Ultrasound alloys and solar umbrellas: top stories of the week

Video extensometers are coming into force

Professional Engineering

A new generation of non-contact extensometer is coming to the fore thanks to improvements in video technology and computer software.

Solar 'umbrellas' could cut the environmental impact of lithium extraction

Professional Engineering

The future is electric. But to support it, we’re going to need vast amounts of raw materials – particularly lithium, which can be mined in only a handful of places on earth.

Robotic trunk support could help spinal cord recovery

Professional Engineering

Researchers at Columbia University have developed a robotic device that could help people with spinal cord injuries sit more stably.

Ultrasound could make 3D-printed alloys stronger

Professional Engineering

Ultrasonic vibrations could shake grains of metal into tighter formation during 3D printing.

Formula 1: Denbigh schoolgirl Libby Chapman has designs on F1 career

BBC

A 14-year-old girl's dreams of working in Formula 1 racing received a boost after she and three friends competed in an F1-inspired event in Abu Dhabi.

Ford buys bipedal bots to experiment with autonomous delivery

E&T

An Oregon-based robotics company has announced that its biomimetic bipedal robot, Digit, is now on sale, and that Ford is its first customer.

Toyota announces futuristic city plans, autonomous vehicles only allowed

E&T

Toyota is planning to build a prototype “city of the future” in Japan that will test out new technologies on the residents who live there full time.

Wearable air con takes passive role in cooling

The Engineer

Heat stroke or exhaustion could be prevented with a so-called ‘wearable air conditioning’ system, an on-skin cooling device designed by engineers at the University of Missouri.

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Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.