Origami Finds New Dimensions at MIT

http://bcove.me/wjut8xzb

Car "Platooning" Test In Sweden Will Move To Public Test In Spain.

New Scientist (1/18, Graham-Rowe) reported on a road test of an automatic driving system in Sweden that showed "that a single car could join a platoon, be 'enslaved' by a lead truck" and become part of a convoy "and then exit safely." As a result, "discussions are now under way to carry out tests on public roads in Spain next year." The system, known as "platooning," was tested by Volvo, "one of the partners of the Safe Road Trains for the Environment (SARTRE) Project" coordinated by the Cambridge engineering firm Ricardo UK, which has "€6.4 million of European Commission money" for it. The system would theoretically let "drivers read a book, surf the net or possibly even have a snooze while behind the wheel." The SARTRE project aims to operate "platoons on public highways without having to change the infrastructure."

Wind Turbine Results!

After a shaky start, this compound gear train and dual fan set-up generated a voltage of 1.86 Volts, the highest in the class.  See other creative ideas on the MedwayEngineering YouTube Channel.

MedwayEngineering YouTube Channel

Announcing the MedwayEngineering YouTube channel!
See the latest projects and work being done in class.

Hybrid Ferry To Service Statue Of Liberty, Ellis Island.

Popular Science (12/2, Beck) reports, "Statue Cruises, which provides ferry service to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, has signed an agreement with Derecktor Shipyards in Bridgeport, Connecticut to create the world's first hybrid ferry that runs on hydrogen, solar and wind power." The new ferry, which is expected to be ready by spring, is "capable of carrying 600 passengers, will be equipped with hydrogen fuel cells, solar panels and wind turbines. A proton exchange membrane fuel cell will turn hydrogen into electricity, though the Hornblower will also house Tier 2 diesel engines." In addition to power supply, "developers also plan to include as many eco-friendly materials as possible in the construction of the vessel, including recycled glass countertops, LED lighting, and aluminum wall coverings in place of wallpaper."