Science and Technology News

Category: Features

  • Port of Dover enhances operational excellence new pilot vessel

    Port of Dover enhances operational excellence new pilot vessel

    The Port of Dover is proud to announce the arrival of its newest pilot vessel, DHB Diligent, a state-of-the-art addition to its fleet, developed in collaboration with Holyhead Marine. This investment underlines the port’s ongoing commitment to enhance operational excellence, crew welfare, sustainability, and safety within one of the UKs busiest ports.

    DHB diligent is equipped with the award-winning BareFLEET system, an advanced vessel performance monitoring system designed by AST Reygar, which was specified as a mandatory requirement in the tender process. The decision to include such a monitoring system reflects Dover Harbour’s focus on leveraging cutting-edge technology to improve fuel efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and ensure strict adherence to harbour regulations.

    The Port of Dover, a vital gateway to the UK United Kingdom, manages over 12 million passengers, 2.5 million trucks, and 20,000 shipping movements annually. With such a high volume of traffic, maintaining operational efficiency and environmental stewardship is paramount.

    AST Reygar’s BareFLEET system, which was installed whilst the vessel was under construction at Holyhead Marine, providing the port with real-time accurate data on vessel performance. This includes monitoring fuel consumption, enabling behavioural adjustments for coxswains, and ensuring compliance with mandatory speed limits within the harbour area. BareFLEETS real-time alert monitoring is essential for maintaining safety and minimising environmental impact.

     

    Investing in DHB Diligent and its advanced monitoring technology with AST Reygars BareFLEET system, marks a significant advancement for the port” said Luke Hedges, Technical Superintendent at the Port of Dover. The BareFLEET system will play a crucial role in helping us achieve our operational and environmental goals. This is a testament to our commitment to sustainability and innovation, ensuring that our port remains at the forefront of maritime technology.

     

    AST Reygar is a leading provider of vessel monitoring systems, known for their innovative solutions that enhance the efficiency and safety of maritime operations. Their BareFLEET system is widely recognised for its robust and reliable performance and ease of integration, making it an idea choice for DHB Diligent. The arrival of the vessel represents a key milestone in the port’s efforts to modernise their fleet and maintain a status as a leader in the maritime industry.

  • African Development Fund releases initial support of $99 million to finance the development of rice cultivation value chains in West Africa

    African Development Fund releases initial support of $99 million to finance the development of rice cultivation value chains in West Africa

    The Board of Directors of the African Development Fund has approved initial funding of $99.16 million to develop regional rice cultivation value chains as part of the Regional West Africa Rice Development project.

    The aim of the project is to increase food security and sovereignty in West Africa by encouraging public and private investments in rice value chains to increase self-sufficiency in rice in the region by 2030.

    The funding of $99.16 million is intended for the first group of beneficiaries, which includes Gambia and Guinea-Bissau at the national level, as well as the Economic Community of West African States ECOWAS and the Africa Rice Center Africa Rice at the regional level.

    It will be provided in the form of separate grants of $15.95 million, $43.88 million and $19.94 million from the African development Bank Group’s concessional loans window. A fourth grant from the Bank, of $19.39 million, will come from the transition support facility, a bank mechanism aimed at supporting the resilience of the continent’s most fragile countries.

    In total, grants from the African Development Bank Group represent 91.2 percent of the total cost of the project. The governments of Gambia and Guinea-Bissau will each contribute 5.2 percent, with the beneficiaries contributing 1.7 percent in kind. ECOWAS and Africa Rice will contribute 1.2 percent and 0.8 percent of the total project cost respectively.

    The project will help to increase production and the productivity of rice cultivation, as well as improving income generation for farmers, particularly women and young people. It will also help to increase the resilience and capacity for adaptation of rice farms and production systems in response to climate change, as well as processing, marketing and the intraregional trade in rice.

    At the national level, the project plans to develop irrigation infrastructure and to improve the sustainability of irrigation services, support the distribution of supplies and improved, climate-smart seeds, and strengthen processing units and the marketing of local rice, with a particular emphasis on skills development and access to finance for women and young people. The project also aims to strengthen agricultural cooperatives and access to mechanization, while improving farmers’ capacity for adaptation and resilience in response to climate change and extreme events.

    At the regional level, the first regional project, supported by Africa Rice, will provide regional technical support for encouraging innovation in rice cultivation value chains in the project’s intervention countries in West Africa. This includes a needs assessment for seeds and varieties in the various countries, as well as the production and distribution of improved seeds.

    The second regional project, supported by ECOWAS, will concentrate on regional policy and regulatory reforms and harmonizing these across the region. It will contribute to improving governance in the West African rice sector through the ECOWAS Rice Observatory, which will also be supported by the project.

    The project’s beneficiary countries are therefore all 15 countries in West Africa, each benefiting from the implementation of regional projects.

    In Gambia, the beneficiaries will be 20,000 rice farmers, including 6,000 women and 4,000 young people; 10,000 producers, including 3,000 women and 3,000 young people who will be supported in accessing seeds, fertilizers, plant protection products, mechanization and agricultural equipment, and 40 women who will receive support for financial inclusion.

    In Guinea-Bissau, 16,000 rice farmers, including 5,000 women and 3,000 young people will benefit, along with 50,000 producers, including 15,000 women and 15,000 young people, who will be supported in accessing seeds, fertilizers, plant protection products, mechanization and agricultural equipment.

  • Reinventing the wheel launch of world first EKRUZER hubless drivetrain

    Reinventing the wheel launch of world first EKRUZER hubless drivetrain

    EKRUZER, maker of the world’s first gaming-enabled e-scooter, has launched a groundbreaking advancement in eScooter design a world first hubless drivetrain package.

    This revolutionary development marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the wheel, offering enhanced aesthetics, performance and rider experience, compared to traditional spoked versions.

    The engineering team – TAV Systems – has reimagined the wheel by removing the central hub and spokes, creating a sleek and futuristic design that enhances both the functionality and the visual appeal of its gaming. (more…)

  • Renewable energy company Urbanchain begins entry into US market

    Renewable energy company Urbanchain begins entry into US market

    Renewable energy company Urbanchain have revealed plans to roll out their proven model in the United States. 

    Graeme Cooper, who has enjoyed a storied career in the disruptive industries of telecoms and energy, will spearhead the UK headquartered company’s expansion into America. 

    Backed by investors including leading European investment group Eurazeo, UrbanChain’s tech creates local clean energy markets to connect buyers and sellers. (more…)

  • Electrogenic unveils its full technology suite at SEMA for powering EV conversions

    Electrogenic unveils its full technology suite at SEMA for powering EV conversions

    Electrogenic, the internationally renowned EV technology company, has chosen SEMA to showcase its full suite of sector-leading EV products.

    These include the Oxford, UK based company’s sophisticated drop in EV conversion kits, proprietary integration technology and vehicle Control Unit (VCU) as well as its specialist electronics for both body control and driver interface.

    The British firm’s entire range of proven, proprietary EV powertrain tech will now be available to B2B customers for the very first time. (more…)

  • Production starts for central eActros 600 component at the Mannheim plant

    Production starts for central eActros 600 component at the Mannheim plant

    Mercedes-Benz Trucks will celebrate the start of series production of the eActros 600 at the end of November this year at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth. The eActros 600 was recently selected as international truck of the Year 2025 at the IAA-transportation in hannover.

    The first eActros 600 customer vehicles will be manufactured and registered before the end of 2024. In each vehicle, a central component from the mercedes-benz plant in mannheim will be installed the so-called front box. (more…)

  • Unlocking cryogenic material behaviour with novel cryostat

    Unlocking cryogenic material behaviour with novel cryostat

    The national composites centre NCC has further demonstrated the use of its novel cryostat to screen a wide selection of materials at cryogenic temperatures. The low cost method highlights the best candidates for detailed material testing using conventional methods. 

    Multiple cryostats have been developed and released including microcrack fracture toughness and shear fixtures, with others, such as impact, under development.  

    Understanding properties of materials at cryogenic temperatures is time consuming and costly, with limited existing UK capability. Driving transformational change in the field of cryogenics, the capability introduced by NCC will reduce the time, cost and complexity of cryogenic testing. 

    The 3D printed cryostat that has been developed provides the capability to rapidly screen cryogenic material properties, whilst providing insight into failure mechanisms. A video of the material test in action can be viewed here which shows the forming of microcracks in a thermoset sample under tension at approximately -160°C. The cryostat shown is an early iteration that has since been developed. 

    Allowing material specimens to be viewed live during the test process to identify ‘microcracking’ is achieved via optical access, a key feature of the device. The test has a cycle time of approximately under an hour to cool and test, allowing a high throughput of test specimens. This is achieved by using cryogenically cooled nitrogen gas, utilising a design with a low thermal mass and volume. Utilising a tensile testing machine, no modifications to existing test machines are required.  

    Leading the cryostat development project, Matt Kay, Principal Engineer at the National Composites Centre said The cryostat concept allows the rate of cryogenic materials testing to significantly increase, helping engineers and researchers to learn quickly and cost effectively, reducing the burden in developing new products for the emerging liquid hydrogen industry. 

    To enhance collaboration and UK industry advancement, companies interested in collaborating or accessing the cryostat technology can contact: hydrogen@nccuk.com to express interest. 

  • E-type UK creates bespoke Jaguar speedster

    E-type UK creates bespoke Jaguar speedster

    E-Type UK, the world-leading expert on the definitive classic sports car, has completed a painstaking 3,500 hour restoration and bespoke upgrade programme on a Jaguar E-type Series 1 Roadster, producing a refined and optimised british speedster.

    Famously described by none other than Enzo Ferrari as the most beautiful car in the world, thanks to the hadlow, Kent based E-Type UK, this gleaming E-type now delivers a fast road driving experience to match the stunning looks.

    An icon revitalised

    The subject of the restoration and upgrade works, a 1961 left-hand drive model, was first delivered new to Puerto Rico. After many years overseas, the car returned to the UK, being bought by the current owner as the basis for creating his ultimate open top E-type.

    He tasked E-Type UK – recognised marque experts, and specialists in custom Jaguar builds – with further refining the car’s elegant 1960s bodywork to create something more purposeful, with elevated modern performance to match.

    The customer – who intends to use the car exclusively in warmer climates – instructed the team to remove the soft top entirely, to create a true E-type speedster.

    Meticulous restoration process, inside and out

    E-Type UK’s expert team have since lavished over 3,500 hours on the car, focusing on every detail down to the very last bolt. As with all the firm’s restoration projects, the process began with a full strip down of the shell, and removing all components.

    The team then undertook a comprehensive assessment of the body panels to ensure structural integrity, before carefully blasting them to remove half a century of material build-up. 

    During the team’s analysis of the car, it was discovered that significant repairs to the shell were needed, with multiple panels badly corroded or rotted from years of exposure to the elements.

    E-Type UK seized this opportunity to further refine the bodywork and enhance that iconic 1960s design, with a de-seamed bonnet and tailgate, including further rounding of bodywork edges across the car.

    The de-seaming process also allowed the specialists to remove exterior chrome work for a cleaner look, including the exterior door handles – replaced with a subtle internal electronic release.

    The new aesthetic was capped off by custom headlight covers and – with no need to accommodate a soft top – all finishing edges have been beautifully rounded.

    With the metalwork complete, the iconic silhouette of the E-type emerged anew and then was surfaced and finally treated with a coat of Opalescent Gunmetal for a rich, lustrous finish.

    The painting process took over 400 hours in all, using the highest quality products to achieve a show stopping depth and shine.

    An interior to match

    The same attention to detail has been paid to the interior, with the E-type UK team creating a custom, totally transformed cabin. Realising the client’s vision, a custom finish was applied to the seats, sills and carpets – which are now adorned in Red diamond quilted leather.

    This is offset by a gleaming, period correct aluminium centre console and dash, housing the iconic original lineup of Smiths gauges.

    The team have also fabricated a bespoke storage area across the rear bulkhead, making use of this space, which is now beautifully trimmed in matching leather and pattern.

    This bespoke storage space also doubles up as a useful seating area for furry friends, ensuring the families beloved pets can tag along for the ride. E-Type UK has supplied a removable padded section for added pet friendly comfort. 

    Pursuit of mechanical perfection

    The team have spent hundreds more hours on work beneath the car’s skin, with entirely refreshed and overhauled mechanical components.

    While the car was in paint, the team had been hard at work preparing and enhancing the car’s vital elements, such as its beating heart: the fully rebuilt, 3.8-litre straight six engine, now finished to a ‘fast road’ specification.

    The motor has been overhauled from top to bottom in the E-type UK workshops. After being fully stripped down, the block was honed and bored, with high-lift cams and new bearings fitted, along with bronze valve guides, uprated valves, a ported head and a balanced crank.

    It is now fed by fully rebuilt triple SU carbs, with an increased compression ratio and new lighter flywheel. The car now also benefits from electronic ignition, sport ignition coil, high-torque starter motor and lightweight alternator.

    These changes are complemented by an uprated, performance cooling system and larger fan, for dramatically improved air-flow – ideal for enthusiastic drives in the warmer climes where this car will reside.

    These changes have created a powerplant that now revs with a newfound urgency, emitting an addictive straight six roar in the process – now all the more enveloping thanks to the new ‘speedster’ layout.

    The motor drives through a brand-new, beautifully mechanical, 5-speed manual gearbox, and the enhanced performance is kept in check thanks to upgraded adjustable suspension and sports performance brakes.

    A gleaming masterpiece

    E-Type UK’s creation of this stunning, highly bespoke E-type Speedster stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to excellence in classic automotive space, with a unique ability to blend originality and with carefully selected, transformative enhancements.

    It also acts as a fine reminder of the E-type’s timeless allure, a true British design icon that now delivers truly modern performance to match the stunning looks.

  • Global VR market will hit $57 billion by 2030, forecasts globalization

    Global VR market will hit $57 billion by 2030, forecasts globalization

    Virtual reality VR is a niche technology with gaming, entertainment, and professional training applications. Despite the challenges that will limit the adoption of VR technology, the global VR market is forecast to grow from  $11 billion in 2023 to $57 billion by 2030, registering a compound annual growth rate CAGR of 26 percent over the period, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    Globaldata’s latest Strategic Intelligence report  “Virtual Reality,” reveals that while the revenue share of VR software in the total VR market will slightly decline from 61 percent in 2023 to 59 percent in 2030, VR hardware will increase its share from 39 percent in 2023 to 41percent in 2030.

    Shabnam Pervez, Analyst, Strategic Intelligence team at GlobalData, comments: “As VR adoption grows, both hardware and software will experience more demand. Demand for VR software will be driven by advancements in content creation and the development of more immersive experiences while declining hardware costs will make VR headsets more accessible to a broader audience.”

    Globaldata’s report also highlights that VR players may eventually transition to mixed reality MR, which is a hybrid technology that enables users to see and interact with virtual objects integrated into the real world. MR has become desirable to headset makers as an alternative to VR.

    For example, HTC, Meta, and Pico started with pure VR headsets but have pivoted to MR. HTC released its vive focus 3 in 2022, a standalone mixed reality headset. The meta-owned oculus is also working on Mr headsets. Pico Interactive also makes several MR headsets, including the Pico Neo 3.

    Pervez adds Apple’s vision pro, launched in february 2024, is typically described as an Mr device. Apple will likely set the path for many more VR makers to transition towards MR. However, VR companies will all strategize differently. For example, Meta will likely continue to call its devices VR headsets as it has invested so much in VR tech. However, the company’s offering has more in common with MR than standalone VR.

    The transition reflects an interest in bridging the gap between the immersive world of VR and the user’s physical environment. MR’s ability to overlay digital elements onto the real world presents exciting possibilities for applications where maintaining awareness of surroundings is crucial. The market is responding to a demand for MR in areas like design, education, and even healthcare, where seamlessly blending virtual elements with real-world environments holds significant value.

    Despite advances in hardware and software, VR faces significant challenges that will hinder its growth. One of the primary obstacles is its cost. VR headsets, even those with basic features, typically cost between $200 and $1,000. Additionally, some VR headsets must be tethered to powerful devices to function effectively, which can further increase the overall cost.

    Another challenge is the potential for negative health effects associated with prolonged VR use. Some users have suffered eye strain, headaches, and motion sickness. Addressing these health concerns is crucial to ensure the long-term viability of VR technology.

    Pervez concludes moreover, the development of compelling and diverse VR content remains a challenge. While there have been some successful VR experiences, creating content that truly captivates users and offers lasting value is not always easy. The lack of a thriving VR content ecosystem could further limit the appeal of the technology.

    The estimate includes revenues generated by VR hardware i.e., headsets and software i.e., apps and content distributed via VR app stores. It does not cover revenues from VR services like hardware designing, app development, and VR arcades

  • Volvo Group and Daimler Truck sign binding agreement for joint venture

    Volvo Group and Daimler Truck sign binding agreement for joint venture

    As announced in may this year, Volvo Group and Daimler Truck intend to create a joint venture to develop a common software-defined vehicle platform and dedicated truck operating system, providing the basis for future software-defined commercial vehicles.

    The two leading companies in the commercial vehicle industry have now signed a binding agreement to establish the joint venture and are working towards setting up the company that will be headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden.

    The software-defined vehicle platform will enable Volvo Group and Daimler Truck and potential other future customers of the joint venture to provide stand-alone digital vehicle functions for their products. 

    Leading the digital transformation

    The signing demonstrates our joint commitment to lead the digital transformation of our industry. The software and hardware from this joint venture will be crucial for achieving unprecedented levels of safety, comfort, and efficiency for our customers, says Karin Rådström, CEO of Daimler Truck.

    Martin Lundstedt, president and CEO of the Volvo Group, adds we are joining forces to redefine software architecture and pioneer a new era of self-optimizing trucks.

    Together we are removing complexity to allow our customers to unlock higher levels of connectivity, safety and efficiency and continually push for a greater performance. It is a revolutionary response to the challenges of our modern world, and we are proud to be setting the industry standard.

    The joint venture’s activities will include the specification and procurement of centralized high-performance control units dedicated for commercial vehicles and capable of handling large amounts of data.

    The new company will develop an operating system and tools which vehicle manufacturers can use as a basis to develop their own differentiating digital vehicle features. This will decouple software and hardware development cycles in the future and enable customers to purchase and update digital applications wirelessly over the air, ultimately enhancing customer efficiency and experience. 

    Volvo group and daimler truck will remain competitors and continue to differentiate their complete product and services offerings, including their respective digital solutions.