From drones finding leaking gas wells to using AI to predict if a start-up will be successful, this week in engineering has been one of real interest for those in the automation field. But for those in the field of manufacturing, the continuing COVID restrictions in key areas around the world are hampering the production of next-gen electronics while the world continues to recover from the global pandemic of 2020. Despite these setbacks, businesses continue to invest in logistics with Amazon’s new $1bn opportunities fund, and STEM projects may finally get to reach space thanks to a $10m contract awarded to Aphelion Aerospace.
Aphelion Aerospace wins $10 million contract for producing CubeSat products
Aphelion Aerospace is a company focused on the development of space launch vehicle technology as well as associated payloads (such as CubeSats). Recently, Aphelion Aerospace was awarded a $10 million contract from One Voice 4 Change with the goal of providing greater amounts of education equality throughout the world. The 5 years funding will also provide CubeSat simulators, balloon launches, and even some rocket launches. What else will the funding provide, what can students expect, and how will it help students obtain experience?
Hardware Business News
Foxconn measures minimal impact from COVID controls in China
Foxconn is a Taiwanese electronics fabrication plant that specialises in the construction of electronic devices with one of its customers being Apple. A new report shows that despite current COVID restrictions in China closing the main Foxconn factory, current stocks in inventory and backup facilities are managing the downtime. But how long will Foxconn last, and will such restrictions affect your operations?
Could AI be used to determine if your start-up will receive funding? Researchers believe so!
One of the biggest challenges faced by start-up companies is the need to secure funding, and funding usually comes with some evidence that your businesses model will work. But what if you could use a tool that would analyse your product, business model, and markets to determine if your company will even work? Some researchers believe this is possible, and have begun to develop just an AI!
Amazon plans to invest $1bn into new ideas and technologies
Amazon is well known for its strong market position, its owner, and its vast number of services. Such a company remains competitive by pushing the boundaries of current technology as well as trying new radical ideas, and in recognition of this Amazon has announced that it will be investing up to $1bn in companies that develop logistic technologies, and supply chain management, and retailers. Will the new “Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund” work out, and who will be eligible?
Toyota to invest $36 million in Jackson manufacturing plant
Recently, Toyota announced that it will be investing up to $383 million across its manufacturing sites, and one site in Jackson will be receiving $36 million. The investment in the Jackson plant, which deals with specific key components used in Toyota automobiles, will allow the site to upgrade equipment used to manufacture engines which include hybrid varieties. What other Toyota sites have received funding, how much have those sites received, and why is it important?
Hardware Engineering News
Two reasons why plastic injected parts go dull
Plastic injection moulding is a crucial production technology thanks to its ability to rapidly produce plastic parts without any additional machining steps while retaining the full strength of the plastic used. However, some plastic injected parts can sometimes lose their glossy finish and become dull, so in this article, you will learn what the top two reasons for dulled parts is, and how you can prevent it.
New York now using drones to find leaking gas wells
While CO2 is considered the worse contributor to climate change, methane is by far a more potent greenhouse gas. Trying to find old leaking gas wells can be challenging considering their remote nature, and so the state of New York is now using drones to help identify leaky wells. How do drones solve the challenges associated with remote monitoring, how are the drones being used, and what challenges do they face?
Can the use of wearable devices help with COVID-19 controls?
There is no doubt that the effects of COVID-19 have been devastating on the economy, social lives, and markets, but many would argue that the many lockdowns that followed did more harm than good. In this article, researchers investigate wearable devices, and how they can be used to look for early signs of COVID infection that could help to limit its spread. But should such wearables be used to look for COVID, what implications are there, and how effective is it?
Hardware R&D News
Researchers develop AI that may be able to predict heart attacks five years before they happen
Heart attacks are one of the leading causes of death, and they can be triggered by a wide range of different factors including diet, genetics, environment, and even mental health. If heart attacks could be predicted before they happen, the number of lives saved would be immense, and this is exactly what a group of researchers think they have done with a new AI tool. How effective is the new tool, will it see real-world use, and what challenges do such AI systems face?
LG Chem develops a new plastic that can act as a fire retardant in lithium-ion batteries
Lithium-ion batteries play a critical role in power storage solutions thanks to their high energy density and ability to provide large amounts of simultaneous current. However, they pose major fire risks due to their combustible nature, and LG Chem may have found a solution to help increase the time taken for a battery to combust with a newly developed plastic. What is the plastic made of, how can it be used in lithium-ion batteries, and will it help make batteries safer?