Meet Plantolin, the tree-planting robot pangolin built by student

on 09/10/2024

A robot pangolin designed to plant trees is the winner of the 2023 Natural Robotics Contest, which rewards robot designs inspired by nature. As the winning entry, the pangolin—dubbed “Plantolin”—has been brought to life by engineers at the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom.
Out of 184 entries, the winning design came from Dorothy, a high school student from California.
Dorothy said, “My entry was inspired by pangolins since they are fascinating creatures and have a very distinct armored and prehistoric appearance (like a walking pine cone). They’re not very fast or ferocious but have an adorable waddle walk.
“In my high school classes, we learned about how deforestation contributes to climate change. The restoration of forests through planting more trees is essential for the sustainable development of our planet. Pangolins spend a lot of their time digging in the ground, so I thought a planter robot inspired by the pangolin’s behavior would be very natural.”
After Dorothy’s design was chosen, a working version was built at the University of Surrey.
Plantolin roves on two wheels, with a long, movable tail for balance. Covered in plywood scales, it digs using its claws, depositing a yew “seed bomb” into the hole.
Dr. Rob Siddall, a roboticist at the University of Surrey who built Plantolin, said, “In the wild, large animals will cut paths through the overgrowth and move seeds. This doesn’t happen nearly as much in urban areas like the South East of England—so there’s definitely room for a robot to help fill that gap. Dorothy’s brilliant design reminds us how we can solve some of our biggest challenges by looking to nature for inspiration.” — TP

Al-Ghazi Launches New Variant of 85-hp Tractors in Pakistan

on 09/10/2024

Al-Ghazi Tractors Limited has unveiled its latest product, the New Holland NH-850, an 85-horsepower tractor designed to enhance modern farming practices in Pakistan. The launch event took place at the Pearl Continental in Lahore and featured Maj General Shahid Nazir, Director General of Strategic Projects at Green Initiatives (Pvt) Limited, as the chief guest. He praised Al-Ghazi for the new tractor, stating it will likely see high demand as it facilitates land development.
The event attracted government officials, corporate clients, dealers, and Al-Ghazi personnel, including CEO Sakib Eltaff and Chairman Robert McAllister. In his remarks, Eltaff highlighted Al-Ghazi’s commitment to advancing agriculture in Pakistan over the past four decades. He described the NH-850 as a tractor that combines performance, efficiency, and durability, aimed at empowering local farmers.
The NH-850 boasts impressive fuel economy and sustained power for various farming tasks such as plowing, planting, and harvesting. Its lift-o-matic hydraulic system enhances its lifting capacity, making it ideal for intensive farming. Designed for comfort during long working hours, the tractor is versatile and suitable for multiple farming activities across different crops.
Vincent De Lassagne, Vice President for CNH Agriculture Africa, Middle East & Central Asia, emphasized that the NH-850 was developed in collaboration with Al-Ghazi’s engineering team, tailored specifically for Pakistani farmers. He expressed confidence that the tractor would positively impact the agricultural landscape, boosting productivity and growth.
In closing, Robert McAllister remarked that the NH-850 is not just a new product but a significant advancement for Al-Ghazi and the industry. He reiterated the company’s commitment to bringing efficiency and reliability to farmers, marking the NH-850 as the beginning of a new chapter for agricultural innovation in Pakistan.
About Al-Ghazi Al-Ghazi Tractors Limited, in partnership with Case New Holland, has been a leader in Pakistan’s agricultural machinery sector since its establishment in 1983. Part of the UAE-based Al-Futtaim Group, the company is dedicated to providing farmers with reliable and durable equipment tailored to the diverse agricultural needs of the country.

Innovating Through Collaboration: Five Pakistani Universities Organize Global Moot in UMA, Spain Pakistan Ambassador to Spain HE Zahoor Ahmed participates as Chief Guest

on 09/10/2024

The 7th edition of the esteemed Global Conference on Wireless & Optical Technologies (GCWOT24) took place at the Telecommunication Engineering School of the University of Malaga, Spain. Prof Pablo Otero and Prof. BS Chowdhry, General Chairs of GCWOT24, underscored the conference’s significance, describing it as a crucial international platform for researchers to exchange information on novel aspects of technology, application, and service development within the multidisciplinary framework of communication technologies.
The conference, jointly organized by the University of Malaga, Mehran University of Engineering & Technology (MUET) in Jamshoro, Pakistan, and Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology (SSUET) in Karachi, Pakistan, aims to foster a stimulating environment for collaboration and knowledge sharing. Moreover, GCWOT24 benefits from solid technical cooperation and support from the European Union’s KA107 International Credit Mobility (ICM) projects and the EU KA2 Capacity Building ACTIVE Project, further enhancing its global scope and impact.
This year marks a pivotal moment for GCWOT, as the conference welcomes three new sponsoring universities: the Institute of Business Management (IoBM) in Karachi, Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology (GIK) in Topi, and Quaid-E-Awam University of Engineering, Science & Technology (QUEST) in Nawabshah, Pakistan. These institutions added to the intellectual diversity and expertise displayed during the conference. Prof Dr Mohammad Aamir, and Prof Enrique Nava, Chairs technical program committee mentioned that with the goal of fostering collaboration and promoting knowledge transfer, GCWOT24 promised to deliver groundbreaking insights into wireless, optical, and underwater communication technologies, and inspire innovative solutions that address the challenges of the digital age.
Ambassador to Pakistan in Spain, His Excellency Zahoor Ahmed, Chief Guest at the “Innovating Through Collaboration: GCWOT’24 and the ACTIVE Project” appreciated the highly anticipated international event that has brought together leading researchers and experts from around the world to exchange ideas, showcase breakthroughs, and foster collaboration in the fields of Wireless, Optical, and Underwater Communication Technologies. In his presidential address, Dr. Zahoor Ahmed highlighted the valuable contributions of Pakistani HEIs in fostering global linkages and collaboration to enhance excellence in emerging technologies and human resource development. He emphasized the importance of identifying follow-up actions from the conference and seeking advice on potential collaborators. Dr. Zahoor Ahmed also mentioned plans to request appointments with the rector mayor, the Andalusian assembly, and the technology park to further these initiatives.

Cooling Trends & Data Centers by “Engr. Zohaib Ilyas”

on 09/10/2024

Data centers comprise servers, storage systems, and networking equipment, primarily designed for processing and storing large volumes of data, which generates significant heat due to high-density computing. Therefore, effective cooling is critical for optimal equipment performance and reliability. Insufficient cooling can lead to overheating, resulting in costly downtime and potential data loss. The layout and configuration of data center rooms are essential for maintaining optimal temperatures and humidity levels, maximizing airflow, and minimizing hotspots.
Implementing efficient cooling strategies not only enhances energy efficiency but also prevents performance degradation, improves system reliability, and reduces energy costs. For data centers, a temperature range of 18°C to 27°C (64°F to 80°F) is recommended, with 20°C to 22°C (68°F to 72°F) considered optimal. Relative humidity should be kept between 45% and 60%; levels below 20% can cause static electricity, while levels above 80% can lead to condensation and potential equipment damage.
Traditional cooling methods include direct expansion and chilled water-based precision cooling units, such as Computer Room Air Conditioners (CRAC), Computer Room Air Handlers (CRAH), in-row cooling units, and in-rack cooling units. To optimize efficiency, these systems are often configured with raised floors, plenum designs, aisle layouts, and containment strategies.
Currently, cooling systems are the second largest consumers of power in data centers, following essential IT loads. As digital inclusion expands and the demand for high-density servers grows, the need for effective heat rejection increases, leading to higher per-rack densities. In this context, liquid cooling is gaining traction as an efficient solution.
Liquid cooling methods include direct on-chip cooling and immersion cooling.
On-chip cooling utilizes direct chip cooling cold plates configured for individual server loops, featuring quick disconnect fittings and leak-proof tubing connected to dry break couplings on manifolds. These systems efficiently capture heat from CPUs at (distilled water with additives) ASHRAE W3/W4 warm water inlet temperatures, maintaining optimal temperatures for overclocked processors. Cold plates can also transfer heat from other components, such as VRMs and memory.
The liquid distribution manifold serves as a bridge between the coolant distribution and servers, incorporating a Coolant Distribution Unit (CDU) with controlled immersion pumps for a closed-loop server cooling system. This setup requires only ASHRAE W3/W4 warm water and effectively exchanges heat with external loop of conventional cooling by dry cooler, cooling tower or chiller, addressing the cooling needs of power-dense racks.
Immersion cooling is as simple as submerging your server in a bath of non-conductive liquid, allowing heat generated by the components to transfer to the fluid. This can be cooled using either a single-phase or two-phase method. The liquid is fully biodegradable, is about 80% lighter than water and has twice the viscosity. It is non-conductive up to 60,000 volts and can handle over 5,000 amps across a 2mm gap. This capability enhances space utilization by allowing enclosure-free servers to be placed closely together.
Single phase immersion cooling is being done by circulating the coolant which is a dielectric liquid. The heat from submerged server in coolant bath tank is transferred to liquid which then sent to coolant distribution unit (CDU) using coolant pump, this CDU exchanges the heat with external loop of conventional cooling by dry cooler, cooling tower or chiller.
Two-phase immersion cooling is an innovative technology for data centers. In this system, electronic components are submerged in a dielectric heat transfer liquid, which conducts heat more effectively than air, water, or oil. The fluid has a low boiling point of 56°C (compared to water’s 100°C), allowing it to boil on the surfaces of heat-generating components. The rising vapor naturally facilitates heat transfer and exchanges to condenser running above liquid tank.
Two-phase immersion cooling liquids are clean, environmentally friendly, and non-flammable. This system eliminates the need for pumps and jets, as cooling occurs passively through evaporation, requiring no additional energy. This simplicity removes the need for conventional cooling hardware, enhancing overall cooling efficiency and significantly reducing energy consumption compared to traditional air, water, or oil cooling methods.
Immersion cooling technology enables highly efficient cooling, contributing to a low carbon footprint and achieving an ultra-low Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.03 & below. n

A Passion for HVAC: Faraz Hameed Joins Hitachi Hybrid Building Solutions

on 09/10/2024

Faraz Hameed has recently taken on the role of Senior Manager of Sales & Marketing at Hybrid Building Solutions (HBS), a part of Hitachi. With a wealth of experience in the HVAC industry, Faraz is poised to make a significant impact.
Previously at SABRO Pvt Ltd, he played a key role in driving growth and enhancing operational efficiency. His strategic planning and innovative approaches consistently led to exceptional results, demonstrating his ability to exceed expectations.
Faraz is excited to embark on this new chapter with Hitachi, a global leader known for its cutting-edge technology and commitment to sustainability. The company’s dedication to innovation and quality aligns perfectly with his professional values, providing the ideal platform for him to further develop his skills and make meaningful contributions to the industry.
He is particularly drawn to Hitachi’s comprehensive range of HVAC products, including SKM AHUs, VRF systems, and both CU and FU units. With a strong commitment to project management, collaboration, and customer service, Faraz is ready to leverage his expertise to contribute to Hitachi’s ongoing success.