ENGGtalks Newsroom

25 Jul 23

Europe-built robotic arm to launch into space aboard Airbus’ OneSat satellites

Computer & Information Technology

A robotic arm made solely by European manufacturers has passed its qualification review for launch into space on the OneSat range of satellites. The robotic deployment and pointing system enables the satellite’s plasma thrusters to be positioned far away from the satellite’s body, optimising consumption of the xenon fuel. The…

25 Jul 23

10 Google Maps features that help me navigate more confidently

Computer & Information Technology

A Google Maps power user shares 10 of her favorite tips to help people walk, drive, and plan trips more efficiently.

24 Jul 23

Meta’s Llama 2 Elbows Into a Still-Open Field

Electrical, Electronics & Instrumentation

Last week, Meta introduced Llama 2, a new large language model with up to 70 billion parameters. The new generative AI system represents a spectacular shot across the bow of OpenAI, which shares few details about most AI models including GPT-3/3.5 and GPT-4. Llama 2’s release—with 40 percent of the…

24 Jul 23

Critical infrastructure radio tech ‘easily hacked’ through deliberate backdoor

Computer & Information Technology

Dutch researchers have found vulnerabilities in TETRA — a radio technology used across the world to control critical infrastructure such as power grids, gas pipelines, and trains. The researchers, Job Wetzels, Carlo Meijer, and Wouter Bokslag of cybersecurity firm Midnight Blue, found a deliberate backdoor in the encryption algorithm of…

24 Jul 23

Our 2023 Environmental Report

Computer & Information Technology

Take a look at how we’re reducing emissions and helping people make more sustainable choices.

24 Jul 23

Greek AI shipping startup acquired by Japanese automation giant

Computer & Information Technology

Greek shipping software startup DeepSea Technologies has sold a majority share to Japan’s automation giant Nabtesco for an undisclosed amount. DeepSea will continue to develop the company’s fuel optimisation platforms that reduce emissions (and cut costs) of fossil-based maritime fleets, while also becoming a “centre of excellence for AI research…

24 Jul 23

This tech helps farmers monitor their crops — from space

Computer & Information Technology

For millennia, farmers have monitored the health of their potatoes, pumpkins, or pineapples by walking through the fields and looking at them. As you can imagine, this process is time-consuming and often inaccurate, especially over large areas. German deep tech startup constellr believes there is a better way. A spin-off…

24 Jul 23

British Gas predicted to reach record profits – report

Electrical, Electronics & Instrumentation, Mechanical, Production & Manufacturing

British Gas, the UK’s largest energy firm, is on course to report profits of £857m over the first six months of trading this year, according to Investec. UBS, however, has predicted a slightly lower figure of £687m. Centrica, the company’s owner, has already reported that the supplier’s interim profits will…

24 Jul 23

Italy’s largest investment bank pledges to back UK fintech startups

Computer & Information Technology

London-based startup accelerator Founders Factory has gained a new partner in the form of Mediobanca. The Milan-based investment bank is looking to increase its presence in the UK, and has pledged €12mn to the joint venture. Specifically, Mediobanca will be looking to back as many as 35 fintech startups that…

22 Jul 23

Virtual Reality Helps Students Improve Their Math Literacy

Electrical, Electronics & Instrumentation, Mechanical, Production & Manufacturing

Many students struggle to learn mathematics. In the United States, eighth graders scored an average of 271 out of 500 in math on last year’s National Assessment of Educational Progress, as highlighted in a New York Times article. It’s the lowest level in decades. Black, Native American, and low-income students…