Engineering news
‘Bangs, pings and rattles’ in first audio of driving on Mars
Professional Engineering
NASA has released the first ever audio clips of a rover driving on the surface of Mars. The recordings, from a 27.3m drive by the Perseverance rover, included some bangs and rattles from the wheels on the surface, as well as a high-pitched scratching noise. NASA engineers are investigating the noise, which could be from electromagnetic interference or interactions with the surface.
Satellite project targets space debris
New Scientist
A satellite to demonstrate space debris removal technology will launch into orbit tomorrow (20 March). End-of-Life Services from Astroscale could eventually use magnets to capture defunct technology in orbit before burning it in the atmosphere.
Cooking oil fuels three-hour Airbus flight
Professional Engineering
An Airbus A350 airliner has flown using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The three-hour test flight, conducted on Tuesday (16 March) in Toulouse, France, was the first flight in a test programme aimed at assessing the emissions performance of SAFs.
Robotic exoskeletons given AI and computer vision
The Engineer
Researchers at the University of Waterloo in Canada are integrating AI software and computer vision into robotic exoskeletons. The system will allow the devices to control themselves, making them easier and simpler to operate for disabled users.
New standard will tell buyers if graphene is really graphene
Professional Engineering
When is graphene not actually graphene? A new standard developed by the National Physical Laboratory and international partners aims to answer that question for potential buyers. Making it possible to measure and label commercially-available material as graphene, few-layer graphene or graphite, the ISO/IEC standard will help companies know what they are purchasing.
NASA’s airless tyre technology used on commercial bicycles
New Atlas
Airless tyre technology developed for NASA rovers has been used on a bicycle for the first time. The Smart Tire Company said its Metl tyres, made of shape memory alloy, will never need inflating and will prevent punctures.
Drone network will deliver Covid-19 supplies
E&T
O2 and drone company Skyfarer are set to carry out short-range flight demonstrations as part of a planned drone network for medical deliveries. The drones could eventually carry Covid-19 supplies and blood samples.
Manufacturing growth upgraded despite pandemic and export issues
Professional Engineering
Manufacturers’ organisation Make UK has upgraded its growth forecast for 2021, after a major survey showed some positive signs for industry despite the ongoing effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit. The year’s growth forecast was upgraded from 2.7% to 3.9% – which, while positive, means it will take some time to recover from the 10% fall in output seen last year.
Denmark invites commercial input on ‘energy island’
Energy Live News
Denmark has invited operators and others to submit recommendations for an ‘energy island’. The artificial island in the North Sea will connect and distribute power from nearby wind farms.
Design and manufacturing mindset shift ‘needed to optimise fluid dynamics’
Professional Engineering
Aiming to optimise fluid dynamics as you introduce 3D printing into your manufacturing? Rik Jacobs from 3D Systems has some useful tips.
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