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IBM System/360: A Technological David and Goliath Story

2025-04-08

IBM System/360: A Technological David and Goliath Story

The creation of the IBM System/360 wasn't a smooth ride. This article recounts IBM's journey in the early 1960s, overcoming internal conflicts, technological hurdles, and production bottlenecks to launch this world-changing computer series. From initial internal clashes to global teamwork and a nail-biting production rollout, the System/360 story is full of drama and uncertainty, ultimately establishing IBM's dominance in the computer industry and profoundly impacting the development of the Information Age.

(spectrum.ieee.org)

Tech

The Vanishing Act of Government Data: Archivists to the Rescue

2025-04-02

The Vanishing Act of Government Data: Archivists to the Rescue

For three decades, the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine has archived vast amounts of government websites and datasets crucial for research. However, various US administrations have deleted data, notably during Trump's presidency, where thousands of web pages and databases were taken down. While some data has been restored, keywords like "climate change" were purged. Harvard Law School's Library Innovation Lab has created a backup of Data.gov's 16TB archive and continues to update it, highlighting the crucial role of digital archives in preserving knowledge.

(spectrum.ieee.org)

Tech digital archives

Microrobot Takes Flight: Tiny, Untethered Flying Robot Achieves New Milestone

2025-03-31

Microrobot Takes Flight: Tiny, Untethered Flying Robot Achieves New Milestone

Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed a tiny, untethered flying robot with a wingspan of less than a centimeter. Powered wirelessly by external magnetic fields, its current range is limited, but the team suggests improvements could extend its capabilities. This breakthrough opens possibilities for search and rescue, industrial inspection, and even pollination, setting a new record for the smallest flying robot.

(spectrum.ieee.org)

Tech microrobot flying robot magnetic field propulsion

Terahertz Plasmonic EO Modulator Breakthrough Paves the Way for 6G and AI

2025-03-28

Terahertz Plasmonic EO Modulator Breakthrough Paves the Way for 6G and AI

Researchers at ETH Zurich and Polariton Technologies have developed a plasmonic electro-optic (EO) modulator capable of operating at frequencies up to 1.14 terahertz—a significant leap from current technology. This breakthrough addresses a critical bottleneck in modern telecommunications, enabling seamless integration of electrical signals with fiber-optic infrastructure. The modulator utilizes plasmons to enhance the interaction between electrical and optical signals, paving the way for high-speed 6G networks and high-performance AI data centers. Polariton, a spin-off of ETH Zurich, is commercializing this technology, offering high-speed, compact transceivers for next-generation data centers and AI clusters.

(spectrum.ieee.org)

Tech Plasmonic Modulator

Niobium Phosphide: A New Ultrathin Conductor Outperforming Copper

2025-03-27

Niobium Phosphide: A New Ultrathin Conductor Outperforming Copper

Stanford researchers have discovered a novel 1.5-nanometer-thick niobium phosphide (NbP) film exhibiting superior conductivity to copper. Unlike traditional metals, whose resistance increases at the nanoscale, NbP's resistance decreases with decreasing thickness due to its surface being more conductive than its bulk. This 'topological semimetal' behavior promises energy-efficient integrated circuits. However, challenges remain for commercialization, including precise film thickness control.

(spectrum.ieee.org)

Tech integrated circuits

The Myth of the 10x Engineer: Teamwork Trumps Individual Heroism

2025-03-13

The Myth of the 10x Engineer: Teamwork Trumps Individual Heroism

This article debunks the myth of the "10x engineer," arguing that a single metric for measuring engineer productivity is misleading and ignores the importance of teamwork. The author points out that software development isn't a stage for individual heroes; the overall efficiency of the team is key. High-performing engineering organizations should enable even ordinary engineers to create significant value and cultivate more excellent engineers through good system design and team culture, rather than over-relying on so-called "geniuses."

(spectrum.ieee.org)

Development

Mercedes-Benz Road Tests Semi-Solid-State Batteries, Achieving 620+ Mile Range

2025-03-13

Mercedes-Benz Road Tests Semi-Solid-State Batteries, Achieving 620+ Mile Range

Mercedes-Benz and Factorial Energy are road-testing semi-solid-state batteries in the EQS electric sedan. These batteries, featuring a gel or liquid-infused solid electrolyte, boast an energy density of 391 Wh/kg, enabling a range exceeding 620 miles – a 25% increase over comparable traditional lithium-ion batteries. Crucially, the technology is compatible with existing production lines, making large-scale adoption feasible. With a projected showroom debut by 2030, this innovation promises to revolutionize electric vehicles and other applications.

(spectrum.ieee.org)

Tech electric vehicle Mercedes-Benz

Ammonia-Fueled Ship Viking Energy Delayed Until 2026

2025-03-12

Ammonia-Fueled Ship Viking Energy Delayed Until 2026

The world's first full-time ammonia-fueled ship, Viking Energy, originally slated for launch in 2024, has been delayed until 2026 due to the complexities of building the necessary ammonia infrastructure. Ammonia's toxicity, explosiveness, and corrosive nature require specialized piping, storage, and transport. Furthermore, ammonia combustion produces nitrogen oxides, necessitating emission control technologies. Despite challenges, experts believe ammonia will eventually become a mainstream marine fuel. They suggest seaports become energy hubs producing, storing, and trading alternative fuels to solve the chicken-and-egg problem of fuel supply and ship construction.

(spectrum.ieee.org)

Tech Ammonia fuel Shipping Decarbonization

Axana: A Portable MRI Scanner Revolutionizing Stroke Diagnosis

2025-03-08

Axana: A Portable MRI Scanner Revolutionizing Stroke Diagnosis

Strokes are a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Wellumio, a New Zealand company, has developed Axana, a portable MRI scanner designed to address the critical time sensitivity of stroke diagnosis. Axana's compact size and user-friendly interface require minimal training, allowing for immediate head scans in emergency rooms, drastically reducing diagnostic delays and improving treatment outcomes. Utilizing magnetic fields at varying frequencies, it eliminates the need for pulsed gradient coils, lowering cost and complexity. While currently lower resolution, it's sufficient for gross anatomical analysis, with future versions aiming for higher resolution. Axana promises to revolutionize stroke care, particularly in underserved communities, by offering accessibility, affordability, and ease of use.

(spectrum.ieee.org)

Tech Portable MRI Stroke Diagnosis

Quantum Engineering: A Booming Cross-Industry Sector

2025-03-07

Quantum Engineering: A Booming Cross-Industry Sector

Unlike nanotechnology, quantum engineering has evolved into its own thriving industry. This article explores the unique aspects of quantum engineering, which involves math and phenomena fundamentally different from classical physics and enables things that couldn't be done before, such as quantum cryptography. It also highlights recent advancements in quantum computing and sensing, and the growing need for electrical engineers with quantum expertise. IEEE Quantum Week offers a platform for aspiring quantum engineers to learn and network.

(spectrum.ieee.org)

Tech quantum engineering quantum sensing

The Royal Navy's Century-Long Battle Against Lightning Rods

2025-03-07

The Royal Navy's Century-Long Battle Against Lightning Rods

In the mid-18th century, Benjamin Franklin elucidated the nature of lightning and advocated for lightning rods. Yet, a century later, the British Navy remained unconvinced. Dr. William Snow Harris invented a shipborne lightning rod system and demonstrated its principles through an ingenious booklet with interactive, gold-leafed illustrations. Despite his decades-long efforts, backed by data, experiments, and key lightning incidents, the Navy resisted. Only after political maneuvering was Harris finally successful in 1842, getting his lightning rods installed on all Royal Navy vessels. His victory was short-lived, however; the advent of ironclad ships rendered them obsolete. This story highlights the enduring struggle between scientific discovery and political decision-making.

(spectrum.ieee.org)

Tech lightning rod Royal Navy

Chips from Supernovae: Solving Microchip Manufacturing Challenges with Astrophysics

2025-03-05

Chips from Supernovae: Solving Microchip Manufacturing Challenges with Astrophysics

This article recounts how the author and their team leveraged their understanding of supernova explosions to solve a long-standing tin debris problem in extreme ultraviolet lithography. By drawing an analogy between the shockwaves and plasma debris from supernovae and their EUV light source, they ingeniously used a hydrogen gas flow to clear away tin debris, thus improving the stability and reliability of the EUV source and making a significant contribution to advanced chip manufacturing. This story showcases the magic of interdisciplinary knowledge and the driving force of basic scientific research on practical applications.

(spectrum.ieee.org)

Tech extreme ultraviolet lithography supernova

Revolutionizing EV Charging: It's Time to Ditch the Isolation Transformer

2025-03-05

Revolutionizing EV Charging: It's Time to Ditch the Isolation Transformer

The widespread adoption of electric vehicles is hampered by expensive and complex charging infrastructure. This article argues that current EV charging systems use isolation transformers for safety, but this adds significant cost and bulk. The authors propose a new approach called Direct Power Conversion (DPC), eliminating the isolation transformer through double grounding and ground continuity detection, thus reducing costs, improving efficiency, and enhancing safety. This would drastically lower the cost of charging stations, accelerating the transition to electric vehicles.

(spectrum.ieee.org)

Tech Charging Infrastructure

Human Control of a 100+ Robot Swarm: Surprisingly Manageable

2025-03-03

Human Control of a 100+ Robot Swarm: Surprisingly Manageable

A DARPA-funded study reveals that humans can effectively manage a heterogeneous swarm of over 100 autonomous ground and aerial vehicles, experiencing overload only for brief periods during a small portion of complex, multi-day urban missions (just 3% of the time). Researchers monitored controllers' physiological responses, finding even with thousands of virtual hazards and information overload, exceeding capacity was rare and short-lived. This challenges previous theories limiting human robot control capacity and informs future drone technology and regulation.

(spectrum.ieee.org)

Tech human-robot interaction

New Zealand's Superconducting Thruster Heads to the ISS

2025-02-28

New Zealand's Superconducting Thruster Heads to the ISS

Victoria University of Wellington's Paihau-Robinson Research Institute has developed a magnetoplasmadynamic (AF-MPD) thruster using high-temperature superconductors (HTS). This innovative thruster boasts 99% less power consumption and three times the magnetic field strength compared to traditional copper electromagnets. A technology demonstrator, 'Hēki,' is en route to the ISS for testing, validating the HTS magnet and flux pump's reliability in space and conducting a radiation shielding experiment. This paves the way for a more efficient 'Kōkako' thruster, promising a significant reduction in the space industry's reliance on chemical rockets.

(spectrum.ieee.org)

Tech space propulsion superconducting technology ISS experiment

Build Your Own Muon Detector for Under $100

2025-02-27

Build Your Own Muon Detector for Under $100

Inspired by Nobel laureate Luis Alvarez's muon-based pyramid exploration, the author built a muon detector for around $100. Using two Geiger counters and an Arduino Nano, the device cleverly distinguishes cosmic-ray muons from lower-energy particles through a coincidence method. Experiments verified its ability to detect muon flux variations with angle and successfully measured rock thickness changes deep within a gold mine, even sensing a vertical shaft. This demonstrates the feasibility of exploring Earth's inner structure with simple equipment.

(spectrum.ieee.org)

Tech Muon Detection Cosmic Rays DIY Science

Turning Quantum Noise into a Strength: Diamond Sensors Revolutionize Industries

2025-02-27

Turning Quantum Noise into a Strength: Diamond Sensors Revolutionize Industries

Quantum Catalyzer (Q-Cat) is leveraging quantum defects in diamonds to create sensors that turn the biggest hurdle for quantum computers—noise—into an advantage. These sensors utilize environmental disturbances to detect minute changes in magnetic and electric fields, finding applications in diverse sectors. Their first spin-off, EuQlid, developed a quantum diamond microscope imaging magnetic fields with micron-scale resolution, offering non-invasive high-precision analysis for semiconductor current detection, artwork preservation, and even biomedical applications like tumor detection. This technology promises to revolutionize various industries.

(spectrum.ieee.org)

Tech Quantum Sensors Diamond Defects

Moon-Based Data Centers: A Backup for Earth's Civilization?

2025-02-26

Moon-Based Data Centers: A Backup for Earth's Civilization?

SpaceX is launching a Falcon 9 rocket carrying Intuitive Machines' lunar lander, which includes a mini data center weighing just 1 kg and boasting 8 TB of SSD storage. This is Lonestar Data Holdings' proof-of-concept mission to bring moon-based data centers to reality. The advantages are numerous: enhanced data security from earthly disasters and conflict; data sovereignty bypassing national restrictions; and low-temperature operation leading to energy efficiency and improved performance. However, challenges remain: high latency, difficult maintenance, and cybersecurity concerns. Despite these, experts remain optimistic about the future of lunar data centers, viewing them as a potential driver for space technology development.

(spectrum.ieee.org)

Tech lunar data center

German Hackers Expose Critical Flaws in Iridium Satellite System

2025-02-13

German Hackers Expose Critical Flaws in Iridium Satellite System

German white hat hackers recently demonstrated the interception of text messages sent via the US Iridium satellite communication system, pinpointing users' locations within approximately 4 kilometers. Using readily available equipment—a commercial Iridium antenna, software-defined radio receiver, and a standard computer—they intercepted messages and location data, including those of German Foreign Office employees. The vulnerability stems from weak encryption in older Iridium satellite models. While Iridium has launched a more secure second-generation constellation, many civilian devices still use the unencrypted legacy protocol, exposing tens or even hundreds of thousands of users to significant risks. This highlights the critical importance of satellite communication security and the dangers of relying on outdated, insecure protocols.

(spectrum.ieee.org)

Tech

Is the Race for Mobile Bandwidth Over? 1Gbps May Be Enough

2025-02-12

Is the Race for Mobile Bandwidth Over? 1Gbps May Be Enough

The global race to expand mobile bandwidth may be nearing its end. Data shows that terrestrial and mobile data growth is slowing, and data rate demand may peak below 1 Gbps in the next few years. Current mainstream consumer applications require far less than 1 Gbps, even high-bandwidth applications like Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. While future technologies like AI, autonomous driving, and the metaverse may increase bandwidth demand, existing 4G and 5G networks appear sufficient. Telecom companies should shift their R&D focus from bandwidth expansion to cost control and service improvement to adapt to the new reality of slowing bandwidth growth.

(spectrum.ieee.org)

Tech bandwidth

America's Rare Earth Magnet Gamble: Can it Break China's Dominance?

2025-02-09

America's Rare Earth Magnet Gamble: Can it Break China's Dominance?

Several US companies are attempting to build a domestic rare-earth magnet industry to challenge China's near-total dominance. While new factories are emerging, their combined capacity pales in comparison to China's massive production. China controls over 90% of the global market, possessing a vertically integrated supply chain. The US Department of Defense's requirement for domestically sourced magnets for its systems could increase costs, while China's overcapacity might lead to price wars. The success of US rare-earth magnet manufacturers hinges on overcoming cost and technological hurdles, alongside strong government support.

(spectrum.ieee.org)

Tech rare earth magnets US-China competition defense industry

Error-Tolerant Qubits Built Using Antimony Atoms

2025-02-09

Error-Tolerant Qubits Built Using Antimony Atoms

Researchers from UNSW Sydney and the University of Melbourne have developed a novel qubit using an antimony atom embedded in a silicon chip. Unlike standard qubits, the antimony atom's eight nuclear spin states allow for six ancillary states, significantly mitigating error accumulation. Two states encode information (0 and 1), while errors push the qubit to the ancillary states, delaying information loss – akin to a 'cat with seven extra lives'. This approach offers a new path towards fault-tolerant quantum computing, with the results published in Nature Physics.

(spectrum.ieee.org)

Tech qubits fault tolerance

Aluminum-Ion Batteries: A Revolutionary Breakthrough for Safer, Cheaper, and Longer-Lasting Energy Storage

2025-02-06

Aluminum-Ion Batteries: A Revolutionary Breakthrough for Safer, Cheaper, and Longer-Lasting Energy Storage

A team of scientists in Beijing has developed a novel aluminum-ion battery poised to revolutionize energy storage. The battery utilizes a stable solid-state electrolyte, overcoming the corrosion, safety, and short cycle-life issues plaguing previous aluminum-ion battery attempts. This solid-state electrolyte, composed of aluminum fluoride salt and a liquid electrolyte, features a porous 3D structure that absorbs and stabilizes the liquid while allowing ion mobility, increasing conductivity and preventing leakage. Tests show the battery retains 99% of its original capacity after 10,000 charge/discharge cycles, significantly outperforming lithium-ion batteries. Furthermore, it offers enhanced safety, recyclability, and lower cost, promising to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and renewable energy sources.

(spectrum.ieee.org)

Tech aluminum-ion battery solid-state electrolyte

Turing's Secret Wartime Project: Unveiling the Portable Voice Encryption System 'Delilah'

2025-02-04

$Turing's Secret Wartime Project: Unveiling the Portable Voice Encryption System 'Delilah'$

After WWII's victory in Europe, Alan Turing's assistant, Donald Bayley, learned of a secret project: the 'Delilah' portable voice encryption system. Recently, a cache of Turing's wartime papers, the 'Bayley papers,' sold for nearly half a million US dollars, revealing Delilah's secrets. This compact, 39kg device used a stream of pseudorandom numbers to encrypt speech, its core being a Turing-designed key generator based on multivibrators—an incredibly innovative feat for the time. The papers reveal Turing's exceptional skills in electrical engineering, adding a new dimension to his legacy beyond mathematics and computer science. They highlight his prowess as a creative and resourceful engineer.

(spectrum.ieee.org)

Tech Turing Voice Encryption

Revolutionizing AI Clocks: MEMS Technology Boosts Energy Efficiency

2025-02-03

Revolutionizing AI Clocks: MEMS Technology Boosts Energy Efficiency

SiTime has developed a new clock chip optimized for AI workloads, using MEMS technology instead of traditional quartz crystals to significantly reduce energy consumption and costs for AI training and inference. Traditional computer clocks are mainly divided into high-speed, precise clocks and multi-GPU synchronized clocks, while AI requires both simultaneously. SiTime's Super-TCXO clock combines both, offering 3x better synchronization, 800 Gbps bandwidth, and a 4x smaller footprint. More precise timing allows for more efficient GPU utilization and sleep modes during data waits, saving substantial energy. This innovation promises to revolutionize data center timekeeping and unlock new possibilities for AI.

(spectrum.ieee.org)

Tech

Self-Driving Buses: The Next Frontier for Autonomous Vehicle Tech?

2025-01-24

Self-Driving Buses: The Next Frontier for Autonomous Vehicle Tech?

Facing a looming shortage of bus drivers and the inefficiency of robotaxis, self-driving buses are emerging as a promising solution. Unlike robotaxis, which exacerbate traffic congestion, autonomous buses offer increased efficiency. Imagry, a San Jose-based company, has successfully deployed Level 3 autonomous buses in Israel and aims to expand to Level 4 technology globally. Their cost-effective approach utilizes cameras and machine learning for high-definition map generation, ensuring safe and reliable autonomous operation. Competitors like MAN, Karsan, and Iveco are also actively developing self-driving bus technology, with supportive government initiatives in Europe and Asia. The widespread adoption of autonomous buses could revolutionize public transportation.

(spectrum.ieee.org)

Tech buses

The Secret Spy Satellite That Helped Win the Cold War

2025-01-22

The Secret Spy Satellite That Helped Win the Cold War

In the 1970s, the rise of the Soviet Navy posed a significant threat to the US. To counter the emergence of powerful new Soviet warships, the top-secret Parcae satellite program was launched. Developed by the US Naval Research Laboratory, Parcae provided real-time location data on Soviet vessels, drastically reducing the time between signal interception and intelligence reporting to mere minutes. This near-instantaneous intelligence was crucial for military decision-making. Employing multiple satellites working in concert and advanced computer systems to process massive amounts of data, Parcae helped maintain the strategic balance during the Cold War. Its technology continues to influence modern satellite signals intelligence systems.

(spectrum.ieee.org)

Tech spy satellite signals intelligence

Escape the Tech Noise: The Rise of Calm Tech Certification

2025-01-21

Escape the Tech Noise: The Rise of Calm Tech Certification

Amidst the constant distractions of modern technology, Calm Tech certification emerges as a solution. Founded by Amber Case, the Calm Tech Institute has established 81 standards across six categories—attention, periphery, durability, light, sound, and materials—to reward products designed for focus and minimal distraction. Initial certified devices include the reMarkable Paper Pro and the Mui Board Gen 2, both prioritizing minimalist design and reduced notifications. The Calm Tech Institute plans further research and collaboration with neuroscientists to better understand cognitive needs in UI design.

(spectrum.ieee.org)

Tech Tech Certification Reduced Distractions

Toyota Prius: The Hybrid Pioneer That Reshaped the Auto Industry

2025-01-18

Toyota Prius: The Hybrid Pioneer That Reshaped the Auto Industry

The 1997 launch of the Toyota Prius marked a pivotal moment in automotive history, as the world's first mass-produced hybrid vehicle. Combining an internal combustion engine with an electric motor, it dramatically reduced fuel consumption and emissions, overcoming significant technical and market challenges. These challenges included designing an efficient hybrid powertrain, managing battery technology, and addressing consumer skepticism. The Prius's success not only established a new benchmark for environmentally friendly vehicles but also spurred other automakers to accelerate hybrid development, fundamentally altering the automotive landscape. Even today, the Prius continues to set fuel efficiency records and drive innovation.

(spectrum.ieee.org)

Tech hybrid car Toyota Prius

Stanford's Off-Grid Ammonia Generator: Powering the Future with Thin Air

2025-01-16

Stanford's Off-Grid Ammonia Generator: Powering the Future with Thin Air

Researchers from Stanford University and King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals have developed a groundbreaking device that generates ammonia from ambient air and water vapor without any external power source. Utilizing a catalyst-coated mesh, the system combines atmospheric nitrogen and water vapor to produce ammonia at room temperature and pressure. This ammonia can be used directly as fertilizer or processed into a sustainable green fuel, offering a revolutionary approach to fertilizer production and energy generation. The technology promises to significantly impact both developing nations and industrial applications.

(spectrum.ieee.org)

Tech green energy ammonia

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