News

CNES takes stake in Skynopy to accelerate global satellite ground station network and Ka-band deployment

Skynopy, a provider of ground station services and satellite connectivity solutions, and the French Space Agency (CNES), have signed a partnership agreement aimed at optimizing frequency allocation for the ground stations operated by Skynopy in France.

This partnership builds on a trusted relationship established since Skynopy’s inception: from its earliest days, the startup has benefited from CNES support – first as a technical and institutional partner, and later as a shareholder through the SpaceFounders program.

A compelling example of collaboration between a national space agency and a fast-growing “NewSpace” player. [Read more…] about CNES takes stake in Skynopy to accelerate global satellite ground station network and Ka-band deployment

MellowVans launches compact electric delivery vehicle in UK after 1.5 million miles of real-world use

MellowVans, the manufacturer of compact electric commercial vehicles purpose-built for urban logistics, has launched a new solution for “cost-effective, zero-emission delivery vehicles designed specifically for cross-city and last-mile operations”.

The launch marks MellowVans’ entry into one of Europe’s most advanced and competitive urban delivery markets, as fleet operators across the UK intensify their transition to electric mobility in response to tightening emissions regulations, rising operating costs and rapid e-commerce growth.

At the centre of this launch is the MellowVan – a compact electric delivery vehicle engineered for dense, high-frequency urban routes. Designed from the ground-up for both cross-city and last-mile delivery, the vehicle delivers a step-change in operational efficiency. [Read more…] about MellowVans launches compact electric delivery vehicle in UK after 1.5 million miles of real-world use

Siemens Industrial Edge ecosystem strengthens data and AI integration

Siemens has announced significant expansions to its Industrial Edge ecosystem, accelerating data and AI integration and releasing enhanced cybersecurity functionalities.

These enable a seamless integration of IT and Operational Technology (OT) environments, optimize processes and reduce operational disruptions.

“Siemens Industrial Edge is evolving into a comprehensive platform that combines AI, security and ecosystem innovation,” says Dr. Horst J. Kayser, CEO Factory Automation at Siemens Digital Industries. [Read more…] about Siemens Industrial Edge ecosystem strengthens data and AI integration

MobileDemand launches high-precision mobile dimensioning solution powered by Orbbec stereo 3D camera

MobileDemand, a provider of rugged tablets and enterprise mobility solutions, has launched its latest mobile dimensioning solution powered by Orbbec’s stereo 3D camera.

The solution delivers high accuracy and strong environmental adaptability, significantly improving digital efficiency in logistics and warehouse operations.

As demand for logistics and industrial automation grows, so does the need for reliable vision technologies. MobileDemand has adopted the Orbbec’s Gemini 335L stereo 3D camera, replacing the original solution and enhancing overall performance. [Read more…] about MobileDemand launches high-precision mobile dimensioning solution powered by Orbbec stereo 3D camera

LEGO rocket reaches edge of space in record-breaking stratosphere mission for Project Hail Mary

A LEGO spacecraft has reached the edge of space – and made it back – setting a new world record in the process.

A model based on the film Project Hail Mary was launched nearly 35 kilometers above Earth using a high-altitude balloon, establishing a new Guinness World Records title for the highest altitude launch and retrieval of a LEGO set.

The mission, carried out by UK-based aerospace engineering company Sent Into Space in collaboration with Sony Pictures UK, saw the LEGO model climb to 34,988 meters (114,790 feet) into the stratosphere before safely returning to Earth. [Read more…] about LEGO rocket reaches edge of space in record-breaking stratosphere mission for Project Hail Mary

Manchester awarded prestigious third IEEE milestone award for ‘Manchester Code’

The University of Manchester has been awarded a third Milestone Award by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

The award honours significant technical achievement for the invention of “Manchester Code” in 1948-1949, still used today in communications to Voyager 1 and 2 probes and everyday items like RFID card readers and TV remotes.

In a ceremony celebrating the invention’s impact on data storage, computing and communications, vice-chancellor, Duncan Iverson, accepted the award on behalf of the University, the commemorative bronze plaque will be mounted on the outside of the Coupland 1 Building, Bridgeford Street. [Read more…] about Manchester awarded prestigious third IEEE milestone award for ‘Manchester Code’

Brain-computer interface based on Rice research wins FDA approval for first clinical trial

Motif Neurotech, a company commercializing technology based on research at Rice University, has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to begin the first clinical trial of its therapeutic brain-computer interface (BCI) for treatment of treatment-resistant depression.

The decision is a significant step supporting Motif’s mission to serve the nearly 3 million Americans living with the condition.

The early feasibility study will test Motif’s BCI technology, a small, wirelessly powered implantable device designed to deliver electrical stimulation to brain circuits linked to depression. [Read more…] about Brain-computer interface based on Rice research wins FDA approval for first clinical trial

Astrolight joins Kepler consortium to build ESA’s optical space network terminals

Astrolight contributes laser communication terminal technology to ESA’s HydRON Element 3 mission, led by prime contractor Kepler Communications

Kepler Communications, a Canadian satellite telecommunications provider operating the first commercial optical data relay constellation, is leading a group of industry partners, including Astrolight, a Lithuanian space and defense technology company developing laser communication solutions for space, ground, and maritime applications.

The companies have been awarded a multimillion-euro contract under the European Space Agency’s (ESA) High-throughput Optical Network (HydRON) to develop HydRON’s user-terminal segment, known as Element 3.

HydRON is a project under ESA’s Optical and Quantum Communications – Scylight programme, within the Agency’s Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES). [Read more…] about Astrolight joins Kepler consortium to build ESA’s optical space network terminals

Fraunhofer invents new technology to transmit data via light instead of cable or radio waves

Fraunhofer IPMS is introducing a new technology called Li-Fi Grathus, which “transmits data via light instead of cable or radio waves”. The system delivers gigabit-speed performance and can send and receive data simultaneously.

It operates reliably and with near-zero latency, even in environments where traditional wireless systems reach their limits. Thus, Li-Fi Grathus enables flexible, reliable, and truly real-time industrial communication.

Modern industrial facilities require machines, sensors, and control systems to communicate with one another fast and reliably. Traditional wired connections are often inflexible, and wireless solutions are susceptible to interference. [Read more…] about Fraunhofer invents new technology to transmit data via light instead of cable or radio waves

Hubble Network and InPlay partner to bring sub-$1 global tracking without RFID

Hubble Network, the world’s first satellite-powered Bluetooth network, has announced a partnership with InPlay Inc. to deliver continuous, global asset tracking at a cost that rivals passive RFID.

By combining InPlay’s sub-$1 IN100 NanoBeacon chip with Hubble’s 95 million-plus gateways, item-level sensor and location data will become affordable and accessible at a massive scale.

InPlay’s IN100 NanoBeacon is plug-and-play with a uniquely small form factor that can be easily embedded into smart labels, wearables, and small IoT trackers. [Read more…] about Hubble Network and InPlay partner to bring sub-$1 global tracking without RFID