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New Technologies Tackle UAV Challenges Robotic Applique Kits Leverage Existing Assets Educating UGVs Implementing AI Advancements in Thermal Image Training Data Sets Protecting Critical Data on Unmanned Underwater Platforms Advancements Made to the Wingman Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) Simulation: How to Operate the SIL New features include the creation of virtual environments that match real-world gunnery test courses. Soldier-Robot Team Communication: An Investigation of Exogenous Orienting Visual Display Cues and Robot Reporting Preferences The effective use of robots to conduct dangerous missions depends on accurate man-machine communications. Soft Robotic Fish Swims Alongside Real Ones in Coral Reefs GPS Enabled Semi-Autonomous Robot Combining GPS signals with acoustic and encoder data gives a robot the ability to determine its location and orientation within a reference frame.

Designing a High-Speed Decoy Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Using Thermoplastics in Aerospace Applications In-Flight Real-Time Avionics Adaptation Using Turbine Flow Meters for Aerospace Test and Measurement Applications Communicating from Space: The Front End of Multiscale Modeling Laser-Based System Could Expand Space-to-Ground Communication Hydraulic Testing of Polymer Matrix Composite 102mm Tube Section Research could lead to development of a composite material that can be processed at a low temperature and still be used at 1000°F. Permeation Tests on Polypropylene Fiber Materials Study attempts to determine if polypropylene nanofiber materials can be used in air filtration systems to remove toxic vapors. Inter-Laboratory Combat Helmet Blunt Impact Test Method Comparison Ensuring consistent test methods could reduce the risk of head injuries.

Harley-Davidson's e-bike shocker (video) Is the motorcycle market ready for a Harley-Davidson EV? Project LiveWire was designed to provide answers, said Chief Engineer Jeff Richlen. Airbus has its eye on the future of cleaner flight CleanSky 2 targets are to increase aircraft fuel efficiency enough to reduce CO2 emissions by 20-30% and reduce aircraft NOx and noise emissions by 20-30% compared to newly designed aircraft entering into service in 2014-or essentially halve 2005 CO2 emissions levels by 2050. Soul EV extends the range frontier (video) Specially formulated NCM battery cells are key in giving the vehicle class-leading EV range while enabling engineers to fit a high-energy-density battery pack underfloor with little sacrifice of passenger cabin space.

A new Formula for racing The new Formula E series' electric racecars are intended to pioneer new technology for broader use in production, encouraging fans to think differently about the technologies they use. Production of satellite with first all-electric propulsion system advances Electric propulsion has been limited so far to small movements of the satellites once it is in its geostationary orbit. The Boeing 702SP innovation is its use of electric propulsion to raise the satellite from its launch-vehicle drop-off point to geostationary orbit. Using CAE to assess whining noise of electric powertrains To develop an electric powertrain with a minimum noise level and minimized whining it is necessary to have accurate CAE simulation and precise criteria to assess whining noise.

Lithium-ion refinement Even as high-profile fires create concern, battery and car makers accelerate their move toward lithium-ion technology with advances in cost, performance, and safety. NASA's quest for maximum efficiency As part of its hybrid body wing aircraft with turboelectric distributed propulsion system, NASA has proposed to use a superconducting and cryogenic electrical system to connect the electrical output of the generators to the motors.

Hydrogen generates buzz in power generation Companies target stationary power applications to prove their hydrogen technology and to build scale until infrastructure expands for mobility. 'Mixed' approach to e-truck manufacturing Volvo Group CTO details the OEM's "mixed model assembly" strategy for battery and fuel-cell electric vehicles and provides insights on infrastructure and the transition to autonomous. Innovation at the intersection of disciplines Caterpillar alum Sri Srinath, Ph.D., focuses on more collaboration and mentoring in his new role as 2022 SAE International president.

Enhancing truck-sensor modularity Kodiak Robotics' fifth-generation sensor stack and new SensorPods boost sensor and GPU performance and improve power efficiency. Bosch high on hydrogen The supplier is committed to all facets of the H2 economy as volume production of its power module kicks off for Nikola's Class 8 fuel-cell truck. Constructing bus structures with stainless steel Outokumpu and collaborators show a possible weight reduction of up to 35% by using high-strength stainless steel in place of carbon steel. Volta Zero is U.S. bound The startup plans to apply lessons learned in Europe to the U.S. market, bringing a "small fleet" of electric trucks for potential customers by the end of the year.

HMIs extend beyond the cab Telematics functions are being integrated into multi-function user interfaces. Standards step forward in design of off-highway electronics Functional safety standards are starting to impact many development projects, while the auto industry's AUTOSAR standard is being deployed to help enable software reuse and simplify designs. Leveraging automotive lightweighting techniques to improve off-highway emissions Where systems engineers can gain efficiencies in off-highway equipment is agnostic, they'll take it anywhere, and so they should, but one of the ways, often underestimated, is through the use of strong and lightweight advanced materials. Waste heat recovery for the long haul A WHR system based on an organic Rankine cycle has been developed for a long-haul Iveco Stralis truck.

What's New at ConExpo/IFPE More new products and technologies that companies plan to showcase at this year's ConExpo-Con/Agg, which is co-located with the IFPE fluid-power event in Las Vegas from March 4-8, are previewed. Gearshift actuator dynamics in a dual clutch transmission The emergence of tougher environmental and fuel efficient legislations have triggered exploration and advance toward new and better vehicle transmission technologies. Software makes solid impact Programs are helping hydraulic systems do more while reducing operator workloads. Damping out booming noise NVH improvement techniques are gaining traction with the goal to improve the quality perception of off-highway equipment performance and operator comfort.

Rotary SI/CI combustion engines: A thing of the future? The internal combustion engine enjoys widespread use as an inexpensive and reliable power conversion system. While piston engines date back 150 years, various alternative engine architectures and cycles have been considered. Aftertreatment comes with challenging diagnosis Diagnosing engine and aftertreatment systems is forcing design teams to look at new ways to diagnose problems over long vehicle lifetimes. Taking on NVH reduction techniques A look at the enhanced durability benefits obtained by changing the polymer composition, manufacturing methods, and design optimization of a powertrain mount for an off-highway vehicle.

Heavy-duty designs on aftertreatment The introduction of stringent EPA 2015 regulations for locomotive/marine engines and IMO 2016 Tier III marine engines precipitated the need to develop large diesel engine aftertreatment systems. Gaining control of damping Strong nonlinearities of hydraulic systems and the unpredictable operating conditions of the specific application (e.g., uneven ground, varying loads) are the main challenges to the development of satisfactory general vibration damping methods and controls. Getting real about test cycles Fuel consumption of working machines is strongly influenced by machine specification, working environment, and operator behavior, therefore a mix of several test cycles is necessary. The case for Class 8 hybrids Hybrid technology may not be the best solution for all heavy-truck applications, but a Caron Engineering expert explains how it can still benefit Class 8 vehicles.

Heavy-duty engine blender Researchers at Southwest Research Institute and Navistar exploring the feasibility of micro-pilot diesel-injection dual-fuel combustion at key part load conditions found it offers ultra-low smoke and NOx emissions while maintaining diesel-comparable fuel consumption and noise levels.

Quiet in the cab As NVH gains importance in the quality of off-highway machines' performance and operator comfort, it is essential to understand every aspect of the machine noises and its annoyance effect to the operator's comfort.

Look Ma, no driver Unmanned vehicles evolve quickly as processors, sensors improve performance. Calling all hydraulics engineers As the industry knows all too well, hydraulics engineers are hard to come by; a look at how companies are hiring, training, and, most important, retaining engineers. Making diesels quiet and clear Researchers look at the relative influence of gear design parameters on the rattle noise of a diesel engine timing gear train.

Easy to control Designers grab a range of technologies to create controls that are simpler for operators to use. Designing quiet off-highway equipment OEMs and suppliers are using new materials and innovative designs to reduce NVH for both vehicle operators and the environment. Using FEA in off-highway design The process of considering weld redundancy in virtual simulation is a complex way of ensuring that weldment design is robust enough to prevail over accidental weld redundancy that might occur during manufacturing. Efficient and effective leadership Frank O. Klegon, a 30-year SAE member and former product development VP at Chrysler, begins term as chief elective officer of SAE International. Making battlefield targets disappear The use of 'smart' special materials has the potential to radically alter the way military platforms are defended, and used.

Materials' effect on aftertreatment Researchers from Tenneco discuss DPF acoustic performance through an evaluation of various materials and conditions.

The man challenges of Tier 4 engineering Cutting and controlling emissions are the surface goals, but designers must also manage to cut and control costs, while adding complexity. A cool look at heat protection CFD is used to predict flow and thermal fields within the engine compartment both at steady state and transient conditions. Hushing hydraulics Researchers from the Georgia Institute of Technology put their energies into novel, compact devices for reducing fluid-borne noise.

Natural bodies Researchers explore the benefits of natural fibers-coconut fibers, in particular- in the construction of novel hybrid composite-molded body panels.

Transforming the cab Digital displays, networks provide more info in less space. What regulators take away, engineers have to put back better A marriage of electronic control and hydraulic power is helping OEMs and end-users maintain traditional diesel efficiency while meeting ever more stringent emissions requirements. Top technologies of 2006 A look back at some of the most significant technological innovations during the past year. Smooth operators New technology allows engineers to create innovative seat and cab suspension designs that no longer just control vibration, but manage vibration.

Delivering simulation benefits Product-development software tools are being put to good use in many off-highway industry segments. Movingalong with stationary power Performance, reliability, and cleanliness are just a few of the golden rules for all engines, whether they are propelling a tractor or powering a barn. Frames adapt to changing environments Heavy-equipment frames do not often get a lot of attention from customers, due mainly to the fact that they get plenty of attention during the design cycle. 2005 technology in review A look back at some of the most significant technological innovations in the news during the past year, as deemed by readers and editors.