BorntoEngineer

UK robot installations soared to a record high of 3,830 units in 2023, a 51% increase from the previous year, according to the International Federation of Robotics. The automotive industry accounted for 50% of these sales, with a 297% jump in installations. However, the UK still lags behind other European countries in robotics adoption. Germany, for example, has nine times as many operational robots as the UK, with 269,427 units. Italy and France also have significantly higher numbers. Despite this, the UK's investment in robotics was boosted by a temporary tax break, which expired in early 2023. As a result, installations are expected to decline in 2024 before recovering from 2025 onwards. Across Europe, industrial robot installations rose 9% to a new high of 92,393 units, with the automotive industry driving growth in countries like Spain, Slovakia, and Hungary.

Rolls-Royce's "flying bedstead," a vertical flight research rig, made its maiden free flight in August 1954. This innovative contraption, powered by two vectored thrust Rolls-Royce "Nene" turbojet engines, was developed to investigate the control challenges of VTOL aircraft. The pilot, perched above the engines, used compressed air nozzles to steer the craft, which flew untethered at heights up to 25 feet. The flying bedstead paved the way for advanced VTOL aircraft like the Harrier Jump Jet and the supersonic F-35B, which recently made its first vertical landing on the Queen Elizabeth carrier. These engineering marvels demonstrate the significant progress made in VTOL technology since the 1950s, enabling aircraft to take off and land vertically while still achieving high speeds in flight.

A new study reveals that discarded electricals in UK homes contain 38,449 tonnes of copper, potentially worth £266m. With the global copper shortage expected to reach 6.5 million tonnes by 2033, this 'urban mining' opportunity could play a crucial role in meeting the growing demand driven by electrification and decarbonisation efforts. Recycle Your Electricals is launching the Great Cable Challenge to encourage the recycling of 1 million unused cables. By confronting the 'drawer of doom' where many households store disused electronics, consumers can contribute to closing the copper gap and reducing the environmental impact of mining for raw materials. With over 26,000 recycling points across the UK, it's now easier than ever to recycle anything with a plug, battery, or cable. Check the Recycling Locator to find your nearest drop-off point and join the effort to 'urban mine' valuable materials from our unwanted electricals.

Chinese scientists have achieved a significant milestone in space power systems by developing an innovative Mars battery. Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries, this new technology directly utilises the planet’s atmospheric gases as fuel, resulting in a higher energy density and longer cycle life. The battery’s ability to harness the Martian atmosphere for continuous power generation and its resilience to extreme temperature fluctuations make it a promising solution for future long-duration missions. As we continue to explore the possibilities of extraterrestrial habitation, breakthroughs like the Mars battery highlight the critical role of scientific research and engineering in overcoming the challenges posed by alien environments. This development opens up new avenues for sustained exploration and brings us closer to the dream of establishing a human presence on Mars. 🔋🚀

ESA’s Hera mission, launched on October 7, 2024, represents a significant milestone in planetary defence efforts. The spacecraft will rendezvous with the Didymos asteroid system to investigate the aftermath of NASA’s DART impact on Dimorphos. Hera’s objectives include: Precise measurements of Dimorphos’ properties. Assessing the impact crater. Determining the asteroid’s composition and internal structure. The mission demonstrates cutting-edge technologies, such as autonomous navigation, miniaturized CubeSats with radar and multispectral imaging, and inter-satellite communication links. Hera is an international collaboration with contributions from multiple European countries and institutions. The mission’s findings will contribute to validating and refining kinetic impact as a viable technique for deflecting potentially hazardous asteroids, influencing future planetary defence strategies and mission designs.

SpaceX achieved a historic milestone with the successful launch and novel booster recovery of Starship Flight 5. By using substantial articulated tower arms to catch the descending Super Heavy first stage, SpaceX demonstrated the feasibility of a fully reusable mega-rocket system. If Starship can be flown frequently at low costs, it could revolutionize space travel, opening up new opportunities in commercial spaceflight, exploration, and on-orbit manufacturing. This flight marks a significant step forward for SpaceX and the broader aerospace industry.  

In a collaborative effort, the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and the Oxford Robotics Institute (ORI) have successfully deployed an autonomous robot for inspections at the Joint European Torus (JET) fusion facility. This 35-day trial marks a significant step towards safer and more cost-effective maintenance in future fusion power plants. The successful deployment showcases the potential for autonomous robots to overcome challenges posed by hazardous environments in fusion facilities and other industrial settings.

The ADA programming language, named after Ada Lovelace, was developed in the 1970s for the U.S. Department of Defense. Known for its emphasis on safety, reliability, and efficiency, ADA is still used in critical systems like air traffic control and aerospace. Ada's legacy continues to influence modern programming. What programming languages do you think will shape the future of technology? #AdaLovelaceDay #ProgrammingLanguages Ada Lovelace Day reminds us of the importance of mentorship in STEM fields. Ada's mentor, Mary Somerville, introduced her to Charles Babbage, leading to their collaborative work on the Analytical Engine. Who has been a crucial mentor in your career, and how are you paying it forward? #Mentorship #AdaLovelaceDay Ada Lovelace's work went beyond just translating Babbage's ideas. Her notes on the Analytical Engine were three times longer than the original article, filled with her own insights and expansions. She didn't just reproduce knowledge - she innovated. How do you go beyond your job description to add value in your role? #Innovation #AdaLovelaceDay Ada Lovelace faced significant challenges as a woman in STEM in the 1800s. Despite societal restrictions, she pursued her passion for mathematics and made groundbreaking contributions to computing. Her perseverance inspires us to overcome obstacles in our own careers. What challenges have you overcome in your professional journey? #WomenInSTEM #AdaLovelaceDay As we celebrate Ada Lovelace Day, let's commit to supporting and encouraging more women and girls in STEM fields. Ada's story shows the incredible innovations that arise when we embrace diverse technological voices. What initiatives does your organization have to promote diversity in tech? How can we collectively work to close the gender gap in STEM? #DiversityAndInclusion #AdaLovelaceDay

On Ada Lovelace Day, let's reflect on the importance of diversity in STEM fields. Ada's unique perspective as a woman in the 1800s, combining her father Lord Byron's poetic imagination with her mother's mathematical rigor, led to groundbreaking insights in computing. How can we foster diverse perspectives in our teams to drive innovation? #DiversityInTech #AdaLovelaceDay Ada Lovelace's "Notes" on Babbage's Analytical Engine introduced several computer concepts still in use today: Looping Conditional branching Subroutines Variables Instruction sequence alteration These ideas were revolutionary in the 1840s and remain fundamental to programming. What programming concepts do you think will be revolutionary in the next century? #AdaLovelaceDay #ProgrammingConcepts Ada Lovelace's approach to science and technology, which she called "poetical science," combined imagination with logic. She saw the creative potential in mathematics and machinery, an approach that resonates with today's STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) movement. How do you integrate creativity into your technical work? #STEAM #AdaLovelaceDay

Today we celebrate Ada Lovelace Day, honouring the world's first computer programmer. In 1843, Ada wrote an algorithm for Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine to compute Bernoulli numbers. This groundbreaking work is the first computer program, written over a century before modern computers were invented. Ada's visionary ideas continue to inspire innovators in tech today. How are you honouring her legacy? #AdaLovelaceDay #WomenInTech Ada Lovelace's contributions to computer science were far ahead of her time. She not only wrote the first algorithm for a machine but also envisioned the potential of computers beyond mere calculation. Ada predicted that machines could compose music, produce graphics, and be used for practical and scientific use. Her foresight laid the foundation for modern computing. What visionary ideas are you working on today? #AdaLovelaceDay #Innovation