Latest Technology Stories
Electronic beam scanning for 5G technology with a Rotman lensJuly 26, 2017
The Rotman lens can be an ideal retrodirective antenna for 5G applications. Mike Gleaves looks at the technology behind this type of lens, an inexpensive means of beam steering at millimetre waves
Using the internet of things to predict the future of flooding in DublinJuly 18, 2017
Low-cost sensors across Dublin are monitoring rainfall, weather conditions and river levels, using wireless technology to provide city authorities with an early warning of potential flooding. Prof Linda Doyle reports
Avoiding robotics defeat – understanding methods of robot programmingJuly 18, 2017
Jonathan Wilkins explores the three main methods of programming a robot – which are teaching, lead-through programming and offline programming
How HIL simulations are keeping engineers in the loopJuly 4, 2017
Jonathan Wilkins outlines how hardware in the loop (HIL) can reduce bugs and test industrial control systems' capabilities under conditions that would overload a real plant
Software for the smart factory: advantages of hardware-independent softwareJuly 4, 2017
In the era of the smart factory, one of the key choices that manufacturers will make during their digital transformation is choosing the right software, writes Lee Sullivan
Harnessing heat to power computers: thermal diode computes at high temperaturesJune 20, 2017
Heat is commonly regarded as computing's mortal enemy. Mechanical engineers, however, have flipped the question of 'how to keep computers cool' to 'how to use heat as an alternative energy source'
PLM vs ERP– does an engineering company really need both?June 20, 2017
Bob Hillier shares the best practice for companies that are caught up in the debate between product lifecycle management versus enterprise resource planning
GDPR – driving information security strategy through 2017 and beyondJune 6, 2017
Failure to comply with the impending General Data Protection Regulation will lead to companies facing fines of up to €20 million or 4% of global turnover. Stephen Harrington outlines what you must do to ensure compliance
Can parents’ tech obsessions contribute to a child’s bad behaviour?June 1, 2017
Half of parents reported that technology interrupted family time with their children three or more times a day. Even in low amounts, interruptions to parent-child time caused by digital technology are linked to greater child behaviour problems, a new study suggests
Simulating tomorrow’s cities – overcoming challenges of increasing urbanisationMay 23, 2017
Digital 3D urban simulations are helping engineers to determine wind loads for new buildings, prevent flooding and identify changes to improve building constructions, while also helping police to improve safety measures
Operation simulation – new surgical training centre to feature cutting-edge technologyMay 9, 2017
This autumn, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland will open Europe's largest clinical simulation facility, where cutting-edge technology will enable students to master skills before operating on patients
‘Animated Language Learning’ program reaches 300 families with autismApril 24, 2017
With the help of his 19-year-old son, who was diagnosed with severe autism as a child, engineer Enda Dodd's Galway-based startup provides an innovative autism speech- and language-learning program offering hope to families worldwide
Software allows for use of drones and insect biobots to map disaster areasApril 24, 2017
Researchers have developed a combination of software and hardware that will allow them to use drones and insect cyborgs, or biobots, to map large, unfamiliar areas such as collapsed buildings after a disaster
Manufacturing the connected car of the future with cloud computingApril 11, 2017
Cloud computing, mobile devices and even digital twinning are increasingly used in automotive manufacturing – especially for connected cars equipped with internet access and wireless local area networks, writes Jonathan Wilkins
UCD spin-in OCE Technology reaches for the stars with satellite technologyApril 11, 2017
As OCE Technology launches its satellite subsystems to Europe's commercial space market, Barry Kavanagh outlines the technology behind the new range, which derives from satellites used in China's space programme
Extensive data centre testing is vital to balance electrical and thermal loadsMarch 28, 2017
Mark Templeman highlights why load-testing data centres should accurately emulate the loading on the electrical system, back-up system, automatic transfer switches and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system
Generation Z versus the machine – the future of work in the age of automationMarch 28, 2017
Many people, especially millennials, worry that technological innovation will lead to the demise of human jobs. Stephen Parker explains how businesses can use technology to enhance jobs rather than replace them
Data protection risk reduction – engineering to get it rightMarch 14, 2017
With the European General Data Protection Regulation coming into effect next year, Declan Brady outlines the terms of the legislation and offers ten ways that engineers can reduce their risk
Technology and standards: a close connection?February 28, 2017
The PC has been ubiquitous and interoperable since the '80s, while the PLC lags behind, despite years of work on IEC standards. Nick Boughton contrasts the relationship between technology and standards in commercial and industrial spheres
New ‘electron gun’ could help enable X-ray moviesFebruary 28, 2017
A low-power tabletop source of ultrashort electron beams could replace car-size laboratory devices, engineers report