Engineering news
Coronavirus hits supply chains
Financial Times
European production at four of the biggest car manufacturers is reportedly under threat after the rapid spread of the Covid-19 virus closed an Italian electronics factory. Production lines at Fiat Chrysler, Renault, BMW and Peugeot could be suspended after MTA’s factory in Lombardy closed down amid a dramatic increase in cases in northern Italy.
Manufacturers make budget appeal
Professional Engineering
Make UK called for a “triple boost” for industry to be included in the first budget of new chancellor Rishi Sunak, to be delivered on 11 March. The three measures were based on a snap poll of members, who were asked what the government should do immediately to make the UK a more attractive location for industry. An increase to investment allowances and R&D tax credits were requested, as was a reduction of energy costs to EU averages.
Satellites dock in orbit
New Atlas
Three companies have achieved a world-first after two unmanned commercial satellites docked together in orbit. The Mission Extension Vehicle-1 from Northrop Grumman and subsidiary SpaceLogistics LLC docked with the Intelsat 901 satellite in orbit this week, and will take over the task of maintaining its orbit in March. It could remain in place for five years before docking with other ageing satellites for another 10 years.
Driverless car sees through the snow
MIT News
MIT researchers have used ground penetrating radar to help driverless cars ‘see’ through snow on the road. The system first creates a ‘fingerprint’ of the make-up of the soil beneath the road, which it can then use later on correlate its position. In snowy conditions, the margin of error was only an inch more than clear weather.
Sensitive robot finger
Professional Engineering
A new robotic finger reportedly has touch sensitivity similar to humans. Created by researchers at Columbia University in New York, the finger can ‘localise’ touch to within 1mm2 using overlapping signals from light emitters and receivers in the functional areas of the finger. It could be used for dexterous robotic manipulation in a range of complex tasks, such as manufacturing or nuclear decommissioning.
'3D bioprinter'
The Engineer
Researchers from the University of Connecticut have created a handheld 3D ‘bioprinter’, designed to enable surgeons to deposit scaffolds of bio-compatible material within the body. The gelatine-based hydrogel ‘bio-ink’ could support cellular and tissue growth within weakened muscles.
Adding wood creates ‘bendy’ concrete
E&T
Wood has been added to recycled concrete to create a cheaper and lower-emission building material. Created by a team at the University of Tokyo, the material could also be biodegradable – and it has a higher bending strength than the original material.
Tiny biotech robots
New Atlas
A team at the University of California, Los Angeles, has developed a fleet of tiny, disc-shaped robots designed to move minute droplets of fluid in biotech research. The 2mm robots move along pre-determined paths, moving samples such as human plasma.
Wind could blow up in US
Energy Live News
Wind farms could reportedly supply 20% of the US energy demand within 10 years, according to research from Cornell University in New York state. Wind farms currently supply about 7% of demand.
Electric surge at Formula Student
IMechE
A record number of electric and autonomous vehicles will compete in this year’s Formula Student competition, which will see thousands of engineering students from over 30 countries travelling to Silverstone in July to take part in the event. The competition, organised by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, challenges students to use their creativity and technical skills to design, build and race single-seater cars.
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Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.