Sponsored By Oxley Developments
www.oxleygroup.com
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15 Dec 22. US AFRL launches programme to develop wearable biomolecular sensors. Wearable sensors can be used to monitor molecular signatures in body fluids, including saliva and perspiration.The US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has launched a new programme to develop wearable biomolecular sensors to measure biomarkers in airmen and guardians.
The related work will be conducted by AFRL’s Materials and Manufacturing Directorate in collaboration with 711th Human Performance Wing, Nano Bio-Materials Consortium (NBMC) and Case Western Reserve University.
The partnership is also known as Biomolecular Structure and Integration for Sensors (Biosis).
The efforts and research conducted by BioSIS since 2018 resulted in the founding of the private spinoff firm Sensate Biosystems.
With the help of funds from NBMC, the university later licensed the AFRL patent and formed its own team to begin the research and development of a wearable molecular sensor for both military and commercial use.
A biomarker is molecular or physiological information that is used to monitor an individual’s health.
One of the key objectives at the programme’s beginning was to identify which biomarkers to research. The researchers eventually selected ‘Neuropeptide Y’, a protein that is available in abundance in the human brain and can be detected from human sweat.
AFRL Materials and Manufacturing Directorate senior materials engineer and BioSIS technical lead Dr Lawrence Drummy said: “We are looking to equip them with more advanced human monitoring capabilities so mission commanders can integrate that information and make rapid decisions.”
According to Drummy, the new technology can be used to track the well-being of personnel during critical missions to monitor when their body is overly stressed or hyper-stimulated.
The biomolecular responses can timely inform the personnel to return to safe zones.
Drummy added: “These wearable sensors can take on a variety of forms such as mouthguards, patches applied to the skin or microneedle patches that just penetrate the epidermis into the interstitial fluid, for example.”
(Source: airforce-technology.com)
16 Dec 22. New Software Development Kits Supporting Open Industrial Network CC-LINK IE TSN to be Released Next Spring.
eSOL has announced that it will release new versions of its CC-Link IE TSN SDK in next spring. The eSOL CC-Link IE TSN SDK supports the open industrial network, CC-Link IE TSN, defined by the CC-Link Partner Association.
eSOL CC-Link IE TSN SDK achieves a shortened development period for industrial equipment that supports CC-Link IE TSN standards, assisting the construction of an industrial network where factory automation and IT systems are joined up together.
Advances in IoT applications are rapidly expanding in the field of industrial automation because today’s requirements, such as automizing manufacturing processes and improving quality and productivity, are both diversified and sophisticated. As this occurs, there is demand for the implementation of smart factories, which aim to have all equipment connected to a network and manufacture efficiently.
As part of this announcement, eSOL is releasing new versions of the “eSOL CC-Link IE TSN (Master) SDK” and “eSOL CC-Link IE TSN Safety SDK,” which support the newest standard by the CC-Link Partner Association. Their releases will help realize a more seamless open network through improved communications compatibility, expanded connectable products, creation of safety systems with high response performance (conforms to IEC 61508 SIL3), and much more.
CC-Link was developed by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation in 1996 with the goal of establishing mutual correspondence between a wide variety of industrial equipment and, in 2000, the specifications were released to the market as an open industrial network. Later that year, the CC-Link Partner Association was launched to promote and facilitate the global use of CC-Link. Currently, the CC-Link Partner Association has over 4,000 international companies as partners, and eSOL is also one since September 2021.
Nowadays, devices corresponding to the CC-Link family are used across the field of industrial automation on a global scale, including PLCs, robots, inverter and servo equipment, sensors and encoders, digital/analog input modules, PCs, displays, load cells and indicators, gateway equipment, and solenoid valves. Currently, the number of CC-Link family-certified products exceeds 2,600 models, and the number of CC-Link IE TSN-compatible products is also increasing.
The CC-Link family network technology, starting from the serial communication-based CC-Link, has expanded to the ethernet-based CC-Link IE Field, CC-Link IE Field Basic, and CC-Link IE TSN. CC-Link IE TSN is an open industrial network that the CC-Link Partner Association formulated in 2018. It is the first industrial network protocol ever to realize the fusion of IT and production sites by using TSN (Time-Sensitive Networking) technology expanded from the standard ethernet specification. Efficient protocols further enhance the performance and functions of the previous CC-Link IE. Also, in addition to creating the possibility for implementation across a wide variety of equipment through diversified development methods, this technology makes it possible to use mixed information communications via controlled communications and IP communications. Everything it does supports the efficient construction of smart factories, which use IoT, in shorter time span.
With the release of eSOL CC-Link IE TSN SDK, the company continues to promote IoT in the field of industrial automation while contributing to the industry’s technological developments.
15 Dec 22. Advantech Launches EPC-B3000 Series Embedded Computer with Advanced X86 Architecture CPU for Edge AI Applications. Advantech, a global embedded computing leader, is proud to release the EPC-B3000 series of high-performance computers. Comprising the EPC-B3522 with AMD Ryzen™ AM4 5000 and the EPC-B3588 with 12th Gen Intel® Core™, this series supports NVIDIA Quadro level GPU cards and up to 4 × full height PCIe cards. The EPC-B3000 series adheres to EMC and safety regulations to enable seamless localization of automated solutions in China, North America, and Europe. Likewise, the EPC-B3588 in particular leverages DDR5 and PCIe Gen5 to power demanding AI applications. Contained within a 360 x 310 x 134 mm form factor chassis, these are excellent solutions for AI inspection and/or parcel recognition tasks, and enhance GPU-accelerated operations at the edge while simultaneously enabling multitask processing and smooth service flows.
Distributed Multitasking Computing Performance with High-End x86 Processors
The Advantech EPC-B3522 leverages AMD Ryzen™ AM4 5000 series processors with 16 cores and 32 threads to empower parallel computing AI algorithms. Conversely, EPC-B3588 utilizes 12th Gen Intel® Core™ processors, support for up-to 128GB DDR5, and PCIe x16 Gen 5 to transfer high-speed signals between the processors and add-on GPU cards instantly. In sum, the EPC-B3000 series employ these processors to provide superior computing performance at lower power than previous generation solutions.
Certified Systems for Diverse Scenarios
The Advantech EPC-B3000 series supports operation in EMC conditions for both industrial (IEC 61000-6-2, 6-4) and residential environments (IEC 61000-6-1, 6-3), and is capable of withstanding IEC level-4 standard ESD (contact 8kV, air 15kV). Likewise, EPC-B3000 will be CB/UL/BSMI/CCC certified to ease global distribution, and features integrated NVIDIA RTX A4500 (NVIDIA accreditation) for excellent performance and data security during vision AI operation.
High Flexibility and Scalability for AIoT Application Integration
Both EPC-B3522 and EPC-B3588 leverage numerous PCIe expansions to support multitasking workloads in edge computing. For example, the PCIe x16 slots used by these systems enable the utilization of high-performance acceleration cards needed for AI intensive applications. The EPC-B3000 series is designed for edge applications requiring different peripherals. Accordingly, both solutions feature diverse I/O alongside COM, USB, and LAN ports to facilitate the use of PLC, digital sensors, or Ethernet-based equipment.
Quick and Easy Automation Implementation with Value-Added Software Support
Advantech DeviceOn is a cloud-based software solution for remote hardware and software management. It helps its users identify irregularities in advance and take action to prevent future catastrophes. The comprehensive OTA software updates provided by DeviceOn reduce the number of onsite technician visits and its resulting labor costs. Likewise, the embedded SUSI API enables users to control the I/O of EPC-B3000 directly and save time. Finally, the EPC-B3000 series is compatible with both Windows 10 and Linux Ubuntu OS to support diverse applications and preferences.
Advantech’s EPC-B3000 series is available for order soon.
14 Dec 22. Northrop Grumman’s Space Solar Power Incremental Demonstrations and Research (SSPIDR) Project team is making that science fiction a reality with steady progress towards transmitting solar energy from space to anywhere on Earth. SSPIDR technology can be especially useful in forward operating and contested areas where warfighters need steady power to maintain mission operations.
Harnessing solar power for use on Earth has enormous potential for communities where energy is scarce. For example, when military personnel establish a forward operating base one of the most dangerous parts of the ground operation is getting power. Convoys and supply lines, which are major targets for adversaries, are the usual methods to supply power. However, solar-powered beaming energy technology can provide constant, consistent and logistically agile power to expeditionary forces operating in hard-to-reach areas – assuring power is transmitted via radio frequency (RF) from space and reducing reliance on fuel convoys and other energy generation methods.
Utilizing one of the company’s test chambers specifically designed for RF at its Baltimore manufacturing and test campus, the SSPIDR team successfully demonstrated the transmission of directed RF energy to a ground-based rectifying antenna (rectenna) – a critical milestone in the development of this pioneering technology. In this demonstration, engineers steered RF energy to rectenna hardware, energizing a series of lights that indicated successful formation of an energy beam and conversion to useful electrical current.
As part of this laboratory demonstration, engineers also showcased the ability to beam RF energy to multiple fixed points by electronically steering and controlling the power beam using Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) capabilities.
“Space solar power beaming has the potential to provide energy anywhere on Earth at any time, making consistent and reliable energy available to remote locations when its needed most,” said Tara Theret, SSPIDR program director, Northrop Grumman. “With this demonstration, we are one step closer to taking this technology out of the lab and putting it on orbit.”
As ambitious as it is revolutionary, the SSPIDR Project which is under contracted development partnership with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) will utilize on-orbit, highly-efficient photovoltaic cells to collect solar energy. This solar energy will then be converted into RF energy and beamed to a receiving station on Earth — like a power plant, but for space solar energy — where it would be converted to usable energy.
Having successfully demonstrated the conversion of solar energy to transmittable RF energy and wireless beaming capabilities in a laboratory environment, engineers are continuing to fine-tune the array to strengthen beam steering capabilities.
What has for decades been a science fiction concept will soon be on its way to space-based demonstration with AFRL’s anticipated mission launch in 2025.
14 Dec 22. Innovators invited to gain insight into the future of ISR.
Dstl will share new technical concepts for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance in an age of AI and autonomy, at an event for industry and academia.
The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) will share early stage research to help potential partners understand where future funding opportunities may lie and help build the UK’s capability.
We are seeking interest from a wide range of suppliers including small and medium enterprises, those representing niche areas and those who don’t traditionally work with defence.
Dstl will also welcome those normally involved at later stages of technical development which could benefit from insights into its pioneering research and the future requirements of UK defence and security.
Potential suppliers of future defence and security technology can register to attend the showcase of the latest research into generation-after-next technical concepts for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR). This was identified as an area for investment in the 2021 Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy.
The AI and autonomy for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (A2ISR) project is covering research themes including:
- AI-enabled ISR tasking and collection
- cloud-edge infrastructures
- data-centric process improvement
- machine-assisted intelligence such as natural language processing
- advantages that could be brought by quantum information processing
The showcase will be held on 23 February 2023 in Wiltshire. Attendees will see demonstrations of cutting-edge science and technology and have opportunities to discuss support to and the alignment of Dstl’s research with emerging concepts in industry and academia. There will also be an outline of the next steps for Dstl’s A2ISR project.
Request your invitation
To register your interest in attending the A2ISR Industry Showcase Day email including:
- up to 2 names from your organisation
- job title or role of each attendee
- nationality of each attendee
- email address for each attendee
Read our full guide about how to sell to or work with Dstl: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-sell-to-dstl-industry-academia-and-other-research-organisations (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
14 Dec 22. RDM green hydrogen mobile solution worked at CTC. Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM) used the recent Exercise Vuk’uhlome at the SA Army Combat Training Centre (CTC) in Northern Cape to spread the value of its green hydrogen mobile solution to VIPs during a distinguished visitors’ day.
In addition to seeing and talking to RDM specialists on the sustainable energy solution addition to the company’s product range, visitors and those on site for the exercise were shown what it’s capable of. This saw the base camp at CTC lit by the green hydrogen mobile solution on the night before the demonstration day.
RDM said it took under an hour to set up the solution, which it sees as a valuable military option for field hospitals, bases and camps where there is no regular power supply. The solution also suits general rural energy needs.
Using the in-house chemical expertise that is a hallmark of RDM, the company designed and manufactured what it calls “a comprehensive suite of renewable energy products”.
Apart from military applications, RDM sees the renewable energy products finding favour with the broader manufacturing sector with energy independence being the watchword in a challenging power supply situation.
Export of green H2 is an attractive addition for operators of the RDM green hydrogen solution system, which is not the only arrow in the Somerset West-based company’s alternative power quiver. It also has solar photovoltaic (PV) power necessities available.
Of the Lohathla display and demonstration, chief executive Jan Patrick said it was “a great opportunity to showcase the versatility of the solution” by demonstrating that it does generate electricity in a remote setting.
“The solution can be tailored to soldiers’ requirements as was demonstrated at the military base,” he said.
RDM has a earned a enviable reputation as a quality ammunition manufacturer for the South African as well as continental and international markets. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
13 Dec 22. UKAEA statement about National Ignition Facility results at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Congratulations to the team at the National Ignition Facility at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory for achieving ignition. These are landmark results and add momentum in the field of fusion. This advancement brings us one step closer in the quest for a new energy source. It sits alongside rapidly increasing commercial interest and provides a real sense that fusion can make a contribution to the world’s future low-carbon energy supply. William Morris, Chief Scientist for UKAEA, said: “It appears this is an impressive achievement resulting from intense and inventive research. It is a valuable advance on the challenging path to the delivery of useable fusion energy that will further stimulate an already exciting and important field.” (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
12 Dec 22. OSI and Arche to deliver RadEA 2 navigation system update for German Navy. Associated work is expected to be commence in the first quarter of 2023 and conclude by 2028. OSI Maritime Systems has teamed up with its German support partner Arche Systeme to provide navigation system upgrades for the German Navy legacy vessels and shore establishments.
This was announced by OSI in a media release on 9 December.
An associated contract was signed between the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) and Arche Systeme.
Under the new contract, OSI, through Arche Systeme, will provide fully integrated radar, and navigation systems, as well as warship ECDIS and AIS (RadEA 2) upgrades for naval vessels.
The core components of this International Maritime Organization (IMO)-certified navigation solution include radar, Warship Electronic Chart Display and Information System (WECDIS), a Warship Automatic Identification System (W-AIS) and a data distribution system.
The system will be powered by Electronic Chart Precise Integrated Navigation System (ECPINS)-7.
Associated work is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2023 and conclude by 2028.
Arche Systeme CEO Joachim Ristau said: “We are delighted we can begin fleet navigation upgrade and continue to work with OSI to deliver a solution that meets the latest Nato standards.”
As prime contractor, Arche Systeme will be responsible for the integration, multi-stage assessments and final delivery of navigation systems to the German Navy.
This work is being performed as part of the RadEA programme, which started in 2006, to modernise the German Navy ships. RadEA 2 is the next stage of the same programme to specifically provide navigation systems upgrades.
The programme covers more than 40 platforms, including T423 intel vessels, F123 Brandenburg-class, mine countermeasure ships, a Type 702 Berlin-class EGV support vessel, and other platforms.
OSI president and CEO Ken Kirkpatrick said: “ECPINS is at the heart of the solution and is an excellent continuation of shared success following the recent K-130 contract, again with Arche.” (Source: naval-technology.com)
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Oxley Group Ltd
Oxley offer a range of Military Marine NVG friendly LED lighting that includes navigation lights and controls, flight deck landing lights and interior compartment lighting. Our lighting products are used by Navies around the world including our own Royal Navy on UK Aircraft Carriers, Canadian Frigates, Swedish Submarines, Australian Surface vessels and Submarines, on board French Naval Carriers and in Naval Gun Turrets.
https://oxleydevelopments.cmail20.com/t/t-l-cdhkulk-yujhutkljd-r/
The technology is extremely energy efficient and built robustly, with proven long life. The lighting is NVG friendly, dimmable and programmable to allow for operations with aircraft pilots using military night vision goggles. They offer superior design giving high reliability for the most demanding environments with high sealing and the ability to meet the most stringent EMC standards.
https://oxleydevelopments.cmail20.com/t/t-l-cdhkulk-yujhutkljd-y/
Oxley are proud to say that we are working in partnership with SeaKing to enable a control panel to be offered with our LED Navigation Lighting. All of Oxley navigation lights have been specifically developed for vessels over 50 metres.
Contact Marcus Goad on 07850 917 263 for more information or to arrange samples.
Oxley specialises in the design and manufacture of advanced electronic and electro-optic components and systems for air, land and sea applications within the military sector. Established in 1942, Oxley has manufacturing facilities in the UK and USA and enjoys representation worldwide. The company’s products include night vision and LED lighting, data capture systems and electronic components. Oxley has pioneered the development of night vision compatible lighting. It offers a total package incorporating optical filters, equipment modification, cockpit and external lighting along with fleet wide upgrade services including engineering, installation, support, maintenance and training. The company’s long experience of manufacturing night vision lighting and LED indicators, coupled with advances in LED technology, has enabled it to develop LED solutions to replace incandescent and fluorescent lighting in existing applications as well as becoming the lighting option of choice in new applications such as portable military hospitals, UAV control stations and communication shelters.
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