Engineering News

Toyota is currently testing a new wireless charging system for plug-in hybrids and electric cars in three homes in Japan. The system is comprised of a unique electromagnetic coil set that is in the ground and uses inductive battery charging methods that could eliminate the use of wires and plugs.

Scientists at Harvard University have created robots that use sensors, a few set of rules and environmental signals to build pyramids and other structures. The team was inspired by termites and their ability to work self-sufficiently without communication or a leader.

Several tech-oriented companies and organizations have formed a coalition, WifiForward, to apply pressure to the government to make more of the unlicensed spectrum open and available for the use of Wi-Fi. The formation of the coalition is timely as the government is currently reevaluating its spectrum policies.

Airbus has joined other OEMs as part of Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) aerospace program. The announcement was made earlier this week at the Aerospace Technology Leadership Forum.

Transparency Market Research has released a research report on the global LTE market for 2013 to 2019 including an industry analysis, size, share, growth, trends and forecasts. Long Term Evolution, better known as 4G LTE, is the standard for high-speed data for data terminals and mobile phones.

Funded by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), a team of researchers at the Materials and Surface Science Institute (MSSI) have developed a new rechargeable battery technology that is scalable, low-cost and low-energy making it a greener option and practical for commercial applications.

Seven million dollars has been set aside for funding by the United States Department of Energy to increase the design of microgrids to help communities be more prepared for power outages caused by severe weather and other events.