Researchers develop transient bio-inspired gliders from potato starch and wood waste

A team of researchers from the University of Bristol and the University of Bath have developed a new type of glider that is made from potato starch and wood waste. The gliders are inspired by the way that birds and insects fly, and are designed to be lightweight and biodegradable.

The gliders are made using a process called 3D printing, which allows the researchers to create complex shapes and structures that would be difficult to achieve using traditional manufacturing methods. The gliders are also coated with a special material that makes them waterproof and resistant to damage.

The researchers believe that these gliders could be used for a variety of applications, including environmental monitoring, search and rescue operations, and even entertainment. Because they are biodegradable, the gliders could be used in areas where traditional aircraft would be too dangerous or environmentally damaging.

The team is now working on improving the design of the gliders, and is also exploring ways to make them more efficient and longer-lasting. They are also looking at ways to scale up production so that the gliders can be produced on a larger scale.

This research is an exciting development in the field of bio-inspired engineering, and could have a significant impact on the way that we design and manufacture aircraft in the future.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/researchers-develop-transient-bio-inspired-gliders-from-potato-starch-and-wood-waste

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Engineering team tests gaming technology to train nuclear workforce

An engineering team at the University of Idaho is testing gaming technology to train the nuclear workforce. The team is using virtual reality and gaming technology to create a simulation of a nuclear power plant that can be used to train workers.

The simulation is designed to be as realistic as possible, with detailed graphics and accurate physics. The team is also working on incorporating artificial intelligence into the simulation to make it more interactive and responsive to the trainee's actions.

The goal of the project is to provide a more effective and efficient way to train nuclear workers. Traditional training methods can be time-consuming and expensive, and the use of a simulation can help reduce costs and improve safety.

The team is also working on making the simulation accessible to a wider audience. They are developing a web-based version of the simulation that can be accessed from anywhere, making it easier for workers to train remotely.

The project has received funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and has the potential to revolutionize the way nuclear workers are trained. The use of gaming technology and virtual reality can provide a more engaging and immersive training experience, leading to better retention of information and improved safety in the workplace.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/engineering-team-tests-gaming-technology-to-train-nuclear-workforce

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Southwest Grounds Flights Nationwide Due to Technical Issues

On Monday, June 14, 2021, Southwest Airlines experienced technical issues that resulted in the grounding of flights nationwide. The airline issued a statement on their website stating that they were aware of the issue and were working to resolve it as quickly as possible.

The technical issue affected multiple systems, including the airline's website, mobile app, and reservation system. This caused delays and cancellations for many passengers who were scheduled to fly with Southwest on Monday.

Southwest Airlines apologized for the inconvenience and stated that they were offering flexible rebooking options for affected passengers. They also advised passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport and to arrive at least two hours before their scheduled departure time.

As of Tuesday, June 15, Southwest Airlines reported that their systems were fully restored and that they were operating a normal schedule. However, they advised passengers to continue to check their flight status and to allow extra time for check-in and security screening.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of having backup systems and contingency plans in place for airlines and other businesses that rely heavily on technology. It also highlights the impact that technical issues can have on travelers and the need for airlines to provide clear communication and flexible options for affected passengers.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/southwest-grounds-flights-nationwide-due-to-technical-issues

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A Neural Coordination Strategy for Attachment and Detachment of a Climbing Robot Inspired by Gecko Locomotion

Geckos are known for their remarkable ability to climb vertical surfaces and even walk upside down on ceilings. This ability is due to their unique toe pads, which are covered in millions of tiny hairs called setae. These setae create a strong adhesive force that allows geckos to stick to surfaces without the use of any glue or suction.

Researchers have been studying gecko locomotion for years in order to develop new technologies that can mimic this ability. One such technology is a climbing robot that uses a similar adhesive mechanism to climb walls and other surfaces.

However, developing a climbing robot that can attach and detach itself from surfaces in a controlled manner has proven to be a challenge. This is where a neural coordination strategy inspired by gecko locomotion comes in.

The Neural Coordination Strategy

The neural coordination strategy involves using a combination of sensory feedback and motor control to regulate the attachment and detachment of the climbing robot. The robot is equipped with sensors that can detect the surface it is climbing on and adjust its adhesive force accordingly.

The robot also has a neural network that controls its movements and adhesive force. This neural network is modeled after the neural circuits found in geckos and is responsible for coordinating the robot's movements and adhesive force in real-time.

Benefits of the Neural Coordination Strategy

The neural coordination strategy offers several benefits over traditional methods of attachment and detachment. For one, it allows for more precise control over the robot's movements and adhesive force, which is essential for climbing on complex surfaces.

Additionally, the neural coordination strategy is more energy-efficient than traditional methods, as it allows the robot to adjust its adhesive force based on the surface it is climbing on. This means that the robot can conserve energy by using only the amount of adhesive force necessary to climb the surface.

Conclusion

The neural coordination strategy inspired by gecko locomotion is a promising technology for developing climbing robots that can attach and detach themselves from surfaces in a controlled manner. By using a combination of sensory feedback and motor control, the robot can adjust its adhesive force and movements in real-time, allowing for more precise and energy-efficient climbing.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/a-neural-coordination-strategy-for-attachment-and-detachment-of-a-climbing-robot-inspired-by-gecko-locomotion

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Recycled Aluminum Offers Energy, Emissions and Electric Vehicle Battery Range Savings

Recycling aluminum has been a common practice for many years, but did you know that it can also offer energy, emissions and electric vehicle battery range savings?

Aluminum is a lightweight and durable metal that is used in a variety of products, including cars and electric vehicle batteries. However, producing new aluminum from raw materials requires a significant amount of energy and emits greenhouse gases.

Recycling aluminum, on the other hand, requires only a fraction of the energy needed to produce new aluminum and emits significantly fewer greenhouse gases. In fact, recycling aluminum can save up to 95% of the energy needed to produce new aluminum.

Additionally, using recycled aluminum in electric vehicle batteries can increase their range. This is because recycled aluminum has a higher energy density than new aluminum, meaning it can store more energy in the same amount of space.

Overall, using recycled aluminum offers numerous benefits for the environment and the economy. By recycling aluminum, we can reduce energy consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and improve the performance of electric vehicles.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/recycled-aluminum-offers-energy-emissions-and-electric-vehicle-battery-range-savings

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