Tag Archives: technology

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5 car technologies adapted from aviation world

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We should be grateful because the cars we can buy today come with various advanced technologies. Most of these technologies are designed to facilitate driving and improve safety.

However, did you know that many of the technologies present in today’s cars actually come from the aviation and aerospace world? We will share the top five main technologies.

1. Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

The anti-lock braking system or commonly known as ABS was first used in the aviation industry since the 1950s. Aircraft at that time were equipped with anti-lock brakes called Decelostat to enhance stability during landing on slippery and rough surfaces.

Some of the early aircraft equipped with anti-lock brakes were the Avro Vulcan, de Havilland Comet 2c, Hawker Siddeley Trident, and Dutch Fokker F27.

ABS began to appear in luxury cars in the 1980s. Now, ABS brakes have become a mandatory and essential feature for modern cars.

2. Head-Up Display (HUD)

The Head-Up Display (HUD) is a clear display in the aircraft cockpit positioned at the pilot’s line of sight in the front mirror. It displays important flight information such as airspeed, altitude, horizon line, and other indicators. Pilots can access this information without diverting their gaze from the front mirror, thereby enhancing flight safety.

Today, HUD has emerged in the automotive world, displaying information such as speed, speed limits, music, and even navigation directions. Its purpose remains the same, to prevent drivers from shifting their attention away from the front. However, HUD is still considered a premium feature for cars.

3. Autopilot

As the name suggests, autopilot is a feature where the aircraft can fly itself steadily. However, it is not engaged throughout the flight. Autopilot is usually activated when the aircraft is at a steady altitude, constant speed, and fixed direction. This can reduce the pilot’s workload for long-haul flights, which would otherwise be exhausting for the pilot to control manually throughout the journey.

The first aircraft equipped with autopilot was the Sperry Corporation in 1912. Autopilot was mechanically linked to the aircraft’s control system. Today, in the aviation world, the autopilot feature is highly advanced with various automatic and electronic controls.

In the automotive world, autopilot uses special radar and cameras to read the road, signs, and lane markings, allowing the car to be driven automatically while maintaining speed and distance from the vehicles ahead.

4. Carbon fiber

Carbon fiber has been developed for 150 years to achieve a high strength-to-weight ratio. It produces a very hard yet lightweight material, making it highly suitable for the aviation industry. A lightweight aircraft not only improves fuel efficiency but also enhances flight performance.

The process of producing carbon fiber today is slightly different from 100 years ago, but its goal and properties remain the same.

For aircraft, carbon fiber is used in the aircraft body and jet engine components. In the automotive world, carbon fiber was first used in racing cars due to its suitability for racing needs – lightweight and strong.

Now, carbon fiber is increasingly found in everyday cars. The most common components made of carbon fiber are spoilers, skirts, and interior car panels.

5. Turbocharger

The turbocharger is powered by a turbine that introduces more air into the combustion engine to enable it to produce more power. It is very suitable for the aviation industry because aircraft engine sizes can be compact or small but still produce sufficient power for flight performance.

As expected, turbochargers later entered the automotive world, initially in racing.

Today, turbocharged engines are very common not only in high-performance cars but also in everyday cars for tasks such as school runs.

Turbocharging in cars is no longer just for performance, but also for fuel savings and improving engine efficiency

NEWS

Did the diesel technology came from the Gobek Api of the Malays?

Diesel engines with their more compact, rugged mechanical components capable of delivering more torque make them a suitable choice for heavy vehicles.

This technology was designed by the German designer and mechanical engineer Rudolf Diesel, after conducting extensive thermodynamic research and testing to achieve greater efficiency compared to petrol engines.

Diesel engines use compressed air to ignite the fuel, unlike petrol engines that use a spark or ignition system. The story and development of this are recorded in history books, yet the original inspiration for Diesel to conceive this technology remains unknown.

In a discovery reported by the New Straits Times, Diesel seemingly may have drawn inspiration from the blowpipe, a primitive tool used in the Southeast Asian region.

It consists of a closed cylinder or tube on one side and open on the other, with a piston attached that can be pressed into the cylinder.

The portion of the piston that enters the cylinder must be rounded and airtight to create a vacuum with pressure when the piston is pushed in or pulled out.

At the “face” of the piston, there is a small recess to accommodate a flame that will not be extinguished when the piston is pushed in. Initially made from wood, animal horns, or bamboo, the blowpipe was small in size – 7cm to 15cm – to fit into pockets.

The rapid compression of air when the piston is pressed into the cylinder causes a sudden increase in the internal temperature to 260 degrees Celsius, enough for the flame to ignite with a spark. This flame can then be transferred before being blown to ignite a larger fire.

So, what is the relevance of the traditional blowpipe’s operating principle to the modern diesel engines we know today?

A History from the 19th Century

Moving back a bit, in the late 19th century, Carl von Linde, an engineer, returned to his homeland in Germany after traveling extensively.

He had visited various places, including the Malay Peninsula. As a renowned faculty member at Munich Technical University, he was supposed to present his findings to the entire faculty and students.

During the lecture, he paused for a moment and took out this small wooden tool from his pocket to light a cigarette. He called it “ein Feuerkoben” and it was a gift from someone he met in Penang.

He pressed the piston and the inner flame ignited. He took the ember and lit his cigarette. For most students there, it was merely a matter of lighting a fire from a wooden tool.

But for Diesel, who was present and was one of the top students in Linde’s class, the concept made him wonder if the same thermodynamic principles could be applied to ignite fuel in combustion engines.

The chemical equation involving pressure, volume, and temperature states that when pressure increases in the same volume, the temperature will also rise.

This same reaction became the operating principle of Diesel engines when air is compressed to ignite the fuel, hence eliminating the need for spark plugs like in petrol engines.

From 1983 to 1987, Diesel continued to develop his idea at Maschinenfabrik-Augsburg AG (later known as Maschinenfabrik-Augsburg-Nürnberg or MAN). He began testing prototypes and successfully demonstrated a diesel engine with an efficiency of 26.2 percent.

So, did the blowpipe truly serve as inspiration for MAN trucks and buses as well as other diesel engines we recognize today? It remains vague, but what is clear is that Diesel was the one responsible for connecting the blowpipe concept with heavy machinery engines.

NEWS

Saudi Arabia began testing the autonomous flying taxi for pilgrims

THE first-ever electric air taxi service in the world will begin testing for transporting pilgrims between the holy sites of Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafah this year.

The launch was officiated by the Minister of Transport and Logistics and Chairman of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Board of Directors Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser in Mecca.

The air taxi is a small commercial aircraft that operates short flights on demand. It is said to be the first of its kind in the world and is licensed by GACA.

The pilotless aircraft will be utilized during this year’s Hajj season, particularly for emergency services, as well as transporting goods and medical supplies to the pilgrims.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transport and Logistics is also working on enhancing smart mobility initiatives and developing laws and regulations to enable the use of modern technology while providing an experimental environment to advance the adoption of various future transportation technologies.

Previously, Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) unveiled plans to operate flying taxis in the future to transport Hajj pilgrims between King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and hotels in Mecca.

Saudia also intends to acquire around 100 aircraft for this service.

NEWS

ZF wants to fit screen on steering wheels

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Vehicle manufacturers today are placing increasing numbers of screens in their cars, some with up to three or four screens.

This time, ZF will ‘join in’ on the addition of screens in vehicles. The latest design, called ZF Lifetec, will have a screen on the steering wheel. The airbag is retained but it does not deploy from the center, instead from the top of the steering wheel.

In this way, it will provide space in the middle of the steering wheel for a ‘smartphone-like display’, says ZF. The company is considering placing the screen in the center or multiple displays.

This provides more freedom for manufacturers to design steering wheels without compromising safety.

The team behind this project explains that it doesn’t necessarily have to be a full screen in the steering wheel area. It could also be a mixed configuration like several physical buttons.

The space in the middle of the steering wheel also allows engineers to place additional sensors in cars equipped with autonomous driving systems. Such sensors can determine whether you are paying attention to driving or not.

What if an accident occurs when our hands are at the 12 o’clock position? Ideally, our hands should be at 9 and 3 or 10 and 2.

Some argue that we are not Formula One drivers who need to adjust various settings on the steering wheel while driving. Others say that engineers should focus on other aspects rather than redesigning the steering wheel.

With the instrument display in front of the steering wheel and infotainment on the center console, it seems like we already have plenty of screens. What do you think of this?

NEWS

Lokatag introduces toll reader with built-in dashcam, AI, GPS – RM1,799

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The Lokatag, which was previously introduced in 2019 as a toll accessory, today unveils their new product.

Known as Lokatag Pro, it is a toll reader device for Touch ‘n Go (TNG) cards, but also features a built-in digital recorder camera (dashcam), AI functionality, and GPS. All of these features make Lokatag Pro an all-in-one device.

According to Amtel Holdings Berhad, the product is designed to meet the demands of modern drivers.

“We are entering a new era in automotive accessories where safety, innovation, and connectivity are combined in a smart platform known as the ‘Loka Ecosystem’,” said Chester Koid, CEO of Amtel Holdings Berhad.

Lokatag Pro utilizes Efkon infrared technology and supports both new and old generation TNG NFC cards.

For additional safety, the dashcam is equipped with a Sony IMX336 sensor capable of recording up to 2K resolution.

The AI Voice function provides the latest updates on card balances and other notifications, available in three languages: Malay, English, and Mandarin. This AI voice can also provide alerts for insurance payments.

The provided e-SIM in Lokatag Pro offers connectivity services such as GPS, alerts, Over The Air (OTA) updates, and a G-sensor that can identify suspicious car activities.

Lokatag aims to reach 500,000 users within the next three years.

Furthermore, Lokatag has announced a partnership with Zurich Malaysia as an insurance partner. This collaboration is expected to improve the insurance and takaful claiming process within the Loka App, which was also introduced at the same launch event.

Lokatag Pro is offered at a price of RM1,799 and for every pre-order, Zurich is offering a complimentary insurance package. More information regarding this insurance package will be announced soon.