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Interoperability Standards Pave the Way for Modular Robotic Manipulators Solar Powering UAVs Deploying COTS Subsystems in UUVs Developing a Multi-Modal UGV Robot Control Interface Fast-Tracking Autonomous Vehicles with Simulation Gesture-Based Controls for Robots: Overview and Implications for Use by Soldiers Identifying the Flow Physics and Modeling Transient Forces on Two-Dimensional Wings Experimental Confirmation of an Aquatic Swimming Motion Theoretically of Very Low Drag and High Efficiency The Scaling of Loss Pathways and Heat Transfer in Small Scale Internal Combustion Engines A Guide for Developing Human-Robot Interaction Experiments in the Robotic Interactive Visualization and Experimentation Technology (RIVET) Simulation

Car of 2100 A.D. AEI gave readers a chance to speak out on what they thought people in 2100 would be driving. We have chosen the best submissions. Also, the AEI editors have included their best guess as to what cars will be in 2100. We realize that this is a guess but the real answer will not be known for 100 years. V8 power for BMW's M5 The new 294-kW (400-hp) S62 engine developed by BMW's M GmbH features Double VANOS variable intake and exhaust valve timing, electronic drive-by-wire, and oil circulation boosted as a function of lateral cornering force. Northstar revised for 2000 Improvements to the powerplant include a roller-follower valvetrain, improved combustion chamber, center-feed intake manifold, coil-on-plug cassette ignition system, and a Siemens powertrain controller. Aston Martin's first V12 Available in both the DB7 Vantage Coupe and Volante, the flexible all-alloy engine delivers 85% of its peak torque at just 1500 rpm.

Ford's new four The largest engine development program in company history will lead to at least 200 applications, starting with the new Mondeo's Duratec HE and replacement of its existing cast-iron-block four-cylinders with higher aluminum content powerplants. GM Powertrain's new inline six for SUV's For the first time in nearly two decades, three new General Motors vehicles will feature an inline six-cylinder engine developed by GM Powertrain. Fuel-stratified injection from VW Though gasoline direct-injection technology is being introduced in the Lupo FSI, VW says it easily can be adapted for high-volume use in larger vehicles such as the Polo and Golf. LS6 for Z06 The latest high-performance Corvette engine features improved breathing, new pistons, an increased compression ratio, and a new high-profile camshaft.

Solving the driver distraction problem Is voice-recognition technology the silver bullet? No, engineers agree, but it has its place. Succeeding in the alliance game It was General Motors' Arvin F. Mueller, Chairperson of the SAE 2001 World Congress, who came up with "Succeeding in the Alliance Game" as the theme for the March 5-8 automotive engineering event in Detroit. Ferrari 360 aerodynamic development The search for downforce without aerodyamic devices, such as wings or spoilers, led to novel solutions for the car's suspension. Renault's Euro 3 engine Flexible injection systems allowed Renault VI engineers to balance many conflicting priorities in developing Europe's first heavy-duty diesel engine with a fully electronic high-injection-pressure common-rail injection system. Meeting future emissions standards with diesel SUVs AVL List believes that diesel engines could be one way to improve the environmental acceptance of sport utility vehicles.

Then there were two Prevailing sentiment in the Japanese media, and to some extent among the public, is that there are two truly indigenous automobile manufacturers in Japan: the Toyota group of companies and Honda. Others have entrenched themselves in global alliances for much-needed infusions of foreign capital. Cars and light trucks merge As light-vehicle segments blur in function and utlility, Japanese manufacturers are placing body design emphasis on optimum space utilization and crash safety. Chassis trends Technologies in development by Japanese companies include lane keeping, steer by wire, and dynamic stability via hybrid-electric drive. Engines and electric motors The Japanese industry is pursuing a high-tech mix of internal combustion engines, hybrid IC/electric powertrains, and fuel cells.

Engine strategies and engineering Top powertrain executives from DaimlerChrysler and General Motors talk about their companies' views and plans for the future. Greater performance, better efficiency, and reduced emissions are the highlights of the latest crop of internal combustion engines from their companies and others. Educating engineers The automotive and academic worlds are teaming to ensure that the industry's future is full of qualified engineering talent. OEM production systems enable flexibility Building multiple models on the same production line is a Japanese innovation--one that U.S. automakers are hurrying to implement. Executives abound at SAE 2003 World Congress Re-tooled to increase the presence of OEMs and to make it easier for attendees to get the information they need, this year's Congress offers a great return on investment for engineers and related automotive industry professionals who spend time in Detroit's Cobo Center March 3-6.

Phantom materializes BMW's Rolls-Royce Motor Cars unveils its first model, an aluminum-bodied sedan with rear-hinged rear doors and a new V12. Protecting the cabin from powertrain NVH OEMs are getting help from suppliers such as Collins & Aikman and Bayer in damping NVH, thanks to innovation in plastics. Forced induction Environmental pressures prompt renewed interest in turbochargers and superchargers. Collaboration software emerges Interactive product development tools that can decrease design time and cost, enhance quality, and improve engineering processes are now widely available. Validated virtual testing DaimlerChrysler and MTS Systems have verified that component load histories can be predicted before prototypes are built. Automation: a tool, not an end Toyota and its suppliers try to strike a balance between automation and manual labor at their U.S. plants.

A different automatic Developed in conjunction with BorgWarner, Volkswagen's DSG automatic six-speed gearbox is aimed at enthusiasts and has fuel consumption superior to a manual gearbox. Accident avoidance GM and Delphi are testing adaptive cruise control and collision-warning technologies in the hope of ultimately increasing driver awareness and reducing driving behaviors that can lead to accidents. Branding vehicle dynamics The use of active systems and common hardware across several vehicle platforms, with different calibrations and control algorithms, can offer variations in character and brand, according to Prodrive Automotive technology. The drive for improved dynamics For the new XJ, Mike Cross, Jaguar's Chief Engineer for Vehicle Integrity, and his team aimed to preserve the isolation and feel of the previous car, but instill the handling precision and steering accuracy of the S-Type.

Ultracapacitors charge ahead The limitations of current energy-storage solutions could encourage consideration of these alternative solutions, but more engineering work needs to be done to reduce costs. Technology for all Automotive industry executives expect high-end technologies, once considered only for inclusion in luxury cars, to increasingly make their way into entry- and mid-level vehicles in the very near future. Convergence continues A lot of automotive electronics ground has been covered at the Convergence conferences past, and there's more to come at this year's show in October. Fueling the next generation As hydrogen joins the battle for automotive power with gasoline and diesel, the future could be more choices rather than one winner.

Safe and sensitive Sensor fusion is the latest data sharing scheme for improving the performance of safety systems. BMW counts down to 1 Series The company's latest entry in the premium compact segment comes to market with rear-wheel drive, 50:50 weight distribution, and longitudinally mounted engines headlined by a powerful turbodiesel. Chevrolet re-engineers Corvette Although the new C6 is shorter and narrower than its predecessor, engineers wanted "more power, more passion, more precision" for the two-seat sportscar. 2005 Honda Odyssey The completely re-engineered model features new technologies from the inside out related to safety, performance, and entertainment. Chrsyler 300 / Dodge Magnum The "it" vehicles for the 2005 model year feature advanced technologies such as cylinder deactivation to go along with Hemi power and distinctive styling. Ford makes space for family vehicles Volvo donates its P2 platform for the new Ford Five Hundred, Freestyle, and Mercury Montego.

Suppliers put meat on bones of NAIAS show cars Inside and underneath the shiny new models at January's North American International Auto Show is the work of a fiercely competitive supply base. 2006 Engine Special Report Our annual review of the most significant internal-combustion engines of the year ranges from a novel forced-induction four cylinder designed for displacement downsizing to a V10 powerhouse focusing on high output, with three V6s in between. Many products, no wires The Bluetooth wireless protocol is helping consumers to bring their personal electronics along for the ride. Blue skies at Makuhari The forward-looking concept cars at the Tokyo Motor Show point to a brighter, more fuel-efficient future.

Cars become more understanding Software and hardware advances are enabling voice-recognition technologies to rise to industry challenges. Wanted: Broader knowledge, new skills Continuous learning is a must for engineers to meet greater technology and productivity challenges -- and boost their own marketability. Seeing green Environmental and cost benefits are driving the auto industry to adopt materials derived from renewable sources such as soybeans and corn. Searching for fossil-fuel alternatives Future engine and drivetrain programs at Volkswagen are focused on alternative fuels and radical changes to engine combustion, but the battery may yet provide the light at the end of the technology tunnel. Emissions rules keep labs humming As long as there are regulations, engineers and technicians will be busy running tests in laboratories.

Cadillac CTS GM's all-new global sports sedan makes no excuses in chassis dynamics, body integrity, powertrain performance, premium materials, and overall craftsmanship. Taking control of hybrids Software must monitor and manage many parameters while coordinating the complex operations of the engine, electric motors, and batteries. LIghter, faster, lower cost Ducati's top engineer brought a "maniacal" approach to developing the 1098 superbike. Diesels' brave new year Lean-NOx catalysts, closed-loop cylinder pressure sensing, and homogenous combustion are making "50-states" diesels a reailty. Behind the curtain AEI takes an in-depth look at how the designers and engineers at General Motors took the company's trio of new crossover SUVs from sketchbook to road. Engineering from everywhere With future growth in car and truck sales coming mainly from emerging markets, companies are realigning their engineering operations accordingly.

Internal combustion: the next generation Homogenous combustion promises to many diesel efficiency and torque with the refinement and emissions benefits of gasoline power--but challenges remain. Testing for the future Providers beef up facilities to provide clients with additional capacity and invest in new tools for greater performance. Assembly required OEMs and suppliers are struggling to build new strategies and strengthen existing systems for improved global supply-chain management in an effort to reduce costs. Change is in the air (and on the ground) Chrysler, undergoing a transformation of its own, helps shed light on issues facing the evolving automotive industry at the SAE 2008 World Congress.

LED-ing the way Headlamps using low-power semiconductors called light-emitting diodes have moved from concept to reality with recent production firsts, but challenges remain in taking the technology mainstream. High-value hybrids The drive to reduce hybrid vehicle cost while boosting efficiency has brought new attention to stop-start and mild-hybrid systems. Sustainability on a small scale Nanotechnology is a new battleground for fighting emissions and making vehicles more environmentally friendly. Sensors inside Suppliers are helping OEMs enhance interior comfort and convenience. CO2: The next big challenge This roundup of recent engineering developments highlights that cutting emissions does not have to mean cutting the fun. Clearing the air Emissions and fuel-efficiency issues emerge collectively as the top concern among engineers attending this year's SAE World Congress.

Mapping tomorrow's traffic Leaders from the top design institutes believe the art of transportation design hinges on a holistic--and progressive--understanding of the relationships between people, vehicles, and public space. Sitting comfortably Seat engineers are enhancing safety, adding functions, but comfort still reigns supreme. Coming to life Bio-based materials are increasingly showcased in concept vehicles--but do they have widespread production potential? Chevrolet supercharges the Corvette Even an old dog like the Corvette ZR1's LS9 Small Block Chevy can learn new tricks thanks to a supercharger and key supporting parts. Double-duty Duratec Ford's new 2.5-L inline four for 2010 boasts advanced fuel and ignition control, and an Atkinson-cycle variant for HEVs. Coast-to-coast diesel Having held back until it could offer one in all corners of the U.S., BMW says the time is right for a 50-state diesel.

Optimizing ICEs for hybridization Automakers and powertrain R&D specialists are developing combustion engines specifically for series-hybrid, EREV, and PHEV applications. Top engineers explain the opportunities involved. Consolidation in radios creates fragmentation As radio head units begin handling more functions, the hardware that handles these tasks is being scattered throughout the vehicle.

Steering activated Vehicles are increasingly taking the wheel and steering themselves, with the promise of improved comfort, handling, and safety. Reflections of a product-development revolutionary Bob Lutz revitalized GM's PD process by challenging its protocols- while following his instincts for making compelling vehicles. Commercial success Technology transfer, a Class 8 hybrid, and lightweighting efforts highlight ArvinMeritor's innovation push in the commercial-vehicle space. EcoBoost, DCTs, and stop-start for the masses High-value, high-volume technologies are driving Ford's near-term conventional powertrain strategy, explains engineering chief Barb Samardzich. Breathing new life into Chrysler Engineering Engineering VP Scott Kunselman talks about working with Fiat, taking the lead in vehicle-electrification, and putting the mojo back into Chrysler's product-development team. Watching the charge The fusion of diagnostics and telematics may help boost electric vehicles.

Back to the future- the Honda way In a far-ranging discussion, the company's President of R&D opens the curtains a little on the inner workings of research and development from the CVCC engine to the new two-motor hybrid system. Mazda takes off "Skyactiv-ward" Senior Managing Executive Officer Hirotaka Kanazawa, whi is in charge of R&D, discusses the Skyactiv package of technologies that he hopes will lift the company's eco prospects. Chrysler pushes ICE limits with Multi-fuel, MultiAir R&D program Chrysler Powertrain engineers, in a collaborative research program with the U.S. Department of Energy, aim to squeeze a lot more efficiency out of the good old internal combustion engine. No longer a blip on the screen Luxury vehicles have used radar for years, but now systems are poised to enter the mainstream as safety demands rise and costs come down.

Automotive Engineering International 2012 SAE World Congress Tech Awards The editors of Automotive Engineering International preview the most innovative supplier technologies to be displayed April 24-26 in Detroit at the SAE 2012 World Congress. The top five are highlighted in this edition, but additional technologies and other event coverage can be viewed online at www.sae.org/mags/aei/saewc. The quest for better turbocharger compressors With the prevalence of automotive engine downsizing for better efficiency and emissions, greater emphasis is being placed on turbo aerodynamics to achieve wider-range and high-efficiency single-stage compressors. HCCI: The search for a better burn continues A Bosch-led consortium sponsored by the U.S. DOE, and a research team at Sandia National Laboratories, are pushing to unlock the fuel-efficiency potential of the elusive homogeneous-charge compression ignition engine.