Blogs
Where Do Your Current Efforts Fall on the Energy Use Pyramids?
February 11, 2010 2:52 am | by Energy Savers Blog | CommentsOn Monday, John told you about some energy pyramids that are helpful in planning your steps toward efficiency and potentially, toward using renewable energy technologies. There are several pyramids out there, but the concepts are similar. Tell us
Postponement, Funny Name, Big Value
February 10, 2010 9:06 am | by Jason Vaughn, UPS | CommentsIf you casually mention postponement to your spouse, you will probably be accused of trying to get out of your “honey do” list. If you mention postponement to an inventory planner, you might see a nervous breakdown.
Drafty Windows: Is it Better to Insulate or Replace Them?
February 9, 2010 5:53 am | by Energy Savers Blog | CommentsI’ve lived in my condominium for several years, and though it naturally stays cooler in the summer (with all west-facing windows) I struggle to keep it warm in the winter without taking out a loan to pay utilities. Like any homeowner, I must answer the question: Is it better to try...
Pack mule robot could aid soldiers, marines
February 9, 2010 5:19 am | by Jason Lomberg, Technical Editor | CommentsThe military is constantly seeking the right balance between preparedness and maneuverability. Theoretically, we could turn foot soldiers into walking arsenals with nearly-impenetrable armor, but they wouldn’t be very mobile. Boston Dynamics may have a solution...
Speeding Things Along
February 9, 2010 3:59 am | by M Simon | CommentsIBM has announced a really fast power transistor. Of course power is a relative thing. At the frequencies involved power is a relative thing. I'd say they would be doing good if they could get between 1 and 10 watts out of the device.
Energy Pyramids: Useful Concepts, Not More Pyramid Schemes
February 8, 2010 12:54 pm | by Energy Savers Blog | CommentsAt a December holiday party, the host handed me a newspaper clipping and asked me what I thought of the energy pyramid mentioned in the article. I hadn't read the article, so I told him I would read it and get back to him. Of course, when I found time to look into it, I didn't have the...
Some People You Won't Meet at SolidWorks World
February 5, 2010 9:53 am | by Richard Doyle's Community Blog | CommentsI think we can all agree that meeting new people (or seeing old friends) is one of the highlights of SolidWorks World. It's next to impossible to meet everyone though, and there are some very cool folks that you will likely never have the opportunity to meet. Laurie Davis and Kerry Healey...
IBM to provide cloud computing solution for Air Force
February 5, 2010 6:21 am | by Jason Lomberg, Technical Editor | CommentsThe Air Force has enlisted “Big Blue” itself, IBM, to develop a worldwide cloud computing infrastructure. The architecture would encompass nine major commands, nearly 100 bases, and 700,000 active military personnel around the world. Essentially, “cloud computing” refers to software applications and other functions that are “rented” online rather than hosted on company servers.
Army considers operating “Sky Warrior” remotely
February 4, 2010 8:38 am | by Jason Lomberg, Technical Editor | CommentsThe Army is mulling the possibility of operating its largest UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) remotely. They’re considering “split-based” operations--part of the company would deploy in-theater, while the other would communicate remotely via satellite. The situation exposes a cultural rift between the Air Force and the Army.
How Has Saving Energy Affected Your Health?
February 4, 2010 4:54 am | by Energy Savers Blog | CommentsWe don't often speak of it in these terms, but saving energy can sometimes have a positive influence on your health. Maybe you're getting more exercise because you bike to work instead of drive, or you're getting more fresh air while jogging outside instead of on the treadmill (not to...
Enhancing Operational Efficiencies While Reducing Costs in an Economic Downturn
February 3, 2010 9:57 am | by Naaman Shibi, Pervidi, www.pervidi.com.au | CommentsHow can you provide more services per staff member, reduce administrative costs while at the same time providing quality work and delivering excellent customer service? This article is intended to help the reader start the process of evaluation to explore where inefficiencies may exist in your business environment.
SWUGN Awards
February 3, 2010 3:53 am | by Richard Doyle's Community Blog | CommentsAt SolidWorks World 2007, Jon Hirschtick suggested insisted that the SWUGN Awards presentation should be moved from the annual SWUGN Summit Meeting to the main stage during the general session. Since then, conference Wednesday has meant handing out the Group Leader of the Year, User Group...
Sites I Thought About Last Wednesday
February 2, 2010 9:52 am | by Energy Savers Blog | CommentsLast Wednesday, like so many others likely did, I found myself watching President Obama's State of the Union address. Now, admittedly, a sentence like that kind of invites a whole lot of thoughts and opinions, but I'm not thinking much about that - I'm just using it for a springboard for...
Mobile Data Strains Cellular Networks
February 2, 2010 9:04 am | CommentsWith the launch of the iPad last week it is clear what was the number one news item in the gadget industry... Cellular networks are already buckling under the strain of mobile data.
“ChemBot” takes cue from The Terminator
February 2, 2010 4:13 am | by Jason Lomberg, Technical Editor | CommentsIt can morph from a liquid to a solid state, but can’t form “knives and stabbing weapons.” It can squeeze through tight spaces, join with others, and expand in size. No, it’s not the T-1000, but a new “chemical robot” created by the Pentagon. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Association (DARPA) sought to create a “ChemBot” that could perform the following functions...
