Garmin Transponder And Aes Intercom on 2040-parts.com

MIT develops self-transforming materials that behave 'like robots without robots'

A cross-disciplinary research lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has developed a suite of programmable materials, including carbon fiber, printed wood grain, textile composites, rubbers and plastics, that self-transform when exposed to an external stimulus. Director of the Self-Assembly Lab, Skylar Tibbits, presented a TED talk on 4D printing in 2013, where he demonstrated how a flat sheet of material could effectively build itself when exposed to water, like a robot without a robot. Following positive feedback from industries including aviation, automotive and manufacturing, his lab has been working on developing materials that change according to different activation sources, including heat, light, and air pressure, in addition to water – all of which have automotive relevance.

Ford Focus Electric tease begins

Ford tease the Focus Electric on their Facebook page. Ford has promised that there will be an electric version of the 2011 Ford Focus by 2012. Which we’ve gone on record as saying is a daft idea.

Cabbies test new British-built hybrid Black Cab

LONDON cabbies have seized the chance to test the first in a new wave of low-emissions taxis. At Metrocab's testing facility in Surrey, representatives from the Capital's taxi world met London Mayor Boris Johnson, who after driving the car threatened to turn into Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson. The Mayor joined Licensed Taxi Drivers Association (LTDA) General Secretary Steve McNamara, and London Cab Drivers Club (LCDC) Chairman Grant Davis to put the Metrocab’s zero emissions capability to the test.