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  • Grasping the Future: Robotics at the Heart of In-Orbit Servicing (by James Kell)

    The 2025 In-Space Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM) Conference (in the beautiful city of Belfast) highlighted to me a critical enabler of the ISAM community: robotic grasping. As space missions move toward removal of space debris, and even to in-orbit assembly of large structures, the ability to autonomously and securely capture satellites and other objects in microgravity is no longer optional—it’s essential. Several pioneering initiatives are tackling this challenge head-on. GMV’s CAT (Capture and Attitude Transition) mission is advancing robotic capture techniques for active debris removal, while MDA’s Canadarm3 is intending to demonstrate how manipulators can autonomously service spacecraft in deep space. ClearSpace is also making progress with its mission to capture and deorbit defunct…

  • A Short History of the IET in France

    Much has been written on the history of the IET from its genesis in 1871 as the Society of Telegraph Engineers to today where we count amongst the largest engineering institutions worldwide however, often what is written applies to the key milestones, members and high level overviews. Upon noticing at the start of 2024 that the IET France Local Network was going to hit 30 years since its official registration as a Loi 1901 Association in France, I thought that perhaps it would be a good idea to celebrate this birthday and to best do so, having been essentially parachuted into the Network two years prior when i moved to France, that it would be good to have a little dig into the history of how the network came about and got to where it is today. What followed was a rabbit hole filled with…

  • Transforming Britain's Railways: The ETCS Digital Journey

    The UK railway industry is undergoing a significant transformation, and the recent ETCS Railway Technical Network (TN) webinar provided a comprehensive look at how the European Train Control System (ETCS) is central to this evolution. Delivered by Jude Parsons , Head of Assets for Southern Region Signalling, the session explored the technical, operational, and cultural shifts required to modernise the railway network through digital signalling. Understanding ETCS and Its Importance ETCS is a key component of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). It replaces traditional line-side signals with in-cab digital displays, offering drivers real-time information about movement authority and speed limits. This transition is not just a technological upgrade—it represents a fundamental…

  • IET Big Give 2025: We Need Your Help!

    We are excited to share that the IET's Futures Fund is once again taking part in The Big Give Christmas Challenge. The Big Give Christmas Challenge is the UK’s biggest match-funding campaign. For one week (2–9 December 2025), donations made to participating charities are doubled—thanks to match funding from supporters and partners. We found it to be a powerful way to boost support for our flagship educational programme FIRST® LEGO® League - a global STEM programme that inspires young people through hands-on robotics and engineering challenges using LEGO® kits. Teams build and program LEGO® robots to solve real-world problems, developing skills in teamwork, creativity, and STEM—all while having fun. It’s a brilliant way to spark a lifelong interest in science and engineering, especially for…

    Ana Lovick
    Ana Lovick

  • Innovation in Low-Altitude Economy: A New Development Perspective for Hong Kong

    Hosted by IET Hong Kong Management Section | 23 May 2025 With a record-breaking 327 participants , the IET Hong Kong Management Section’s symposium on the Low-Altitude Economy marked a pivotal moment in Hong Kong’s innovation landscape. Held on 23 May 2025, the event brought together government leaders, industry experts, and engineers to explore how low-altitude technologies, like drones and urban air mobility, can reshape the city’s future. Visionary Leadership and Expert Insights The symposium opened with a keynote by Ms. Mable Chan, JP, Secretary for Transport and Logistics , who outlined the HKSAR Government’s strategic plans to foster growth in the low-altitude sector. Her address set the tone for a day focused on policy alignment, innovation funding , and real-world implementation…

    Fiona Lee
    Fiona Lee

  • A Journey into History: My Visit to Bletchley Park with IET Berkshire

    On the 27th of June, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Bletchley Park, thanks to an event organised by IET Berkshire. It was a bright and sunny afternoon, and twelve of us made our way individually to this historic site, where we gathered to explore one of the most significant locations in British wartime history. Our first stop was the Radio Station, where we were introduced to the fascinating work of the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB). We learnt how licensed amateur radio operators played a crucial role during World War II by intercepting enemy transmissions. These operators would carefully transcribe the coded messages they received—messages that were often the first step in the complex process of codebreaking. It was eye-opening to realise how much of the war effort relied…

  • A Journey Through Singapore's MRT Circle Line: Insights from the SMRT Kim Chuan Depot Visit

    On 23 July 2025, a group of enthusiastic engineers embarked on a unique and enriching journey at the SMRT Kim Chuan depot. This visit provided participants with valuable insights into the intricate workings of Singapore’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Circle Line network. The experience was further enhanced by a series of informative technical presentations delivered by SMRT staff, including Tan Eng Hwa, Kwek Hyen Chee, Danny Christian, Chia Wee Lee, Chen Tian'en, Lee Tek Kiang, Yulius Setiadi Fariadi, and Joanne Toh. The day began with an in-depth look at real-time operations management and train monitoring processes, showcased by the SMRT Overwatch System in the Circle Line Operations Control Centre. Participants were able to observe firsthand how the system ensures the smooth and efficient…

  • Volunteer Gordana Collier – In the spotlight!

    Today, we met with Gordana Collier. Gordana began volunteering with the IET in 2011 as an Academic Accreditor and went on to become a member of the Committee. She has also served on the Awards and Scholarships Committee and the Future Talent Awards Panel. Tell us Gordana, what is your role outside of volunteering for the IET? I lead a busy life as the Head of the School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics at Oxford Brookes University. Recently, I had the privilege of completing a major project involving the creation of two new buildings to move my School to the centre of Oxford. On a typical day, I divide my time between running operations and devising strategies for the future of the School with my team. My favourite activities involve developing high-performance motorsport industry…

  • MOS-AK Workshop: A Glimpse into Tomorrow’s Microelectronics

    On 11 July 2025, the London Metropolitan University hosted the MOS-AK workshop, supported by the IET RF & Microwave Technical Network and sponsored by IHP Leibniz Institute for High Performance Microelectronics. This event brought together experts and enthusiasts in the field of electron device modelling to explore future directions and innovations. Workshop Highlights The specific workshop goal was to classify the most important directions for the future development of the electron device models, not limiting the discussion to compact models, but including physical, analytical and numerical models, to clearly identify areas that need further research and possible contact points between the different modeling domains. The workshop was designed for device process engineers (CMOS, SOI,…

  • Daniel's journey to disability pride

    Neurodiversity Member Network member shares his story for Disability Pride Month. July is Disability Pride Month, a time to highlight and celebrate the varied identities and rich history of disabled people, as well as challenge the stigma that sometimes surrounds the topic and prevents people from speaking up and getting support. To mark the occasion, Daniel Robinson, a valued member of our Neurodiversity Member Network, has kindly offered to share an insight into his journey to into engineering as a disabled engineer, finding his crowd, and achieving disability pride. Over to you, Daniel! My journey I have always struggled with fitting in, I think mainly because I found communication and interaction with people and the environment hard. I would say I wasn’t very sociable, my mum…

  • From Hype to Utility: The Rise of Task-Specific Robots in 2025

    Redefining Robotics Through Specialisation The robotics sector is undergoing a quiet revolution. After years of fascination with humanoid robots and general-purpose systems, the industry is now embracing a more grounded, function-first approach. In 2025, the rise of task-specific robots is changing how robotics is designed, financed, and deployed—offering a powerful alternative to complexity without sacrificing innovation. Rather than attempting to mimic the full range of human actions, task-specific robots focus on doing one thing— but doing it exceptionally well . Whether it is transporting goods across factory floors, delivering supplies in hospitals, or inspecting infrastructure in hard-to-reach environments, these machines are reshaping the landscape of automation. Technology That…

  • The World of Manufacturing: Products, Technologies & Insights (Central London Network May Evening Lecture)

    What does a Lord get up to when he is not enjoying a cold beer? The May IET Central London Network evening lecture was something special, a panel event in the Kelvin Lecture Theatre with the theme of celebrating British ingenuity, resilience, and ambition. Our host for the evening was Halil Bedevi and he opened the event with a powerful reminder: manufacturing is not a relic of the past but a dynamic force shaping the future. Halil highlighted the UK’s global standing - 12th in manufacturing output, 2nd in aerospace and defence exports, and home to world-class sectors from food and drink to pharmaceuticals. Despite challenges, UK manufacturing contributes £224 billion to the economy and employs 2.6 million people directly. A recurring theme was the need for global competitiveness. With…

  • A Return to Bentwaters: Cold War History Comes Alive Once Again

    On the 9th of July, 2025, a group of 32 enthusiastic members and guests embarked on a return visit to the Bentwaters Cold War Museum (BCWM) - a trip that proved just as popular and rewarding as last year’s. With registrations once again exceeding the available slots, those fortunate enough to secure a place were treated to a visit rich in history, personal stories, and hands-on experiences that brought the Cold War era vividly to life. Nestled in the Suffolk countryside, the former RAF Bentwaters airbase played a pivotal role during the Cold War. Once a key installation for the United States Air Force (USAF) in Europe, the base was part of NATO’s first line of defence against potential Soviet aggression. Today, the museum preserves that legacy, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the military…

  • All-girls team storms international robotics final to be named world champions

    Huge congratulations to The RealTech Bots! What an inspiring accomplishment by this brilliant all-girls team from Bracknell—winning the FIRST® LEGO® League International Open is no small feat! An all-girls team from Bracknell has beaten 96 teams from 11 countries to be named International Champions of the global robotics competition FIRST® LEGO® League, which took place in the United States at th e weekend. The RealTech Bots, a team of students led by parent coaches, emerged as the winning team at the FIRST® LEGO® League International Open, held on Saturday at the prestigious Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida. The team included Tasnim Meliani age 14, Fatema Shaikh age 15, Zara Rashid age 14, Shriya Suvarna age 14, Sarah Meliani age 9 and Snigdha Suvarna age 12. …

  • Net Zero vs the Data Centres (Central London Network April Evening Lecture)

    Something to Act on: Climate Emergency or Storm in a Teacup? At the April IET Central London Network evening lecture we had the opportunity to explore the intersection of net zero goals and the rising energy demands of data centres . Our presenter was Bob Hicks , CTO of a pioneering energy technology company and over the course of three Acts he offered a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities posed by digital infrastructure in the context of climate action. Act 1: Understanding Net Zero and Energy Systems The session began with a primer on net zero, emphasizing the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions rather than relying on offsets. Bob explained that electrification is central to achieving net zero, supported by renewable energy sources like wind and solar. However…

  • Exploring the Future of Satellite Communications: Insights from the IET SATCOM Technical Networks Panel Session

    Introduction The International SATCOMs Conference 2025 brought together over 150 experts from industry, academia, and government to explore the future of satellite communications. Held at the IET’s prestigious Savoy Place venue, the event featured a special panel session which included the Antennas and Propagation Technical Network (APTN), alongside leaders from the Satellite, IoT, RF & Microwave, and Quantum Technical Networks. This year’s conference was particularly notable for its integration with the newly launched Quantum Technologies and 6G & Future Networks events, signalling a bold step forward in cross-disciplinary collaboration. Meet the APTN Panel Speaker Dr Shukla – Chair, APTN Dr Shukla outlined the APTN’s mission to foster innovation and collaboration through a mix of…

  • ISAM Ignition: Belfast Conference Sparks UK’s Role in Space Innovation

    In-Space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM) is transforming how we build, maintain, and use infrastructure in orbit. These technologies allow spacecraft to be assembled, serviced, or upgraded directly in space, and enables the production of highvalue materials in the space environment – unlocking exciting new operational possibilities. This year’s ISAM conference, hosted in Belfast, brought together a broad spectrum of stakeholders from government, industry, and academia. The event served as a platform to align ambitions, share progress, and highlight the UK’s growing leadership in this rapidly evolving sector. Notably, companies like Space Forge – pioneering semiconductor production on-orbit and securing the UK’s largest Series A investment for space tech at £30 million – demonstrated…

  • The winds of change?

    By Asha Gage, IET Archivist The subject of this blog came about after a call for interested organisations to respond to a survey concentrating on archival collections on wind energy. This survey is part of the European-funded project ‘ Mills to Megawatts’ that aims to document and tell the story of wind energy across Europe. As the UK has played an important role in the research and development for alternative energy sources, I thought the IET Archives would have some records within our collections, but I was amazed to find out just how much. The survey allowed us to identify these records and group them together for the first time. It was a worthwhile exercise from a curatorial perspective as well as encouraging for those involved in the ‘Mills to Megawatts’ project to learn that so many…

  • Launch Your Ideas into Orbit! Manufacturing in Space: Young Professionals & Early Career Competition 2025

    Now Open for Abstract and Slide Submissions Are you ready to take your ideas beyond Earth? The Manufacturing Technical Network invites students and early-career engineers to enter the 2025 Manufacturing in Space Competition for a chance to win a cash prize and present your work to industry leaders! Theme: “What benefits would manufacturing in space bring to society? What challenges must we overcome, and what technologies will get us there?” Whether you're passionate about zero-gravity production, asteroid mining, or building the next generation of orbital factories, we want to hear from you! What to Submit: A 500-word abstract outlining your presentation’s scope and aims A 3-slide PowerPoint covering your aims, objectives, and overview Already have a great presentation from…

  • The Day Music Went Mobile: The Engineering Behind the Sony Walkman

    On the 1st July 1979, a small, unassuming device quietly hit the shelves in Japan—and changed the way the world listened to music forever. The Sony Walkman, a portable cassette player no larger than a paperback novel, was launched to a sceptical market. But within months, it had become a cultural phenomenon and a landmark in consumer electronics engineering. The Sony Walkman TPS-L2, the world’s first truly portable stereo cassette player, was a marvel of miniaturised engineering and user-focused design. It wasn’t just a product—it was a revolution in both technology and culture. The Birth of a Sonic Icon The story of the Walkman begins not in a lab, but on a long-haul flight. Sony co-founder Masaru Ibuka wanted a way to listen to music on his frequent business trips without lugging around…

  • The Satellite TN at the IET Space and Communications Conference Week

    This annual conference started life as IET MilSatcom. I remember the first time I attended; it was in a room that could’ve hosted a medium sized board meeting and there were probably a few dozen people in the room at most. It got bigger and bigger and over time built to three-figure attendances. In the early 2020s, the potential for a sister conference for commercial Satcom was explored, but it never really took off for various reasons. In 2023 the IET MilSatcom conference expanded to include a commercial stream; this was a success and the feedback was good. It expanded again in 2024 with a concurrent 6G stream added to run alongside the Satcom piece. This year a further expansion included Quantum technology. Over the years, the conferences have been held in many venues, with my first one…

  • From Bees to Base Stations: Highlights from CAWE 2025

    On 11 June 2025, the University of Liverpool played host to the 13th Colloquium on Antennas and Wireless Electromagnetics (CAWE’25), organised by the IET’s Antennas and Propagation Technical Network (APTN). This annual gathering brought together over 45 scientists, engineers, and researchers from academia, industry, and government to explore the latest advancements in antennas and wireless technologies. Meet the Hosts and Key Speakers The event was chaired by Professor Yi Huang, Chair in Wireless Engineering at the University of Liverpool, and co-chaired by Dr Anil Shukla (QinetiQ) and Dr Viktor Doychinov (University of Bradford), both long-standing IET volunteers. Professor Huang opened the event with a keynote on “ Advances in Liquid and Dispersive Antennas ”, highlighting the potential…

  • Celebrating Verena Holmes: Trailblazer, Inventor, Engineer

    Today, 23rd of June, on what would have been her 136th birthday, we celebrate the remarkable life and legacy of Verena Winifred Holmes —a pioneering English mechanical engineer, inventor, and passionate advocate for women in engineering. A Woman Ahead of Her Time Born in Ashford, Kent, Verena Holmes grew up in a world where engineering was considered a man’s domain. But that didn’t stop her. From a young age, she was curious about how things worked—often dismantling her toys just to see what was inside. Her engineering journey began during the First World War, when she joined the Integral Propeller Company in Hendon, building wooden aircraft propellers. She studied at night while working full-time, eventually earning a BSc in Engineering from Loughborough Engineering College in 1922—a…

  • Scaling Social Housing with Volumetric Construction: A Manufacturing Perspective

    The global housing crisis is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, exacerbated by rising costs, population growth, and supply chain inefficiencies. Since the 2008 financial crisis, housing prices have consistently outpaced wage growth, making homeownership increasingly unattainable for middle and lower-income households. In countries like the UK, over 1.2 million people remain on social housing waiting lists, highlighting the urgent need for innovative, scalable, and cost-effective housing solutions. Volumetric construction – where entire housing modules are built offsite in controlled environments and then assembled on-site – offers a transformative solution. By leveraging advanced manufacturing techniques, this method accelerates construction timelines, reduces costs, and enhances…

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