Science and Technology News

Category: Features

  • Shy Automotive launches the ultimate airport parking solution

    Shy Automotive launches the ultimate airport parking solution

    Shy Automotive, the world-class luxury car storage facility in Sussex, UK, has launched the ultimate airport parking solution for high-value cars.

    This new service looks to answer every current concern with traditional airport parking options, with unparalleled security, total convenience, and ultimate peace of mind for owners of luxury, classic, and high-performance vehicles.

    Located just 15 minutes from London Gatwick Airport, the Shy Automotive facility is equipped with state-of-the-art security features, including 24/7 surveillance, a unique car racking system with dedicated battery trickle charging and a fire suppression system for each and every individual storage bay. It means that any car left with Shy Automotive is meticulously cared for during its stay, and returned to its owner in pristine condition.

    (more…)
  • New research on octopus-inspired technology to maneouver underwater objects

    New research on octopus-inspired technology to maneouver underwater objects

    Having the ability to grab and release these underwater objects like heavy rocks, small shells, and soft beads, and other debris could be a powerful tool for underwater salvage and even rescue operations. Their findings have been published in Advanced Science.

    This work was performed with undergraduate researchers Austin Via, Aldo Heredia, and Daniel Adjei from Virginia Tech. Graduate Research Assistant Chanhong Lee was first author on the paper, reporting research supported by the National Science Foundation through the Designing Materials to Revolutionize and Engineer our Future program.

    I am fascinated with how an octopus in one moment can hold something strongly, then release it instantly. It does this underwater, on objects that are rough, curved, and irregular – that is quite a feat, Bartlett said.

    (more…)
  • Renault makes impact at the Paris Motor Show

    Renault makes impact at the Paris Motor Show

    Alongside its stand in Hall 6, at the Paris Motor Show, Renault will have another stand in Hall 5, dedicated to Renault 4 and these new means of e-mobility. For the first time, Renault is presenting Renault 4 with its mini-caravan, plane, motorbike and water bike, inspiring visitors to dream of adventures on land, sea and in the air.

    Open on all sides for access from all four points of the compass, the stand reveals Renault 4 E-Tech electric and  four means of e-mobility for use in all four seasons.  

    Each of the objects making up the 4 movements features Cloud Blue, the colour of the first Renault 4 on its reveal in 1962. They also all include denim-effect upholstery and a headlamp design inspired directly by Renault 4. 

    Designed as a truly immersive experience with cutting-edge design and premium materials , the stand occupied by Renault 4 and the 4 movements gives visitors an insight into the mobility of the future. The clean lines and plays of light create a futuristic feel to showcase the successful alliance between Renault and its start-up partners.  

    Partnerships for the future  

    “4 movements” is part of Renault’s ambition to work with the French firms inventing tomorrow’s mobility to create a new sustainable ecosystem. This launch is a key stage in Renault’s plans to transform the way we get around, through eco-friendly solutions and a smarter approach to mobility that is also more fun.  

    These four means of mobility will be available for pre-order at the Paris Motor Show, and are intended for small-scale production. They will be available from next spring, like Renault 4.

  • 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.

  • US has 70 percent more data centers than next 10 largest markets combined

    US has 70 percent more data centers than next 10 largest markets combined

    The widespread adoption of cloud computing has transformed the data center landscape. Although it significantly cut the number of organizations operating their own data centers, it has also fueled a surge in the global data center count. Still, no market is even close to the United States when it comes to the total number of data centers.

    According to data presented by Stocklytics.com, the United States counts 5,388 data, or 70 percent more than the next ten largest markets combined. (more…)

  • ABB launches new white paper describing impact of gearless mill drive technology on CO2 emissions

    ABB launches new white paper describing impact of gearless mill drive technology on CO2 emissions

    ABB has released an in-depth white paper detailing the vital role that gearless grinding technologies can play in driving productivity in mining while simultaneously reducing their carbon footprint.

    One of the key findings in the report, based upon extensive testing of ABB’s current installed base of Gearless Mill Drives (GMDs), is the high level of efficiency they provide. GMDs can be up to 3.6 percent more energy efficient than Ring-Geared Mill Drives (RMDs), reducing energy consumption and operational costs of the mine.

    This level of efficiency across ABB’s GMD installed base equates to 195 kt of CO2 – the equivalent of 89,000 cars taken off the road. Even a conservative 2 percent of increased efficiency equates to 106 kt of CO2 saved, or 49,000 cars taken off the road. (more…)

  • 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…)