aerospace Manufacturing
GKN will produce aerostructures, including the wings, for Vertical Aerospace’s VA-X4 electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle.
AI system helps discover completely new materials for electric cars
Professional Engineering
A collaborative artificial intelligence (AI) tool has reduced the time and effort required to discover truly new materials, its creators have said. Developed by researchers at the University of Liverpool, the tool has already led to the discovery of four new materials, including a new family of solid-state materials that conduct lithium. Such solid electrolytes could offer longer range and increased safety for electric vehicles, the researchers said.
Royal Mail trialling tiny EVs
E&T
The Royal Mail is trialling two tiny electric vehicles (EVs) for daily deliveries. The service hopes the vehicles could help reduce emissions, compared to conventional vans.
'Wearable microgrid' harnesses energy from sweat and movement
Professional Engineering
Nanoengineers at the University of California San Diego have developed a ‘wearable microgrid’, aimed at harvesting energy from the body to power small electrical devices.
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Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.