Engineering has always been about developing innovative ways to solve problems and make life easier and businesses better. But today, when global issues like resource depletion, overpopulation, pollution and waste disposal threaten more so than ever before, it can literally help save the world.
Enter the growing field of sustainable engineering.
It touches everything from infrastructure design to environmental, social and economic improvements that meet present needs without compromising those of future generations. From planes made with ultra-light materials and solar panels in their wings to floating ocean bins and recycling robots the products of sustainable engineering specialists contribute to a worldwide society that is not only functional and efficient, but durable and responsible for both the short and long, long term.
Among the Latest Innovations …
Here’s a small sample of sustainable engineering innovations that have taken shape around the world in recent years:
- Solar Impulse Plane
Constructed with ultra-light materials and with 17,000 integrated solar cells in its wings, the Solar Impulse Plane supplies renewable energy to four electric motors. It uses energy-dense lithium batteries that charge in the daytime and enable nighttime flight.
- RoboBee
As this drone with GPS, high-resolution cameras and artificial intelligence capabilities flies from flower to flower, pollen grains adhere to its surface and are transferred to subsequent flowers. It assists farmers in enhancing pollination. It also promotes genetic diversity and helps improve overall crop quality.
- Insect Wind Turbines
The pliable material in insect wind turbines flexes with the wind and centrifugal effect, which helps optimize pitch angles and efficiency. They have proven to be significantly more efficient in producing energy and are a bit step toward a viable alternative to fossil fuels.
- Seabin
This floating bin uses a submersible pump to draw water from the ocean’s surface and pass it through an internal bag, capturing debris. It can displace up to 25,000 liters of water per hour and plug directly into a 110/22v outlet. Seabin is designed to remove discarded items from marinas, docks, yacht clubs and commercial ports. It also has the potential to collect floating oils and other pollutants.
- Max-AI AQC Recycling Robot
Combining computer vision, deep learning, and multi-layered AI capabilities and robotics to identify and select recyclable items, this innovation speeds up the process of recycling and makes it more cost-effective.
- Wattway Solar Powered Road
Each roadway panel contains 15 cm wide cells, which make up a thin film of polycrystalline silicon that transforms solar energy into electricity. The panels are coated with a clear silicon resin to withstand traffic as they are laid onto roads. The end result? Clean, renewable electric energy, without the need to overtake natural landscapes.
Find Top Engineering Talent with Us
Are you looking to build your sustainable engineering team? If so, contact Venteon Technical today. We focus on helping companies find contract, contract-to-hire and direct hire professionals in manufacturing and tech engineering throughout the Midwest.