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  • 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…

  • Building a legacy: Rambali Raghavan’s Volunteering Story

    Rambali Raghavan’s Volunteering Story Today, we explore the inspiring journey of Rambali, our Professional Registration volunteer. He began as a Professional Registration Advisor in 2016 and was elected Fellow of the IET in 2020. Since then, he has also become a Fellowship Advisor. Rambali enjoys talking to applicants from diverse backgrounds, which broadens his horizons and enriches his understanding of various career paths. The Joy and Impact of Altruistic Volunteering Rambali believes in giving back to society without expecting anything in return. He hopes his efforts will contribute to a better future for society and the planet. In a world where altruism is often lacking, Rambali finds immense joy and satisfaction in volunteering. It gives him a sense of purpose and allows him to…

  • George Stephenson: The Man Who Put Britain on Track

    Today marks 244 years since the birth of one of Britain’s greatest engineering pioneers — George Stephenson, born on 9th June 1781 in Wylam, Northumberland. Known affectionately as the "Father of the Railways", Stephenson’s legacy continues to shape the way we travel, connect, and innovate. From Humble Beginnings to Industrial Icon George Stephenson’s story is the stuff of legend. Born into a working-class family, he had little formal education and worked as a colliery engineman. But his curiosity and determination led him to teach himself reading, writing, and arithmetic — all while working long hours. His breakthrough came with the invention of the "Blücher" locomotive in 1814, but it was his work on the Liverpool and Manchester Railway, opened in 1830, that truly changed the world…

  • Reflections from ICRA 2025: Where Robotics Meets the Real World

    If you're in the robotics world, you probably know that ICRA (International Conference on Robotics and Automation) is the place to be. For over 40 years, ICRA has set the stage for the biggest breakthroughs and boldest ideas in robotics, and this year was no exception. Hosted in Atlanta, Georgia, the 2025 edition attracted an incredible 7,000 attendees, making it one of the largest yet. From tech giants to early-stage researchers, the halls of the Georgia World Congress Center were buzzing with ideas, innovations, and more than 150 exhibitor booths, showcasing the latest in robotic technology. The exhibition floor also featured tech talk stages, where companies and researchers shared insights in a more interactive format. A Universe of Knowledge in Parallel One of the most exciting—and…

  • Empowering Engineers Across Borders: IET Volunteer Journey

    Empowering Engineers Across Borders: My IET Volunteer Journey Celebrating Global Impact During National Volunteers Week 2025 Volunteering has played a vital role in shaping who I am as an engineer and a person. I am a Chartered Engineer specializing in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, currently working as a Scientific Researcher, Pukyong National University in South Korea. Alongside my academic and research pursuits, I am deeply committed to contributing to the global engineering community through my volunteer roles at the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). I began my journey with the IET in 2016 as a student member. At that point, my goal was to stay connected to the wider engineering world while studying. But as I became more aware of the IET’s vast volunteer network…

  • Honouring those who give their time, knowledge and passion

    This week marks Volunteers’ Week 2025, a time to reflect on the outstanding contributions of our dedicated volunteer community. From classrooms and committees to panels and programmes, volunteers help shape the future of engineering and technology every day. Their time, insight, and passion enable us to do more, reach further, and inspire the next generation. Volunteers aren’t just part of what we do, they’re the foundation that makes it all possible. Inspiring the future with Gordana Collier We started the week by spotlighting Gordana Collier, an Accreditation Volunteer whose passion for science and service runs deep. Gordana’s work with Academic Accreditation panels has had a lasting impact on engineering education across the UK. A powerful moment in her journey was speaking to…

  • My Love for Aerospace: Yun-Hang Cho’s Volunteering Story

    We would like to introduce you to an inspiring individual, Yun-Hang Cho, in our latest volunteer spotlight. Yun specializes in intellectual property strategies for advanced technologies across the space, robotics, energy, and manufacturing sectors. Read about Yun’s journey where his fascination with engineering was sparked by the captivating world of science and mathematics. From Museums to Megafortresses Despite his parents not being engineers, Yun found his passion through the efforts of volunteers who introduced him to STEM subjects. His fondest memory was at the South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum, where an IET Local Network would run an annual event discussing the history of aircraft. From that moment on, Yun had found his people. Stories of radar guidance systems in WW2 bombers were music…

    IET Volunteering Team
    IET Volunteering Team in Space

  • Navigating Electrical Standards: Gary Gundry's Presentation on updates to BS 7671

    In a packed conference room, Gary Gundry (UK Electrical Safety Specialist and IET Associate Committee Manager) delivered a 2-part presentation on "18th Edition & Special Locations". Gary holds the unique position of being an IET Associate Committee Manager, regularly contributing to the next set of requirements that are coming down the pipeline. Gary has worked at two regional electricity boards, the NICEIC, Electrical Safety First, and now owns and operates a very successful electrical consultancy business, which focuses on standards making (with the IET) and training people, either face to face or online. The event took place in Nicosia, Cyprus on Thursday 15th May 2025 and the attendees ranged from engineering professionals, IET members and academics. In the first half, Gary explained…

  • Rare book: The Electric Telegraph Popularised by Dionysius Lardner

    Published in this edition in 1855, The Electric Telegraph Popularised is a work of popular science by the Irish scientific writer Dionysius Lardner. At this time the telegraph had only recently come into widespread use and it was less than fifty years since the first working telegraph was built by the English inventor Sir Francis Ronalds in 1816. The Electric Telegraph Popularised served as a bridge between existing scientific knowledge that would have been limited to the small scientific community and the broader Victorian middle class that had emerged since the Industrial Revolution and demonstrated an appetite for reading works of popular science. In his text Lardner breaks down complicated concepts into accessible language, explaining how electric currents travel along wires, how signals…

  • The Historic Opening of the Rigi Bahnen: Europe's First Rack Railway

    On the 21st of May, 1871, a significant milestone in European rail history was achieved with the inauguration of the Rigi Bahnen on Mount Rigi, Switzerland. This event marked the opening of the first rack railway in Europe, a pioneering feat that not only revolutionised mountain travel but also set the stage for the development of alpine tourism. The Visionary Behind the Project The Rigi Bahnen was the brainchild of Swiss engineer Niklaus Riggenbach. Riggenbach, who had previously patented a rack and pinion system in France in 1863, envisioned a railway that could conquer the steep inclines of Mount Rigi. His innovative system involved toothed racks set between the railway tracks, which interlocked with cogwheels fitted under the locomotives. This design allowed trains to safely and efficiently…

  • Harnessing AI in Engineering: Insights from Dr. Ismaël Adam Essackjee

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept; it is a present-day reality that is revolutionising the engineering landscape. This event is designed to provide engineers with insights into how AI can enhance automation, optimise processes, and enable smarter decision-making. From predictive maintenance to AI-driven design, the applications of AI in engineering are vast and transformative. Technical Insights into AI in Engineering Artificial Intelligence is revolutionising engineering by enhancing automation, optimising processes, and enabling smarter decision-making. Here are some key technical aspects that will be covered during the event: Predictive Maintenance AI-driven predictive maintenance involves using machine learning algorithms to analyse data from sensors…

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