Welcome to the Community Insights blog!

This blog features posts from and about the EngX community. Want to contribute? Read our blogging guide to help you get started.

  • Antennas & Propagation TPN Committee 2019

    Antennas & Propagation TPN Committee 2019

    The IET Antennas & Propagation Network Committee organises a programme of activities for IET members, engineers and members of the public. All of these events and activities are made possible by the efforts of a dedicated group of volunteers.   If you would like to know more about volunteering your time to help with our activities, please get in touch with any of the current volunteers listed below or the Community Manager for the network. Rob Lewis Chair John Batchelor Committee Member Anthony Brown Committee Member Darryl Smith Committee Member James Flint Committee Member Richard Rudd Committee Member Sana Salous Committee Member Rebecca Walton Committee Member Mike Warrington Committee Member Lee Ford Committee Member Costas Constantinou Committee Member Qammer Abbasi Committee Member Ivor…

    Former Staff Member
  • Robotic Systems And Innovative Technologies In The Nuclear Industry

    Robotic Systems And Innovative Technologies In The Nuclear Industry

    In March, leaders from the RAIN research hub, along with representatives from its industrial partners and the regulator, will run a first of a kind workshop. They’ll cover their work on robotic systems, likely applications and potential impact on the nuclear industry: Dr Joaquin Carrasco , University of Manchester and RAIN Dr Rob Buckingham , Director UKAEA , Head of RACE Peter Smart, Rolls Royce Steve Frost , Superintending Nuclear Inspector, ONR It is widely recognized that the nuclear industry has a range of difficult working environments that can limit the ability for safe human access and it is becoming increasingly common for emerging technologies, such as robotic and autonomous systems and equipment, to be considered for deployment. To date, robotic systems have had limited impact on…

  • Free Tribology Conference Places - Too Good To Be True?

    Free Tribology Conference Places - Too Good To Be True?

    Well in this case it’s a genuine offer.  The IET Tribology Network are offering the first ten people (not students, see below for special student promotion) that contact the Community Manager, Deborah-Claire McKenzie   by 4pm on Friday, 22 February , a free two day place,  at the New Challenges in Tribology conference to be held on 27-28 March 2019 at IET Austin Court in Birmingham.  This is a one-off opportunity and whoever secures one of these places will get the opportunity to hear from some first class speakers including an international speaker and industry speakers from across the tribology spectrum.  There will also be ample networking opportunities.   Students can also register free for the two day conference, even for those students not choosing to participate in the poster competitions…

    Deborah-Claire McKenzie
  • Introducing Automation To Your Factory.

    Introducing Automation To Your Factory.

    Introducing automation into a smaller scale production environment can be difficult. Here we look at the five basic stages of an automation project: Stage 1 – Identify. Stage 2 – Develop & Finance. Stage 3 – Build. Stage 4 – Commission. Stage 5 – Run & monitor.   As the Project Leader for a manufacturing facility, I get to come up with and implement all sorts of projects – Lean, Excellence, Quality, Asset Replacement etc. The one type of project I have always had problems with is Automation. I’m not talking about Industry 4.0, the integrated manufacturing revolution that I read about and get rather excited by the seemingly endless possibilities. No. Just plain and simple Automation – “ The technology by which a process or procedure is performed without human assistance”   The reason for my…

  • Past Events Run By The Manufacturing TPN

    Past Events Run By The Manufacturing TPN

    You can find some further information about the Manufacturing TPN's past events below. 2018 Technologies for Intelligent Manufacturing Systems -  9th December 2018 Globally, everyone working for or with any manufacturing entity is aware of the next industrial revolution that will change the way we make things and bring them to reality. But the big question is how to initiate the concept of industrial internet of things or industry 4.0.   2017 Bringing Manufacturing Technologies to Life  - 27th April 2017 This joint event between the IET, IMechE and IoD discussed how to convert ideas into successful commercialisation, getting all the right ingredients and methods together for a successful and highly productive business. Digital Transformation, The Pragmatic Approach To Industry 4.0 Implementation…

  • About The Manufacturing Executive Committee

    About The Manufacturing Executive Committee

    Ian Williamson Chair of the Manufacturing TPN Ian's engineering career started in 1990 when he undertook a four-year indentured apprenticeship working for a small engineering and fabrication company producing components for the Military sector, automotive, sector and general bespoke engineering. Ian has subsequently worked for Coventry Radiators producing heat exchangers and commercial vehicle radiators. Ian worked for Lucas Aerospace, TRW Aeronautical Systems and Goodrich Engine Control Systems, gaining vast engineering experience as the Lead New Product Introduction, a tier one supplier to Rolls Royce and Airbus of electro-mechanical fights and engine control systems for aircraft and military applications. In this role, Project managing manufacturing and operations for new product introduction…

  • IET Brunei Technical Talk - Presented By Representatives From Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) And Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB).

    IET Brunei Technical Talk - Presented By Representatives From Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) And Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB).

    Emerging technologies - Artificial Intelligence and Semiconductor Vertical Light-Pipe for Multi-Layer Silicon Photonics Circuits Saturday, 16 Feb 2019, Bandar Seri Begawan.  13 members and 7 non-members of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Brunei Local Network (LN) was treated with an exciting glimpse into the future by Daphne T.C. Lai, a researcher from the Faculty of Science at Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) & Dk Rafidah binti Pg Hj Petra, a lecturer in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB).  The technical talk, organised by IET Brunei LN at SEAMEO Voctech, Gadong was aimed to share knowledge and to network with students and professionals in the public and private sector in the various Science Engineering and Technology (SET) fields…

    Aminuddin Yussof
  • Engineering And Science Students’ Exhibition  8- January 2019

    Engineering And Science Students’ Exhibition 8- January 2019

    In its initiative to encourage participatory and hands-on learning in Engineering and Science, The Institution of Engineering and Technology Malaysia Local Network co-organised with MAHSA University’s Faculty of Engineering and IT the Engineering and Science Students’ Exhibition on 8th January 2019 at the Spine on Level 2 of the Empathy Building of the University. The great significance of this exhibition is that it fosters the acquisition of different skill sets that allow the growth of multiple faculties of intelligence in societal circumstances.  The exhibition was organised with the key objective of bringing out students’ hidden talents and to create a greater awareness of Engineering and Science.  The exhibits included displays and presentations from different batches of the Engineering…

    Former Community Member
    Former Community Member
  • Congratulations Ludovic Grosjean recognised as Young Innovator Rotary People of Action!!

    Congratulations Ludovic Grosjean recognised as Young Innovator Rotary People of Action!!

    Congratulations to Ludovic Grosjean!!  Recognised as one of the six Rotary People of Action:  Young Innovators. He was awarded at United Nations in Nairobi, Kenya on November 10th 2018 and was selected by Barry Rassin President of Rotary International.  This years event, held at United Nations office, is organised under the theme Youth Innovation:  Crafting Solutions to Emerging Challenges.  Ludovic is developing technology to monitor pollution and remove it from waterways to stop the pollution at its source.  Ludovic is the YPS Chairman of IET Victoria Network, he along with other IET members organised activities to promote Engineering, Science and Technology to young professionals and students.  Check out the IET Members News article: "IET member recognised as Young Innovator at the United…

    Former Community Member
    Former Community Member
  • 81ST ANNUAL REUNION DINNER OF THE NESCOE ASSOCIATION

    81ST ANNUAL REUNION DINNER OF THE NESCOE ASSOCIATION

    The Reunion this year is to be held on Tuesday 2nd April 2019 at the Civic Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. There will also be the opportunity to hear industry  speakers at an afternoon seminar before the dinner in the evening. Please see the attached flyer for further details and registration links.

    Tom Fry
  • Internet Of Things TPN Committee 2019

    Internet Of Things TPN Committee 2019

    The IET Internet of Things Network Committee organises a programme of activities for IET members, engineers and members of the public. All of these events and activities are made possible by the efforts of a dedicated group of volunteers.If you would like to know more about volunteering your time to help with our activities, please get in touch with any of the current volunteers listed below or the Community Manager for the network. Yew-Kee Lim Chair Mike McKean Vice- Chair Jiafeng Zhou Committee Member Andy Mills Committee Member John Tan Committee Member Frank Johnson Committee Member Jaysern Pang Committee Member Teh Peh Chiong Committee Member Bhagvat Joshi Committee Member Natalia D'Lima Community Manager   Updated 8/10/2019

    Former Staff Member
  • Registration Is Open - The 5th Future Of Medicine, 11th June 2019

    Registration Is Open - The 5th Future Of Medicine, 11th June 2019

    Registration is now open  https://events.theiet.org/the-5th-annual-future-of-medicine-conference/  This is a joint event between Healthcare Technologies and IET Robotics TPN and will explore four key themes: -  Healthcare Data - Artificial Intelligence - Robotics - Medical Devices in primary and community settings We have a strong line up of speakers from: Cambridge Consultants University of Oxford King's College London MF Technology Ltd Visulytix Vitrue Health Blatchford's Queen Mary University of London Students - £20 Members - £40 Non Members - £60

    Lynsay Callaghan
  • New Year (UHD) Resolution

    New Year (UHD) Resolution

    Personal views on the availability of 8K consumer displays, how resolution is of interest in terms of truly maximising content quality from a display tech perspective with all resolutions of content but the bigger bang per buck is about ensuring better pixels with HDR and WCG.The launch of 8K TV displays at IFA last year and more at CES at the beginning of January is something that I have been thinking about quite a lot – to arrive at my personal view of what the release of these displays means to me. Many have said we don’t need this resolution, many have said the same about 4K displays and to be honest they said that about HD as well (in fact if you go back to the 1930s, they probably said the same about the ‘high definition’ displays that were launched then). In other words the phrase ‘we…

    Ian Nock
  • Insight Into The Edinburgh University Formula Student Team

    Insight Into The Edinburgh University Formula Student Team

    On Wednesday 6 th  February, the IET SSE section visited Edinburgh University Formula Students (EUFS). The team started by giving us a quick overview of their history and how they had evolved since their inception in 2014 with now over 300 students having been involved to date. Each year they take part in the annual Formula Students competition in which over 40,000 students participate annually in various geographic competitions across 5 continents.   The students were able to highlight the difference that the competition has made to their own learning including testimonials from their alumni who all felt that the skills they had learned at EUFS played a direct role in the careers they have today. In particular the competition gives them a chance to experience the full design-built-test lifecycle…

    Jennifer Short
  • Antennas And Propagation For 5G And Beyond

    Antennas And Propagation For 5G And Beyond

    The Antennas and Propagation TPN are running an exciting new event titled: ‘Antennas and Propagation for 5G and Beyond’   Date: 28 February 2019 Venue: Austin Court, Birmingham, UK Website: https://events.theiet.org/antennas/index.cfm The event aims to provide a technical refresh of the fast moving and fluctuating field of 5G. Mobile communications form the main part of work being done in this area, but the event will also cover topics such as energy, transport (rail, connected and autonomous vehicles), broadcasting, utilities, etc. The physical environments in which 5G will be deployed are varied from the remote rural communities to dense urban areas and the cost and therefore sophistication of the technology will need to be suited to the target application domain We have speakers coming from…

    Former Staff Member
  • Promoting STEM Careers At Local Schools

    Promoting STEM Careers At Local Schools

    During January and early February IET Berkshire School Liaison Officer, Richard Hughes, made four visits to various schools in the Berkshire area. For three of these, the schools were running the event rather as a "speed dating" event. i.e. there were a large number of careers advisors and each student (sometimes accompanied by a parent) had about three minutes to talk to each advisor. I understand from some of the feedback that the schools and parents were very pleased with how these events worked out and that they plan to repeat the performance next year. Desborough college was a little different as Richard was asked to give a short presentation about engineering. Richard mentioned that "I prepared a few slides illustrating some of the things in which I have been involved and also some recent…

    Dooshiant Dyall
  • UTBOC MEMBERS VISIT BRUNEI'S ONLY COFFEE FARM

    UTBOC MEMBERS VISIT BRUNEI'S ONLY COFFEE FARM

    Friday, 18th January 2019, Belait - A new semester had just started and right after the December break, UTBOC planned a technical visit to Labi Coffee Farm, Brunei's only local source for coffee beans. 23 students signed up and arrived at the Belait-based farm.They were greeted by the owner's son, Raymond Yong Shin Xian, who showed the students around their 19-hectare farm and demonstrated how the beans are harvested and treated before they are sent to their processing facility in Brunei-Muara. Though they seem heavily established, their company is family run and the farm is only worked by about 10 workers. Raymond told about the stories of when the farm was initially an orange farm that failed due to a horticultural disease that reaped their orchard. Now, it is a massive coffee farm and they…

    Former Community Member
    Former Community Member
  • Interactive Film/TV - Before And After Bandersnatch

    Interactive Film/TV - Before And After Bandersnatch

    The term 'Interactive film/TV' featured widely in the media in December 2018 when Netflix released 'Bandersnatch' as a 'Black Mirror' 'special'. When the media reports that something is a 'new technology', that usually means that there has been a lot of work leading up to the latest version - so what's the context behind interactive story-telling?    On the 28th of December 2018, Netflix announced an interactive film under the ‘Black Mirror’ branding, written by Charlie Brooker, and available on a number of interactive platforms, from smart phones and smart TVs to laptops . As the ‘Black Mirror’ name suggests, it tends to be a dark and cynical view of the effect of technology on people and society, but episodes in the series have also been very prophetic about the ways that technology can be…

    Former Community Member
    Former Community Member
  • Railtex 2019

    Railtex 2019

    The IET Railway Technical Network will be on Stand B46.  Register for free and come and visit us to find out what we are up to in 2019.

    Lynsay Callaghan
  • UTB On Campus and YPS Professional Social Day Out

    UTB On Campus and YPS Professional Social Day Out

    Sunday, 27th January 2019, Bandar Seri Begawan - Members of IET had a social gathering in Berakas Beach to strengthen bonds and getting along with each other.Towards the end, a talk was given by Jevons (YPS Vice Chairperson) regarding tips on how to secure a job as well as good work etiquette that are required from an employee. Then, the session ended with Tay (YPS Chairperson) giving a talk on Career Management. The members were explained about CPD (Continuing Professional Development) and acquired a better clarification together with its importance to achieve CEng (Chartered Engineer) in the work place.

    Former Community Member
    Former Community Member
  • Tomorrows Engineers Are Looking For Some Help With The Local Lego Robotics Challenge

    Tomorrows Engineers Are Looking For Some Help With The Local Lego Robotics Challenge

    Tomorrows Engineers are looking for some help with the local Lego Challenge, and the date they are particularly  struggling  with is the 1 March 2019. If anyone can help there is more information on the link below. Here are events in the area and if you can support the 2 March and any of the other events please let Tomorrows Engineers know.   23 February 2019 Girl Guides - Reece Foundation Armstrong Works, Newcastle upon Tyne NE15 6UX 01 March 2019 Nissan/Skills Academy Gatehead College Washington Rd, Sunderland, SR5 3HE 02 March 2019 Girl Guides - Reece Foundation Armstrong Works, Newcastle upon Tyne NE15 6UX   We welcome anyone who is interested in inspiring the next generation into STEM careers and are looking for volunteers to support as judges for any of the 5 elements: speed challenge…

  • Talk reminder - Community Broadband - The Ultimate DIY Project

    Talk reminder - Community Broadband - The Ultimate DIY Project

    Folks Just a reminder that the SERMS February talk - Community Broadband - The Ultimate DIY Project by Professor Peter Buneman,  takes place tomorrow (Wednesday 6 February) in the Siegfried Room at Napier University Craiglockhart Campus, beginning  at 1400. This sounds like an excellent talk so I hope to see many of you there. Regards Jim Gaw

    Samuel Gaw (Jim)
  • Talk reminder - Community Broadband - The Ultimate DIY Project

    Talk reminder - Community Broadband - The Ultimate DIY Project

    Folks Just a reminder that the SERMS February talk - Community Broadband - The ultimate DIY Project by Professor Peter Buneman,  takes place tomorrow (Wednesday 6 February) in the Siegfried Room at Napier University Craiglockhart Campus, beginning  at 1400. This sounds like an excellent talk so I hope to see many of you there. Regards Jim Gaw

    Samuel Gaw (Jim)
  • Consultation For ICMS 2nd Edition

    Consultation For ICMS 2nd Edition

    The International Construction Measurement Standards Coalition are seeking feedback on the second edition of ICMS, which incorporates life cycle costs.  The International Construction Measurement Standards Coalition are seeking feedback on the second edition of ICMS, which incorporates life cycle costs. Since publication in July 2017, the International Construction Measurement Standards (ICMS) have provided a single methodology for reporting, grouping and classifying construction project costs. In response to industry feedback following the publication of the first edition of ICMS, the ICMS Coalition have introduced and are seeking feedback on a second edition which incorporates life cycle costs. The second edition will enable practitioners to classify costs across the whole project life cycle…

    Joanne Longton