Articles tagged with "carbon-fiber-materials"
Photos: YouTuber builds ‘flying umbrella’ drone that hovers above humans in the rain
A YouTube inventor behind the channel I Build Stuff has developed a drone-powered umbrella, called Flying Umbrella 2.0, that autonomously hovers above and follows a person in the rain. After nearly a year of development and overcoming numerous technical challenges, the inventor created a hands-free umbrella that tracks the user in real time without manual control. The key innovation in version 2.0 is the use of a time-of-flight camera mounted beneath the umbrella, which generates a detailed 3D map of the surroundings by measuring the phase shift of reflected light. This depth data is processed by a Raspberry Pi computer, which calculates the user’s position and adjusts the drone’s propellers to maintain stable, smooth tracking. Portability and stability were also major hurdles addressed in the design. The drone arms are made from foldable carbon fiber nylon, allowing the umbrella to fit into a small backpack while locking firmly in place during flight. Early tests used a separate drone frame with GPS to fine-tune motor
robotdroneautonomous-technologydepth-sensingRaspberry-Picarbon-fiber-materialsreal-time-controlVideo: Cristiano Ronaldo takes on lightning-fast robotic goalkeeper
Former NASA engineer Mark Rober, known for creating entertaining scientific projects, developed a highly advanced robotic goalkeeper designed to challenge elite football skills. Inspired by his own brief football success and subsequent failure to meet professional athletic standards, Rober aimed to see if precision engineering could outperform human athletic instinct. The robot uses 22 high-speed infrared cameras capturing 500 frames per second to track the ball’s trajectory with millimeter accuracy. Powered by 50-horsepower motors, the robot can move across the goal at speeds exceeding 40 mph, reacting within milliseconds to block shots that can reach speeds of 80 mph. After extensive testing and iterative improvements—reinforcing components and refining data processing—the robot reliably blocked shots from amateur and collegiate players. However, when faced with Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest footballers, the robot was ultimately outsmarted. Ronaldo identified a small gap the robot couldn’t reach and scored with pinpoint accuracy, demonstrating that even the most advanced engineering solutions can be challenged by exceptional human skill
roboticsrobotic-goalkeeperprecision-engineeringcarbon-fiber-materialshigh-speed-camerasmotion-trackingsports-technologyWhen Lightning Strikes Twice: The Yangwang U9 & Xtreme - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights the remarkable performance and engineering feats of the Yangwang U9 and its more extreme variant, the U9 Xtreme. The U9 features a groundbreaking 1200V ultra-high-voltage platform, the first of its kind in mass production, powering four electric motors that collectively produce over 3,000 PS. This results in an astonishing power-to-weight ratio of 1,217 PS per tonne and enables the standard U9 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.36 seconds. The U9 Xtreme pushes these limits even further, though official acceleration times remain undisclosed. The article emphasizes that while straight-line speed is impressive, the true test of a supercar lies in its handling and performance on demanding tracks. The U9 Xtreme made history by setting a new top speed record for production cars at 496.22 km/h (308.33 mph), surpassing the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+
energyelectric-vehicleshigh-voltage-platformelectric-motorsautomotive-technologycarbon-fiber-materialsperformance-engineering7 of the world’s largest wind turbines powering the offshore future
The article highlights the rapid advancements in offshore wind turbine technology, focusing on seven of the world’s largest and most powerful turbines currently shaping the future of marine wind energy. Engineers are pushing the boundaries with turbines now exceeding 20 megawatts (MW) in rated capacity, featuring enormous rotor diameters and blades designed to capture stronger offshore winds efficiently. These next-generation turbines incorporate advanced materials and technologies, such as carbon-fiber blades and semi-direct drive systems, enabling them to withstand extreme weather conditions like typhoons while delivering unprecedented power outputs. Among the turbines discussed, the DEW-26 MW-310 by Dongfang Electric Corporation in China stands out as the largest, with a 26 MW capacity and a rotor diameter of approximately 310 meters. Other notable models include the MySE 22 MW from Mingyang Smart Energy, designed for deployment in 2024-2025 with similar rotor size and typhoon resilience, and Siemens Gamesa’s SG DD-276 prototype rated at 21.
energywind-turbinesoffshore-wind-powerrenewable-energywind-energy-technologycarbon-fiber-materialsturbine-designUS Navy’s 90-day solar drone could beam 5G to troops in denied zones
The US Navy has contracted Skydweller Aero, in partnership with Nokia Federal Solutions, to develop a solar-powered drone capable of remaining airborne for 90 days to serve as a high-altitude communications hub. This drone will host a “Beyond 5G” Network-in-a-Box system designed to provide secure, resilient 5G connectivity and tactical data coverage in contested or infrastructure-limited environments. The initiative supports the Navy’s Distributed Maritime Operations strategy by enabling widely dispersed forces to maintain connectivity across large ocean areas and aligns with the Department of Defense’s Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control (CJADC2) goals to integrate sensors, shooters, and command centers across military domains. Skydweller’s drone, constructed from lightweight carbon fiber with a wingspan comparable to a Boeing 747, can carry up to 800 pounds of payload, including advanced communications and sensor equipment. Powered entirely by solar energy, it can sustain flight for 30 to 90 days or longer, offering a
solar-energydrone-technology5G-connectivityautonomous-aircraftmilitary-communicationsIoT-networkscarbon-fiber-materials10 most powerful car engines of 2025 - ranked and explained
The article ranks and explains the ten most powerful car engines of 2025, highlighting a significant shift toward electric and hybrid powertrains while acknowledging the continued prowess of combustion engines. Notably, seven out of the top ten engines are electric or hybrid, reflecting the automotive industry's transition to electrification. The list is led by the Devel Sixteen, a controversial 12.3-liter quad-turbocharged V16 engine claiming an unprecedented 5,007 horsepower, though its production readiness remains unverified. Following are hybrid and electric powerhouses such as the Koenigsegg Gemera HV8, a four-seater hypercar with a 2,300 HP hybrid powertrain combining a turbocharged V8 and an 800 HP electric motor, and the Rimac Nevera R, a fully electric Croatian hypercar delivering 2,107 HP through four independent motors. Other notable entries include Japan’s Aspark Owl, which uses a lightweight carbon fiber monocoque and a quad-motor
energyelectric-vehicleshybrid-enginesautomotive-engineeringpowertrain-technologyelectric-motorscarbon-fiber-materialsChina: BYD's electric hypercar hits 293 mph to set new world record
China’s BYD sub-brand Yangwang has set a new world record for electric vehicles (EVs) with its U9 Track Edition hypercar, reaching a top speed of 293.54 mph on August 8 in Germany. This 3,000-horsepower quad-motor car surpasses the previous EV speed record of 272.6 mph held by Japan’s Aspark Owl in 2024, demonstrating that electric hypercars can now outperform many traditional combustion-engine rivals. The U9 Track Edition builds on the standard U9 platform but features significant upgrades, including a pioneering 1,200-volt ultra-high-voltage system and advanced thermal management, enabling it to sustain immense power without overheating. The vehicle’s four electric motors each produce 744.26 horsepower and can spin up to 30,000 rpm, collectively delivering nearly 3,000 horsepower. It incorporates Yangwang’s DiSus-X Intelligent Body Control System for exceptional handling, allowing maneuvers like driving on three
energyelectric-vehicleselectric-hypercarhigh-voltage-platformthermal-managementtorque-vectoringcarbon-fiber-materialsSwiss pilot soars to 31,237 feet in a record solar-powered flight
Swiss pilot Raphael Domjan set a new altitude record for solar-powered electric planes by flying his SolarStratos aircraft to 31,237 feet (9,521 meters), surpassing a 15-year-old record of 30,298 feet. The flight, launched from Sion airport in southwest Switzerland, lasted five hours and nine minutes and involved using warm air thermals to climb higher. At cruising altitude, Domjan even crossed paths with a commercial airliner, symbolizing the potential for decarbonized aviation. The flight data will be submitted to the World Air Sports Federation for official verification. The SolarStratos plane is a carbon fiber, single-propeller aircraft with a wingspan of 81.4 feet (24.8 meters) covered by 237 square feet (22 square meters) of advanced solar panels. It can take off at 31 mph and cruise at about 50 mph. Domjan, an experienced eco-adventurer and lecturer, aims to eventually reach the
energysolar-poweraviationelectric-aircraftrenewable-energycarbon-fiber-materialsdecarbonizationFormula 1-inspired AirKart eVTOL races through the sky at 65 mph
The AirKart, developed by UK startup Elevate Racing, is a single-seat electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle inspired by Formula 1 racing. Designed to combine the excitement of race car driving with aerial freedom, the AirKart is intended for short, low-altitude flights and competitive racing on dedicated circuits. It features a compact design positioned between small drones and larger eVTOL aircraft, capable of speeds up to 65 mph (100 km/h) and a maximum altitude of 400 meters (1,300 feet), with a flight time of approximately 15 minutes on a full battery. Equipped with advanced GPS and LiDAR systems, the AirKart offers two flight modes: EasyFly for beginners, which limits controls and includes automatic obstacle avoidance and simple landing, and Sport Mode for experienced pilots, providing full manual control for racing maneuvers. Its propulsion system uses eight electric motors arranged in a double ducted coaxial quadcopter layout, enhancing thrust efficiency,
eVTOLelectric-vehicledrone-technologyGPS-navigationLiDARcarbon-fiber-materialselectric-propulsionLamborghini unveils exclusive V8 supercar with 213 mph top speed
Lamborghini has unveiled the Temerario ‘Porto Cervo,’ a bespoke one-off V8 plug-in hybrid supercar showcased in Sardinia. Developed through Lamborghini’s Ad Personam customization program, the car features a design inspired by the Mediterranean, with coastal gray and blue exterior hues, carbon-fiber aerodynamic elements, and a luxurious interior reminiscent of tailored suits. The cabin combines Grigio Octans leather and Corsa Tex fabric with blue accents, while the driver-focused cockpit integrates matte carbon fiber and custom plaques, emphasizing exclusivity and craftsmanship. At its core, the Temerario houses a record-breaking twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine capable of 10,000 rpm, paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, lithium-ion battery, and three electric motors, delivering a combined 907 horsepower. This powertrain enables a 0–62 mph acceleration in 2.7 seconds and a top speed of 213 mph. Positioned within Lamborghini’s electrified lineup
energyhybrid-vehiclesplug-in-hybridlithium-ion-batteryautomotive-technologycarbon-fiber-materialssupercar-performancePhotos: Corvette ZR1X becomes fastest American car ever at Nürburgring track
Chevrolet’s Corvette ZR1X has set a new record as the fastest American car at Germany’s Nürburgring Nordschleife, completing the demanding 12.9-mile circuit in 6:49.275. This lap time narrowly surpasses the previous record held by Ford’s Mustang GTD by 2.8 seconds. Notably, Chevrolet achieved this feat with three different Corvette models—the hybrid-powered ZR1X, the 1,064-horsepower ZR1, and the naturally aspirated Z06—each driven by experienced General Motors engineers rather than professional racers. The engineers’ extensive Nürburgring experience, gained through years of vehicle testing, underscored Chevrolet’s confidence in its in-house talent and engineering prowess. The Corvette ZR1X combines a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 with an electric motor to deliver all-wheel-drive hybrid performance, while the ZR1 and Z06 offer formidable powertrains without hybrid assistance
energyhybrid-technologyautomotive-engineeringelectric-motorhigh-performance-vehiclescarbon-fiber-materialsracing-technologyGM unveils wild electric Corvette concept that opens like a spaceship
General Motors has unveiled a bold new fully electric Corvette concept developed by its Advanced Design studio in Pasadena, California. This is the second of three Corvette design studies set to debut in 2025, following an earlier UK-based concept. The car features a longer, wider, and lower body than the current C8 Corvette, measuring 182.5 inches long, 86 inches wide, and 41.4 inches tall. Drawing inspiration from hypercars like the Koenigsegg Jesko and Rimac Nevera, it has a mid-engine layout emphasizing balance and speed, with advanced aerodynamic elements including an F1-style carbon fiber front wing, aggressive LED headlights, side air channels, an oversized diffuser, an active rear spoiler, and a deployable air brake. A standout feature is its racecar-inspired canopy: a single front-hinged glass panel that lifts to reveal a cockpit resembling a fighter jet rather than a traditional car interior. The driver-focused cabin includes a slim digital dashboard, an augmented
electric-vehicleselectric-drivetraincarbon-fiber-materialsautomotive-designadvanced-aerodynamicsaugmented-reality-displayhigh-performance-technologyChina firm unveils maiden commercial flying car with 18.6-mile range
China’s GAC Group has unveiled its first commercial flying car, the Govy AirCab, at the Hong Kong International Auto and Supply Chain Expo. This two-seater electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle features a lightweight design with a 90% carbon fiber fuselage and offers a range of approximately 18.6 miles (30 kilometers) per charge. It can be fully charged in 25 minutes and supports rapid charging to 50% in 15 minutes, enabled by high-density cylindrical batteries. The AirCab includes advanced features such as 5G connectivity, voice assistant, climate and music controls, a cloud-based self-check system, flight redundancy, and Level 4 ground autonomy with a detection range of over 984 feet (300 meters). The passenger cabin is designed to separate from the power unit for safety in case of malfunction. GAC targets the emerging “low-altitude economy” focused on urban air taxis and short-hop personal aircraft, positioning the Govy
electric-vertical-takeoff-and-landingeVTOLcarbon-fiber-materialselectric-vehicle-batteriesurban-air-mobilityautonomous-flight-systems5G-connectivity