Science and Technology News

Author: Anika Haque

  • Darling describes taking AST Networks from small start-up to global leader

    Darling describes taking AST Networks from small start-up to global leader

    Since founding AST Networks in 1992, Darling has guided the company from a small start-up with just two employees, to a global leader in hybrid satellite communications. In discussing AST Networks origins, Darling reflects on the moment the idea for the company took shape, whilst operating a gardline vessel in West Africa.

    Facing unreliable communication methods, he saw the need for faster, more efficient satellite-based solutions – an idea that became AST Networks.

    Reflecting on AST Networks’ pioneering achievements, Gregory Darling stated, “One of my proudest achievements is seeing AST Networks lead the way with innovative solutions, such as installing satellite payphones on ships and integrating advanced low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite technologies. We are constantly pushing boundaries, and it’s this pioneering spirit that has helped us thrive in a competitive, and ever-evolving, market.”

    AST Networks has constantly pushed the boundaries of satellite communication, providing advanced solutions for sectors such as maritime, oil and gas, and defence. One of the company’s flagship systems, the AST reygar platform, has transformed fleet management by providing rea-time remote monitoring and vessel tracking.

    This technology has improved operational efficiency and safety for customers, reducing downtime and cutting costs through predictive maintenance and enhanced crew connectivity.

    In addition to its software-driven services, AST Networks hybrid communication solutions, which combine VSAT and LEO technologies, have become the gold standard for reliable global coverage. A notable success story involved a large shipping company facing connectivity challenges in remote waters.

    After implementing AST Networks’ hybrid system, the company reported near-constant connectivity, improving both fleet operations and crew welfare, whilst significantly reducing communication costs.

    AST Networks continues to innovate, the company is also placing a stronger emphasis on cybersecurity, ensuring its customers data is protected in a rapidly increasing digital landscape. With a commitment to delivering tailored solutions that address the unique challenges of each industry, AST Networks remains at the forefront of satellite communications, helping businesses stay connected, secure, and efficient.

    Looking toward the future, Darling highlights the company’s commitment to leveraging software-driven solutions, artificial intelligence, and automation to further improve operations efficiency for its customers. AST Networks is poised for significant growth in 2025, with continued investments in LEO technology and digital services, ensuring customers remain seamlessly connected, no matter where they are in the world.

  • Ifm launches advanced flexible LED strips

    Ifm launches advanced flexible LED strips

    Ifm is excited to announce the launch of its innovative flexible LED strips, available in RGB and white. These advanced LED strips are designed to enhance illumination and provide versatile signalling solutions for a wide range of industrial applications. The new LED strips offer both bright illumination and coloured signalling, making them ideal for various industrial environments such as manufacturing plants, warehouses, and complex machinery setups.

    With powerful RGB and white LEDs, these strips can produce multiple colours, including red, yellow, green, blue, cyan, and purple. Pure white light is also available, thanks to pulse-width modulation (PWM) control, ensuring precise and consistent light output.

    Fully potted with a protection rating of IP68, these LED strips are built to withstand harsh conditions, dirt, and moisture, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. This makes them a reliable choice for environments that experience extreme temperatures, dust, or water exposure.

    The LED strips can be bent or installed straight, offering flexibility in application and allowing for creative and practical installations tailored to specific needs. Optional aluminium profiles ensure secure and shadow-free installation even in difficult-to-reach areas, providing additional protection and stability.

    Featuring powerful LEDs, these strips deliver high luminous flux for maximum visibility and effectiveness, making them perfect for settings where bright and clear illumination is crucial.

    Furthermore, the advanced design of these LED strips ensures energy efficiency, reducing power consumption while maintaining high performance. This not only lowers operational costs but also supports sustainable practices.

    With easy installation and robust durability, ifm electronic’s flexible LED strips are set to revolutionise industrial lighting and signalling, offering a versatile solution that meets the demands of modern industrial environments.

  • Aqua Comms continues to invest in Trans-Atlantic network with new fibre pair

    Aqua Comms continues to invest in Trans-Atlantic network with new fibre pair

    Aqua Comms, a provider of global subsea connectivity services, says it has accelerated its investment in its platform by lighting a new fibre pair on Aqua Comms’ AEC-1 system. Owned and operated by Aqua Comms, AEC-1 is Ireland’s first dedicated subsea fibre-optic network interconnecting New York, Dublin and London.

    The new fibre pair has been brought into service to address the growing bandwidth demands of Aqua Comms customers as requirements to rapidly, seamlessly and reliably move vast quantities of data continue to increase.

    It has also provided an opportunity for Aqua Comms to reinforce its credentials as a responsible operator with a focus on increasing supply whilst minimising power requirements to push for leading edge, innovative and sustainable Trans-Atlantic capacity solutions. (more…)

  • Impressive building management market data highlights ‘continual drive for innovation’, says BCIA

    Impressive building management market data highlights ‘continual drive for innovation’, says BCIA

    The latest report from the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) revealed a strong performance for the Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) market in the year-to-date, rising 3.8 percent to £865 million – highlighting the continual technological breakthroughs and growing consumer demand for smart buildings.

    Despite ongoing broader economic difficulties and a challenging period for the construction industry, including a major skills shortage, the longer-term positive trend in the Building Management or Building Energy Management Systems market data reflects a period of optimism for the building automation sector.

    Stacey Lucas, president of the BCIA, highlighted the significance of the year-to-date increase. She said “These figures are testimony to the ongoing advancements in innovation taking place throughout the BEMS sector.

    Despite the challenging economic times and a general decline in key construction sectors, the BEMS market continues to perform. (more…)

  • Sony expands dedicated drone solutions

    Sony expands dedicated drone solutions

    Sony and Gremsy, a leader in gimbal technology, will be demonstrating the latest addition to their line ups aimed at plug and play solutions for drone users and manufacturers the Pixy LR S-Port gimbal, developed for a direct integration with Sony’s dedicated drone camera, the ILX-LR1, brings agility, reliability and lightness to any drone payload to further optimize drone operation in terms of flight time versus data capture and data availability for processing.

    Gremsy are one the most established gimbal manufacturers in the market, and close collaboration between Sony and Gremsy for the past two years has led to the development of all-in-one solutions for different use cases and different drone platforms. These solutions are seamlessly integrated, lightweight and with a compact design, to optimize payload and environmental footprint.

    In the context of a growing need for high-quality imaging from professional and commercial drone users, Sony developed the ILX-LR1 camera by listening to partner and market requests, bringing Sony imaging technology to the market in a light form factor and dedicated features. (more…)

  • Precision pollination project is a ‘step towards better food security’

    Precision pollination project is a ‘step towards better food security’

    A groundbreaking project aimed at exploring the role drone technology can play in improving yield, fruit quality and forecasting in UK strawberry production is a pivotal step towards enhancing food security.

    The project, Precision Pollination for Higher Strawberry Productivity and Quality, offers a strong consortium comprising the UK Agri-Tech Centre, Angus Soft Fruits and Polybee, with funding support from Innovate UK.

    This combines expert berry growers from the UK, agri-tech innovation and development specialists and a Singaporean partner with expertise in using innovative drone technology for pollination and crop imaging.

    Fresh Strawberries are a high value crop in the UK, worth £377m in 2022, over 30 percent of the total UK fruit value (Defra, 2023).

    Most commercial UK crops are grown under protection in structures such as polytunnels or glasshouses to provide optimal conditions for the plants to grow and fruit to develop. (more…)

  • norelem launches new series of friction joints

    norelem launches new series of friction joints

    Precision, flexibility and durability are critical in industrial sectors to optimise operations while maintaining safety and value. One component that remains constant is friction joints, which are valuable for connecting components in situations where traditional methods may not be practical.

    To address these evolving demands, global standard components manufacturer norelem, has launched a new series of friction joints (10271) designed to meet the unique requirements of various industries, providing essential benefits that cater to a wide range of customers.

    Marcus Schneck, CEO of norelem, said: “One of the key benefits of our friction joints for customers is their ability to deliver precise and adjustable resistance to motion.

    (more…)

  • Evonik develops new model of skin microbiome

    Evonik develops new model of skin microbiome

    Evonik has developed a new model of the skin microbiome. For the first time, this model allows a scientifically substantiated evaluation of the influence of cosmetic ingredients and products on skin microbiota in laboratory tests.

    The company is currently testing cosmetic ingredients from its own product portfolio to obtain evidence-based information on their microbiome-friendliness. Cosmetic producers and consumers are increasingly interested in scientific evidence of the efficacy of cosmetics. In addition, the data will give Evonik a basis for developing even better cosmetic ingredients.

    The skin microbiome – comprising all bacteria, fungi, and viruses found in the skin – varies from one person to another. It is exposed to many internal and external influences, from diet to sunlight. The occurrence of specific strains of bacteria is characteristic of certain skin zones, which can be described as sebaceous, moist or dry. (more…)

  • Apple to scrap sim cards in future, expert suggests

    Apple to scrap sim cards in future, expert suggests

    With the release of the new iPhone 16, which is now the 3rd consecutive iPhone to be eSIM-only in the US, eSIM expert and COO at Nomad eSIM, Eric Morhenn shares some insights about the future of SIM cards

    Apple’s decision to produce and sell only eSIM-compatible iPhones for the US market is another step towards a wider global strategy. Their vision is to move away from physical SIM cards completely within the next few product cycles.

    We can expect Apple to make the same move – starting as early as the iPhone 17 or 18 – in international markets like Europe, Japan, and Singapore, where the digital infrastructure is strong. Alongside Apple, it is likely that one of the major Android providers, such as Samsung, will follow a similar trajectory and also transition to eSIM-only in the near future. (more…)

  • The Coca-Cola system in Africa unveils water stewardship initiative

    The Coca-Cola system in Africa unveils water stewardship initiative

    The effort, called “The Coca-Cola System’s Africa Water Stewardship Initiative”, was introduced in Cape Town, South Africa, in presence of executives from the Coca-Cola system in Africa and NGO partners.

    During the event, Karyn Harrington, Vice President of Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability at The Coca-Cola Company’s Africa Operating Unit indicated “Water is a priority for The Coca-Cola Company and its local bottling partners because it is essential to life, the communities we serve and our beverages.

    As we face increasing water insecurity worldwide, with demand outstripping supply in many regions such as Africa, Coca-Cola is taking steps to help accelerate efforts to address water stress, protect local water resources, and build community climate resilience. Our 2030 Water Security Strategy focuses on helping enhance water security where we operate, source ingredients, and touch lives.” (more…)