When Prateek Kumar was at Delhi College of Engineering (DCE), he experienced a road accident near campus — which turned out to be a vital turning point in his life. That experience in 2016 not only transformed the way he approached his life but it also gave him a purpose: to make a device that…
How Nano One and Tesla are advancing battery systems
Canadian tech company, Nano One, has acquired a patented technology for the low-cost production of high-performance lithium-ion battery cathode materials used in electric vehicles, energy storage, and consumer electronics. The processing technology allows lower-cost feedstocks, simplifies the creation, and improves performance for a wide range of cathode elements. In particular, the patented coated nanocrystal promises…
Physicists develop first non-linear camera that captures images inside solid objects
A team of physicists at the University of Sussex has developed the first non-linear camera capable of capturing high-resolution images of the interior of solid objects using terahertz (THz) radiation. According to the researchers, images composed of THz radiation are called “hyperspectra” because of its pixels — each one contains the electromagnetic signature of the…
The challenge of optimizing battery designs
Battery developers face some difficult challenges when engineering these electrochemical cells. Depending on a battery’s use and application, such challenges include: Energy & power density Battery life Costs Sustainability Modeling and simulation are two current methods that researchers and developers use to test and improve such issues. Optimization of each component of a battery and…
Autonomous farming is closer than you think
During the inaugural Future Farming Technology event, held in Birmingham’s NEC late last year, a key message was clear: agriculture in its current state is unfeasible. Practices that have barely changed in decades are typically resulting in stagnate yields across the globe. Many feel the industry is over-reliant on chemicals and machinery that’s pressing the…
Developing a million-mile EV battery
Tesla recently said that a million-mile electric vehicle (EV) battery is technologically feasible and that it should be available soon. According to a detailed study in the Journal of the Electrochemical Society, one way a long-lasting lithium-ion battery is made possible is if certain electrolytes work in conjunction with a nanomaterial coating on the cathode.…
How LiFi may solve several WiFi challenges
LiFi, an emerging wireless technology, which empowers users to send and receive data in beams of LED light, is expected to help overcome the limitations of radio frequency transmissions. Wireless data has become essential for much of today’s work and lifestyles. As the demand for connected devices continues to increase and new technologies — such…
Understanding battery management systems
Electric vehicles (EVs) have many benefits over internal combustion engine vehicles, including superior performance, a high energy density, less pollution, excellent acceleration, and more. But EVs are not perfect. One major drawback is the need for a costly battery system with specific maintenance requirements, including a long charge time. One of the key components of…
Saft launches new battery for low-current, continuous cycling applications
Saft recently launched a new product in the Xcelion line, the Xcelion 56V-LEV battery, designed as a more economical option for low-current, 48V continuous cycling applications, particularly in the defense industry. This development represents the growth of the Xcelion product line, aimed at offering lower weight, longer life, and greater overall capability and intelligence compared to traditional…
Unveiling new power MOSFET
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. has launched a new 80 V TrenchFET Gen IV n-channel power MOSFET in the 6.15 mm by 5.15 mm PowerPAK SO-8 single unit. Designed to save energy by increasing the efficiency of power conversion topologies and switching circuitry, the Vishay Siliconix SiR680ADP offers best in class on-resistance times gate charge — a key figure…
Infineon introduces Source Down, a new industry standard packaging concept
Infineon Technologies AG is focusing on system innovation with enhancements at the component level by addressing the challenges of modern power management designs. The Source Down is a new industry standard packaging concept. The first wave of power MOSFETs launched in this new package is the OptiMOS 25 V in a PQFN 3.3×3.3 mm. The…
How a digital app is improving agriculture
Digitalization is rapidly changing workplaces and industries, offering data, efficiency, and often better workflows. The agricultural sector is no different. Although the government in India has created several initiatives to relieve concerns in the country related to water scarcity, crop cycle shortages, weather challenges, and others, life as a farmer is one of concern. To…
An e-mobility lab for EV charging and education
There’s a new concept in India that aims to encourage greater electric vehicle (EV) use with the support of an advanced charging station. The “E-Mobility Tech Experience Center” is designed to support all types of EV ratings and configurations while helping drivers (and passengers!) better understand the broad ecosystem of EV charging solutions. Delta Electronics…
How digitalization is changing the workforce
Digitalization and the fourth industrial revolution are changing production industries with unparalleled speed and scale. Influenced by a series of micro and macro-level advancements and disruptions, global value chains are being reconfigured. On a micro level, electronics and automation are changing the face of nearly every industry. According to one report, more than 25 percent…
Interested in robotics? Here are a few projects to research
Robots and automation are changing the face of nearly every industry. According to the Brookings Institution, a global research firm, more than 25 percent of jobs in the U.S. are experiencing high levels of disruption due to automation. PricewaterhouseCoopers found that robots could displace 20 million manufacturing jobs by 2030. The reason? For the most…
How robots and simulation are changing education
Robots are gaining rapid traction in today’s industries. The number of operational industrial robot jobs increases by 14 percent annually, according to the International Federation of Robotics. This year alone, spending on robotics (and drones) is expected to reach about $128.7 billion U.S. The reason: robots offer the promise of improved productivity, greater efficiency, and…
What you should know if considering a career in robotics
When thinking about a career in robotics engineering, the idea of advanced space rovers or futuristic AI machines may come to mind. However, this job title is more typically reserved for the manufacturing automation industry. The good news: several studies can lead to a career in robotics. Historically, automation dates back to Henry Ford’s automobile…
How the automobile industry is changing in India
India is expected to have the world’s third-largest, passenger-vehicle market by 2021. With policies such as the Automotive Mission Plan and the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP), the government aims to achieve two objectives: 1. Facilitate growth in the industry so India becomes a manufacturing hub 2. Reduce automobile emissions and oil dependency The…
How robotics competitions are giving students an edge in engineering
The Robotics Education & Competition (REC) Foundation and the Dallas Sports Commission recently announced that the REC Foundation’s VEX Robotics World Championship will return to Dallas from 2021 through 2024. The REC Foundation’s VEX Robotics World Championship — which the Guinness Book of World Records maintains is the largest robotics tournament in the world —…
Students design algorithm for synchronized drone use
The use of drones is officially legal in India, which is a benefit to several industries including for safety, agriculture, construction, energy, and others. For example, drones can be used to survey land, buildings, or transmission wires. They can also be used for search and rescue, or to map roads or traffic, drop objects (such…