Science and Technology News

Category: Science

  • 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.

  • 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…)

  • Yanmar unveils its vision for future product platform

    Yanmar unveils its vision for future product platform

    Yanmar has introduced its Yanmar Product Vision, or YPV, outlining the future of its next-generation design.

    Rooted in the philosophy of “intrinsic design”, which focuses on the core functional value and purpose of products, YPV presents Yanmar’s design goals for the future.

    The company plans to combine the design elements developed through YPV with its established design expertise to create a platform that will be implemented across its product range, including agricultural machinery, construction equipment, boats, and services.

    Yanmar HD has been working to cultivate its brand image through designs that resonate with stakeholders, including customers, employees, and the general public, under the concept of inclusive branding. (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.

  • Cobod builds homes ‘faster’ with its latest 3D construction printer

    Cobod builds homes ‘faster’ with its latest 3D construction printer

    Cobod International, a specialist in 3D construction printing technology, proudly introduces the BOD3 3D construction printer for 3D printing of real concrete.

    Equipped with an extendable ground-based track system, the BOD3 advances the construction process by eliminating printer downtime between multiple buildings on the same site, setting anew benchmark for productivity and efficiency.

    The BOD3 is the most advanced solution for high-volume low-rise construction and a very effective alternative to conventional construction methods.  

    (more…)
  • ABB’s updated Freelance distributed control system ‘enhances plant connectivity’

    ABB’s updated Freelance distributed control system ‘enhances plant connectivity’

    Leveraging 30 years of continuous innovation and reliability, ABB’s updated Freelance 2024 distributed control system (DCS) offers greater plant adaptability, faster and more reliable device communication, improved system security, and seamless data exchange. The updated version ensures future-proof upgrades for existing projects and easy implementation in new projects.

    “Today more than ever process industry plants need to be able to adapt quickly to stay relevant in a rapidly changing digital landscape with unpredictable market demands and increasing regulations,” said Stefan basenach, senior vice president, process automation Technology ABB.

    “Freelance 2024 is designed to help plant managers focus on strategic initiatives by simplifying operations and improving system flexibility. It meets current industrial demands and prepares plants for future technological advancements.”

    Freelance 2024 facilitates enhanced connectivity, faster data transfer, more precise control and monitoring of data together with an improved network performance, leveraging the new profinet integration and support of Ethernet Advanced Physical Layer (APL).

    With its scalability and integration capabilities, Freelance 2024 is designed to help plant operators reduce downtime while simplifying tasks.

    NAMUR Open Architecture support via OPC UA ensures secure and more standardized data exchange across various systems and devices, increasing interoperability and simplifying the integration of new technologies. Plant agility is further enhanced thanks to Freelance 2024 controllers, which support Module Type Packages (MTP) for ‘plug and play’ Modular Automation.

    As plant owners prepare for the next-generation workforce, Freelance 2024 helps bridge the skills gap with an intuitive, user-friendly interface that reduces training time and simplifies engineering, operations and maintenance.

    ABB’s Process Automation business automates, electrifies and digitalizes industrial operations that address a wide range of essential needs – from supplying energy, water and materials, to producing goods and transporting them to market. With its 20,000 employees, leading technology and service expertise, ABB Process Automation helps customers in process, hybrid and maritime industries improve performance and safety of operations, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future.