Industrial Engineering

New electrochemical device targets climate change by sucking CO2 out of air

A new collaborative study has developed an electrochemical device that can pull carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere using electricity and water-based chemistry, addressing the planet's excess CO2 problem. The technology is designed to reduce new emissions and remove CO2 that has already accumulated in the atmosphere.

The role of green hydrogen in the transition to renewable energy: production, marketing strategies and future prospects

The study examines electrolysis technologies, cost variations, market development rules, and policy mechanisms for green hydrogen production. It highlights the importance of infrastructure, regulatory standards, and investment incentives for widespread adoption.

Scheduling surgeons: UMass Amherst researchers identify factors that could influence hospital efficiency

A study at Baystate Medical Center identified factors such as emergency surgeries, chest and heart procedures, and taxing operations affecting surgeons' schedules. These insights aim to optimize surgical scheduling, reduce waste, and improve patient outcomes.

Like a miniature lunar rocket: Researchers develop modular nanorobot

A modular nanorobot with a magnetic propulsion module and payload capsule has been developed by researchers at the University of Basel. The system can be adapted to different applications and has shown promise in delivering therapeutic agents to cancer cells, reducing viability by 16% within 72 hours.

Toward battery-free artificial photosynthesis: Stable fuel production at lower cost

Researchers create self-regulating electrolyzer that produces solar fuels stably without relying on batteries, reducing costs and complexity. The new system autonomously adjusts its electrical behavior through thermal properties, keeping fuel production stable throughout the day.

New iron–scandium catalyst extends carbon nanotube growth at high temperatures

Researchers have discovered a new iron–scandium catalyst that stabilizes iron catalysts and enables the growth of centimeter-long carbon nanotubes under high-temperature conditions. The study reveals scandium as a key cocatalyst, improving catalyst lifetime and promoting CNT growth.

A review of machine learning advances in reliability-based design, integrity assessment, inspection and maintenance of pipelines

A systematic review synthesizes 95 core studies to map machine learning (ML) advances for pipelines across the full lifecycle. ML techniques boost generalizability, quantify uncertainty, and embed physical laws, achieving near-physics fidelity with significant speedups.

Chemical impurities make carbon surfaces superslippery

Large-scale simulations show that chemical impurities trigger graphitic interface formation in amorphous carbon, promoting low-friction surfaces. Hydrogen and oxygen-based impurities help stabilize tiny voids within the carbon network.

A novel deep learning architecture for multi-source data fusion

Wrinkled carbon spheres unlock efficient and green hydrogen peroxide electrosynthesis

Researchers have developed a series of carbonyl-rich carbon sphere catalysts with unique wrinkled surface architecture, significantly enhancing the catalyst's performance in hydrogen peroxide electrosynthesis. The optimized catalyst achieved high H2O2 selectivity and efficiency.

Texas A&M opens world’s largest academic controlled-explosions lab

The new facility enables scientists to observe and measure detonation forces in unprecedented detail, shedding light on industrial safety risks and potential breakthroughs. Researchers aim to develop safer designs and protocols by examining detonation disasters like the Buncefield Fire.

Data-driven leakage diagnosis methods across pipeline and energy transportation system

Researchers review data-driven leakage diagnosis methods connecting single pipeline analysis with energy transmission systems, focusing on nonlinear mapping and spatiotemporal feature extraction. Advanced signal processing and multi-modal fusion techniques improve detection accuracy in complex scenarios.

Quaise Energy on track to build world’s first power plant using superhot geothermal energy

Quaise Energy is building the world's first power plant using superhot geothermal energy, with the goal of producing at least 50 megawatts of clean electricity. The project aims to harness temperatures greater than 300 degrees C and validate its long-held hypothesis that higher subsurface temperatures can improve power production.

Industrial electrification is now a security imperative, finds Oxford analysis

New Oxford analysis finds that up to 90% of industrial energy demand could be electrified with existing technologies, but policy failures and technology risks hold back deployment. Electrification offers a pathway to stable and resilient energy costs, reducing exposure to geopolitical disruption and price volatility.

Artificial intelligence driven controllers imitating the human brain could strengthen the grid

A new study introduces AI-based control strategies that ensure local grids remain reliable and resilient. By utilizing Artificial Neural Networks, the system can predict and compensate for grid changes in real-time, outperforming traditional control methods.

HKU engineers designed and fabricated inch-scale ultrahard diamond wafers with 200 GPa hardness

Researchers developed inch-scale, binder-free ultrahard diamond wafers with Vickers hardness exceeding 200 GPa. The ultra-hard diamond wafer exhibits outstanding wear resistance and structural stability, making it suitable for applications in extreme-environment electronics, advanced manufacturing, and semiconductor thermal management.

Design of polyhedral cage-engineered MOFs for efficient methane purification from natural gas

Scientists in China have designed MOFs with 3D pyr-topology frameworks and polyhedral cages to efficiently purify methane from natural gas. The materials exhibit high adsorption capacities for C3H8 and C2H6 but extremely low CH4 uptake.

MambaAlign fusion framework for detecting defects missed by inspection systems

Researchers developed an efficient system to detect subtle defects missed by existing inspection systems. The MambaAlign framework captures long-range and orientation-aware context using state-space refinement, achieving improved localization and detection accuracy without excessive computational overhead.

Optimizing robotic joints

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new design method for optimizing rolling contact joints in robots, which can lead to better grippers, assistive devices, and more efficient robotic movement. The optimized joints performed spectacularly, correcting misalignment by 99% in knee-assist devices.

A self-assembling shortcut to better organic solar cells

Osaka Metropolitan University scientists have created a molecule that naturally forms p/n junctions, structures vital for converting sunlight into electricity. The new design offers a promising shortcut to producing more efficient organic thin-film solar cells.

Critical review maps corrosion threats and mitigation options for supercritical offshore carbon dioxide pipelines

The article reviews corrosion challenges in supercritical offshore CO2 pipelines, highlighting external and internal corrosion processes. The authors propose multiple impurity management, internal coatings, inhibitors, and external coatings as mitigation measures.

World-leading rare earth magnet recycling facility launches in UK

The University of Birmingham has launched a new facility for separating and recycling rare earth magnets, reducing the UK's reliance on imports. The facility uses an innovative hydrogen-based process that can recover over 400kg of rare earth alloy per batch.

Impact-resistant polyurea coating that senses damage in real time

A new spray-applied polyurea-based nanocomposite sensing coating integrates covalently functionalized graphene nanoplatelets into a two-component polyurea matrix. This enhances processability, weatherability, and establishes a robust conductive network for reliable resistive sensing.

Amorphous V₂CTx MXene cathodes enable high-performance aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Scientists have created a high-performance cathode material for aqueous zinc-ion batteries by converting a layered MXene into an amorphous form. The new material, a-V₂CT_x, shows remarkable improvements in capacity, charging speed, and durability.

Ultrathin ferroelectric capacitors for next-generation memory devices

Researchers from Japan successfully downscaled a total ferroelectric memory capacitor stack to just 30 nm, maintaining high remanent polarization and paving the way for compact and efficient on-chip memory. This breakthrough demonstrates compatibility with semiconductor devices and paves the way for future technologies.

MASTER 2nd Open Call: Execution period kick-off

The European Science Communication Institute launched its 2nd MASTER Open Call in April 2025. The selected projects will focus on validating and applying XR-based solutions to enhance learning experiences.

Unveiling non-thermal catalytic origin of direct current-promoted catalysis for energy-efficient transformation of greenhouse gases to valuable chemicals

Scientists established a definitive charge-driven mechanism underlying the non-thermal catalytic enhancement observed in DC-applied DRM, focusing on Pd/CeO2 as a model catalyst. The study reveals a cooperative mechanism between trapped electrons and strain-induced holes as the microscopic origin of non-thermal catalysis under DC applic...

Can AI read humans’ minds? A new model shows it’s shockingly good at it

A breakthrough AI system called OmniPredict can predict human pedestrian behaviors with unprecedented accuracy, revolutionizing self-driving cars and urban mobility. The model combines visual cues with contextual information to anticipate pedestrians' next moves, reducing the risk of accidents and improving traffic safety.

Seashells offer low-carbon concrete breakthrough in new study

Researchers at University of East London found that discarded seashells can be transformed into a low-carbon concrete ingredient, reducing carbon emissions by up to 36%. The study suggests a promising opportunity for industry to adopt sustainable cement alternatives.

Pusan National University researchers develop model to accurately predict vessel turnaround time

Researchers at Pusan National University have developed a new framework for predicting vessel turnaround time by leveraging queuing-based operation indicators. This dynamic approach captures time-varying fluctuations in port operations, offering a more accurate and actionable forecast.

Absolutely metal: scientists capture footage of crystals growing in liquid metal

Researchers have successfully grown platinum crystals in liquid metal using a powerful X-ray technique. The study reveals the formation and growth of crystals within liquid metals like Gallium, which could be used to create new materials for hydrogen extraction and quantum computing applications.

Automated high-throughput system developed to generate structural materials databases

Researchers developed an automated high-throughput system capable of generating Process-Structure-Property datasets for superalloys. The system produced a dataset containing thousands of records in just 13 days, accelerating data-driven materials design by over 200 times.

How plastics grip metals at the atomic scale

Researchers used molecular dynamics simulations to investigate how polyamides adhere to alumina surfaces, finding that adhesion strength depends on polymer chemistry and surface termination. The study offers practical design guidelines for selecting surface treatments and polymer types, enabling the creation of stronger, lighter joints.

Machine learning identify promising COFs for helium purification.

Researchers screened top-performing COFs for helium purification from natural gas and identified the best candidates for adsorption and membrane-based separations. Machine learning analysis revealed key descriptors governing helium purification performance, offering broader insights for future studies.

Printing technique could vastly improve the environmental impact of digital displays

Duke University researchers have developed a printing technique that can create fully functional and recyclable electronics with features as small as tens of micrometers. This breakthrough has the potential to significantly reduce the environmental impact of the $150 billion electronic display industry.

High-throughput inkless printing: Laser-generated dry aerosols enable green manufacturing of electronics

Researchers have developed Laser Ablation Dry Aerosol Printing (LADAP) that generates nanoparticles from solid targets using pulsed laser ablation, enabling the printing of metals and oxides without inks. The technique produces structures with fine-resolution microstructures and thick deposition within a high-throughput process.

New framework could defend factories from cyber-attacks

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a new framework to protect industrial processing facilities from cyber threats. The framework identifies vulnerabilities, detects abnormal activity in real-time, and provides safeguards and mitigation strategies to maintain safe operations.

In-situ molecular passivation enables pure-blue perovskite LEDs via vacuum thermal evaporation

Researchers develop an in-situ passivation strategy to overcome efficiency bottlenecks in thermally evaporated pure blue perovskite LEDs. The approach coordinates Pb(II) and suppresses halide-vacancy defects, achieving color-stable pure-blue emission with high luminance.

Researchers use photonic origami to fold glass into microscopic 3D optical devices

A new technique uses laser-induced folding to create highly transparent and ultra-smooth 3D microphotonic devices, setting a record length-to-thickness ratio. The method can be used to fabricate tiny optical devices, such as micro-zoom lenses and compact table structures with concave mirrors.

New research could lead to greener, faster metal production

A new study published in Nature highlights the differences between hydrogen and carbon monoxide as reductants in oxide reduction, offering insights for more efficient and sustainable metal extraction. Hydrogen is found to facilitate faster and cleaner reaction kinetics, generating benign water vapor as a byproduct.

6 Binghamton University, State University of New York faculty members win $4.4 million in CAREER Awards from National Science Foundation

Binghamton University faculty have received over $4.4 million in National Science Foundation CAREER Awards to pursue innovative research in various fields. The awards recognize academics who have the potential to serve as role models and leaders in research and education.

New book unveils roadmap for sustainable and ethical leadership in engineering management

The book provides a roadmap for sustainable and ethical leadership in engineering management, focusing on ESG reporting, CSR integration, and industry-specific insights. It offers practical tools and strategies for professionals to make informed decisions that reduce ecological impact and improve resource efficiency.

An efficient and memory-friendly unsupervised industrial anomaly detection model

A research team developed an innovative unsupervised model for industrial anomaly detection using paired well-lit and low-light images. The model leverages feature maps, Low-pass Feature Enhancement, and Illumination-aware Feature Enhancement to detect anomalies while remaining lightweight and memory-efficient.

Advances in chemistry unlock new pathways for industrial carbon capture, new research finds

Recent advances in chemistry have led to innovations in industrial carbon capture technologies, reducing energy consumption by over 30% and improving efficiency. The research highlights novel amine blends, metal-organic frameworks, and electroswing technologies that can selectively capture CO2 with high efficiency.

Study lays groundwork for preventing dangerous falls on dry spills

Researchers developed a new testing method to assess floor slipperiness caused by dry contaminants, revealing particles like salt and flour can be just as dangerous as oil or water. The study found that even sparse layers of salt can reduce friction by up to 28%, making tile far slicker than permitted safety thresholds.

Pusan National University researchers reveal new calibration framework for digital twins

Researchers at Pusan National University developed a new Bayesian calibration framework to optimize digital twin models of automated material handling systems. The framework improves prediction accuracy by accounting for parameter uncertainty and discrepancy, enabling effective calibration with scarce field data.

Lisa Maillart named Department Chair of Industrial Engineering at Pitt

Lisa Maillart, PhD, has been named Department Chair of Industrial and Systems Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering. She aims to expand the department's growth in enrollment and guide interdisciplinary research on challenges like AI, health issues, and supply chain logistics.

Ultra-fast! sparse-view irradiation processing volumetric additive manufacturing (SVIP-VAM)

Researchers propose sparse-view irradiation processing VAM (SVIP-VAM) to reduce projection data and computation time. The method enables structure manufacturing with a reduced number of projections, increasing the feasibility of sparse-view printing.

Pusan National University researchers identify key barriers hindering data-driven smart manufacturing adoption

Pusan National University researchers developed a comprehensive issue set for MDA implementation, covering technical, organizational, and environmental challenges. The framework helps manufacturers prioritize issues and address them proactively, enabling efficient and effective data-driven smart manufacturing.

Aviation rescue networks reimagined for faster, smarter and sustainable forest fire response

A new approach to forest fire emergency response uses data-driven forecasting to anticipate where fires are most likely to occur. The system continuously adapts to changing conditions, ensuring resources are always positioned where they can be most effective.

Study reveals uneven land sinking across New Orleans, raising flood-risk concerns

A new study from Tulane University reveals that parts of New Orleans are sinking at an alarming rate, with some areas experiencing up to 2 inches of elevation loss annually. The findings highlight the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the city's flood defenses remain effective.

Novel silica aerogel for efficient carbon emission reduction

A new silica aerogel has been developed for efficient carbon emission reduction, exhibiting high thermal resistance and gas adsorption capacity. The integration of amine and methyl groups in the aerogel is achieved through a facile and environmentally friendly self-catalyzed sol-gel reaction.

Affordable, highly efficient cold boxes poised to help tackle food waste for small farmers in East Africa

A collaboration between Aston University and RAD Global developed pioneering cold storage boxes to keep food fresh without grid electricity. The RADiCool system extends the safe selling window for fish from 12 to 24 hours, reducing waste and improving livelihoods.

IJEM ranked No.1 again—record-breaking Impact Factor of 21.3!

International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing (IJEM) achieves a new Impact Factor of 21.3, surpassing 20 for the first time and maintaining its position as top journal in the field. IJEM has attracted submissions from 853 institutions in 81 countries.

Bubbles are key to new surface coating method for lightweight magnesium alloys

A new coating method uses liquid-based chemical conversion coating with cavitation bubbles to improve corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of magnesium alloys. The team's technology aims to reinforce lightweight materials in electric cars, addressing the need for more durable materials.

New 3D printing method enables complex designs and creates less waste

MIT engineers developed a new resin that turns into two different solids depending on the type of light, enabling the creation of complex structures with easily dissolvable supports. This method speeds up the 3D-printing process and reduces waste by allowing for recycling and reuse of the supports.

Major demo keeps quaise energy on track to power the world with clean, renewable geothermal energy

Quaise Energy has successfully demonstrated its novel drilling technique on a full-scale oil rig, aiming to prove that clean, renewable geothermal energy can power the world. The company's three-tier approach involves replacing conventional drill bits with millimeter-wave energy to create deeper holes and access supercritical water.

Transforming the certification process of 3D-printed critical components

A team of researchers at Texas A&M University has received a $1.6 million grant to develop a system for rapidly accelerating the certification process of 3D-printed critical components used in military applications.

Nanogenerators for intelligent and autonomous robotics

Triboelectric and piezoelectric nanogenerators convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, enhancing robotic autonomy and efficiency. The technology has the potential to reshape future robotic capabilities, particularly in industrial automation, healthcare, and smart home applications.

New color-changing sensor detects alcohol with a smartphone snap

A portable and highly sensitive ethanol sensor has been developed using a copper-based metal–organic framework thin film, enabling precise optical measurements without complex lab equipment. The sensor can visually detect varying ethanol levels, even at low concentrations, and can be integrated with a smartphone app for easy use.