Engineering news
Ban on petrol and diesel cars moves closer
BBC
The government has brought forward a ban on selling new petrol, diesel and hybrid cars to 2035. The move means automotive companies will have to speed up electrification of new models.
The IMechE recommended more focus on efficient engines, low-carbon fuels and ‘net-zero’ sources, saying the government’s approach “side-lines a significant complementary opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emission association with road transport.”
Flight to net-zero
Energy Live News
On the same day at the government’s automotive announcement, the UK Sustainable Aviation coalition committed to reaching the target of net-zero emissions by 2050. The move is a huge challenge for the group – which includes British Airways and Virgin Atlantic – and will rely on massive advances in electric and low-carbon flight.
Less than a third of manufacturing SMEs have Industry 4.0 strategy
Professional Engineering
Less than a third of manufacturing and engineering SMEs (small- and medium-sized enterprises) have a strategy for the introduction of Industry 4.0 technology, a new report has found. Despite the much-publicised potential for automated, ‘smart’ and modern robotic technology to improve efficiency and productivity, 32% considered a strategy in the area but “decided it wasn’t right”, according to the annual Manufacturing and Engineering report from accountancy group MHA, produced in association with the IMechE.
Unmarked lanes, motorways and roundabouts on the UK’s ‘longest autonomous journey’
Professional Engineering
A Nissan Leaf with autonomous technology tackled complex situations in the UK’s ‘longest autonomous journey’. The car negotiated country lanes with no road markings, junctions, roundabouts and motorways during the 370km drive from Cranfield in Bedfordshire to Sunderland on 28 November, as part of the HumanDrive project. Complex and unusual road situations are a big challenge to the widespread roll-out of driverless cars.
Skin ‘printer’ could heal burns
The Engineer
Researchers at the University of Toronto have created a handheld device that prints a ‘bio-ink’ on the body to promote skin regeneration and prevent scars after wounds or burns. The machine could offer quick treatments and prevent the use of difficult skin grafts.
Here comes the swarm: autonomous pods form platoons in ‘world-first’
Professional Engineering
Autonomous ‘pods’ have come a step closer to providing first- or last-mile transportation after they ‘swarmed’ together in a trial. Researchers at the University of Warwick’s WMG, in partnership with Aurrigo and Milton Keynes council, claimed a ‘world-first’ after the vehicles came together for easier and more efficient navigation. The WMG researchers developed an intelligent swarming software based on techniques used by birds and insects.
2025 target for hybrid-electric Airlander 10 that could cut flight emissions by 90%
Professional Engineering
Hybrid Air Vehicles has set itself a five-year target to deliver a hybrid-electric airship, which could offer a 90% emissions reduction on other aircraft. The aircraft could transport up to 90 passengers over a maximum all-electric range of 350km, with a “significantly” longer range in hybrid-electric mode.
Bat-vision checks pipes for leaks
Process Engineering
An ultrasound scanning system reportedly inspired by bats’ chirps can detect metal corrosion in pipes to help prevent and detect fossil fuel leaks. The system, developed by engineers from Lancaster University, the National Physical Laboratory, and technology company Hybrid Instruments Ltd, uses ‘backscatter’ of isolated fast neutron and gamma radiation.
£50m fund for UK’s first ‘all-electric bus town’
Professional Engineering
A new fund of up to £50m will invest in electric buses to take over a town’s entire network. The government announced the money yesterday (6 February), inviting local authorities to apply to become the UK’s “first all-electric bus town”. The winning area can use the money to pay for a fleet of brand-new electric buses, which can help cut emissions and reduce the levels of toxic particulates being released by vehicles.
Device uses 'untapped' energy from falling raindrops to generate electricity
Professional Engineering
A new device could generate electricity from a previously untapped source of energy – dripping water. An array of 100 small LED light bulbs was reportedly lit up by a drop falling onto the device, which was developed by a team of researchers led by the City University of Hong Kong (CityU). The design could be applied and installed on different surfaces to utilise low-frequency kinetic energy in water. This could include the hulls of boats, sea walls, or even the surfaces of umbrellas.
Want the best engineering stories delivered straight to your inbox? The Professional Engineering newsletter gives you vital updates on the most cutting-edge engineering and exciting new job opportunities. To sign up, click here.
Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.