Latest Insights from the EngX Community

  • Transporter Beams to Sci Fi Dreams: Discover the Tech Star Trek Predicted

    What do automatic doors, mobile phones, and smart speakers have in common? They were all imagined decades ago in science fiction, and now they’re part of our everyday lives. This year’s IET Hereford and Worcester Christmas Lecture, “The Science of Star Trek” , promises to be a fascinating journey through the technologies that sci-fi got right, those it got hilariously wrong, and the ones engineers still dream of making real. Presented by retired chartered engineer Richard Baker , the lecture will explore how science fiction, especially Star Trek, has shaped our technological landscape and inspired generations of engineers. With a career spanning fire detection systems, rail safety, and even battery-powered trains, Richard brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to this year’s festive…

  • From Beckenham to Panama: How FIRST®︎ STEM Programmes Can Spark Global STEM Journeys

    In a recent BBC article, students from Langley Park School for Boys in Beckenham were celebrated for qualifying to represent Great Britain at the FIRST® Global Challenge in Panama City. Often described as the "Olympics of STEM", this international robotics competition brings together teams from over 190 countries to tackle real-world challenges through engineering and innovation. What makes their achievement even more remarkable is that Langley Park is a comprehensive school, and their robotics journey only began two years ago. With the support of teacher Matt Fry, the students went from losing their first competition to becoming UK champions. As one student put it: “None of us thought when we started that we would become UK champions and represent our country in a global competition…

  • In sight: Opportunity to peer into the future of media and technology at IBC 2025

    This is an article that I have written after IBC2025 and our IET Media Technical Network sessions in Amsterdam. This was published in APB+ Publisher in Singapore in my monthly article. I thought of sharing those articles in EngX for members to access. Before diving into preparations for IBC 2025, it is worth revisiting what IBC, the International Broadcasting Convention, is. Indeed, IBC is an independent body owned by six leading professional bodies in the broadcast and media industry: the Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), the International Trade Association for Broadcast and Media (IABM), the Royal Television Society (RTS), the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE) and the Society of Motion Picture…

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Latest IET EngX News

  • October Highlights on EngX: AI, Automation & Inspiring Journeys

    October was packed with fresh perspectives, bold ideas, and some truly inspiring stories from across the IET EngX community. Whether you’re into robotics, broadcasting, space tech or volunteering, there was something for everyone. Here’s a look back at what got people talking. Broadcasting Meets Sustainability In Behind the Broadcast , Gemma Hadley explored how the BBC is trialling solar-powered transmission stations in Ghana. It’s a fascinating look at how engineers are tackling sustainability and operational safety in broadcasting—especially in unpredictable climates like the UK. Why the UK Needs More Robots Professor Mike Wilson made a compelling case for automation in his Robotics lecture at IET Savoy Place. From cobots to humanoids, the UK’s productivity challenge might just have…

  • From Vacuum Flasks to Digital Inclusion: September on EngX

    As we step into autumn, let’s take a moment to reflect on the conversations and insights that sparked engagement across the IET EngX community throughout September. From historical engineering marvels to forward-looking debates and inclusive initiatives, here’s a roundup of what caught our attention last month. Engineering History Meets Everyday Life From our 'On this day in Engineering History' series, Hot Tea, Cold Science took us back to 1842 to celebrate the birth of Sir James Dewar, the mind behind the vacuum flask. This deceptively simple invention, rooted in cryogenics, has had a lasting impact from space missions to your morning coffee! A brilliant reminder of how foundational engineering principles can lead to timeless solutions. Read the post Global Perspectives on Engineering…

  • August on EngX: Fresh Ideas and Forward Thinking

    August brought a fresh wave of ideas, reflections, and hands-on inspiration across the EngX community. From thought-provoking blog posts to engaging forum discussions, here’s a look at what sparked conversation this month. Inspiring Future Engineers: IET Auckland’s ‘Project X’ Workshop On 12 August, the IET Auckland Network hosted its second annual ‘Project X’ electronics workshop at Waikowhai Intermediate School. This hands-on event aimed to ignite curiosity and creativity in young minds through engineering. Students explored circuits, built devices, and got a taste of real-world problem-solving. Read the full post Are You an Engineer If You Can’t Fix a Washing Machine? Richard Bodin reflects on a question his mother once asked him, sparking a philosophical journey through what it…

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Latest Partner News

  • Smarter Switching and the Energy Equation: A New Focus for Data Centre Efficiency

    As the digital economy continues to scale, the pressure on data centres to deliver performance without excessive power use is rising fast. Operators are being asked to do more with less - less space, less carbon, and less certainty about future demand. This challenge has triggered major investment in more efficient power and cooling systems. But a less obvious part of the infrastructure stack is starting to demand attention: switching. Whilst switching has long been seen as a stable, almost background function of data centre operations, its role in energy consumption is growing. As data volumes surge and workloads become increasingly complex, especially in AI-rich environments, the traditional model of optoelectronic switching is struggling to keep pace. The result is unnecessary power consumption…

  • Validating a Megawatt Charging System for Heavy Goods Vehicles

    Project background Voltempo became the first industry partner to trial at the University of Strathclyde’s Advanced Net Zero Innovation Centre (ANZIC), running early validation of its next-generation HyperCharger—a modular Megawatt Charging System (MCS) designed and manufactured in Birmingham for electric heavy goods vehicles (eHGVs) and commercial fleets. The architecture is scalable beyond 1 MVA and supports simultaneous rapid charging across multiple outlets, positioning it for depot and hub applications central to the UK’s freight decarbonisation plans. The ANZIC engagement was delivered with PNDC (a University of Strathclyde facility), marking the first full-scale industrial trial at the centre and showing how academic–industry collaboration can de-risk grid-connected, megawatt-scale…

  • Prime Minister launches UK’s new Industrial Strategy at HORIBA MIRA

    Earlier this year HORIBA MIRA was proud to host Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, and Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds for the launch of the UK’s new Industrial Strategy (Monday 23 June 2025). The announcement provided a national spotlight on the people, capabilities, and ground-breaking work being driven from the heart of the Midlands and took place at HORIBA MIRA’s Kinematics & Compliance facility. Bringing together media, government, and members of the community, the event marked not just a proud moment for HORIBA MIRA, but a celebration of the shared purpose, collaboration, and capability that runs throughout HORIBA globally. A significant milestone for British industry, the Industrial Strategy sets out a long-term…

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Latest articles from E+T Magazine

  • Drones capable of lifting people spark security fears in UK prisons

    Criminals are increasingly using sophisticated drones to infiltrate prisons to deliver contraband such as drugs or aid in prison escapes, MPs have warned. In a report, the Justice Committee said that the use of illicit drugs and their trade across prisons has reached “endemic” levels, which is fostering a “dangerous culture of acceptance that must be broken”. But it is the emergence of drones to deliver the drugs that represents a “paradigm shift” in how prisons should be thinking about tackling the drugs trade. As well as being able to bypass traditional perimeter security to deliver packages, the committee also heard about drones that could lift “a moderate-sized person”, which raises the threat that they could be used to aid in prison escapes. Recent data on drone incidents published…

  • O2 and Starlink team up to boost rural UK mobile coverage

    Virgin Media O2 has announced a deal with Elon Musk’s Starlink to bring satellite-based connectivity to rural areas across the UK. The deal will provide coverage in previous rural ‘not spots’ by automatically connecting phones via satellites when no standard mobile signal is available. Scheduled to launch in the first half of 2026, the new service, O2 Satellite, will initially offer messaging, maps and location services, with further improvements, such as voice and video calls, to follow. Virgin Media O2 has said the deal could see over 95% of the UK landmass covered within 12 months of launch. The service will connect to Starlink’s network of around 650 satellites, a satellite-to-mobile constellation in low-Earth orbit (LEO), delivering connectivity directly to compatible devices using…

  • Virgin gets green light to introduce trains on Channel Tunnel route for the first time

    The Virgin Group has announced a “landmark decision” by the rail regulator that allows it to press ahead with plans to launch a rival train service through the Channel Tunnel. Rail regulator the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has approved Virgin’s use of the Temple Mills International depot in East London. Virgin says this “landmark decision” means it can now move ahead with its plans to launch a rival international train service through the Channel Tunnel, introducing competition on the route for the first time. Eurostar has had exclusive use of the Channel Tunnel up to now, with around 400 trains passing through the tunnel each day. Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, said: “The ORR’s decision is the right one for consumers – it’s time to end this 30-year monopoly. …

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