HIGH-TECH COMMUNICATION SOLUTION PROVED ‘INVALUABLE’ IN SAVING THAI SOCCER TEAM FROM THE WATER-FILLED CAVE
When the Thai soccer team became trapped in the water-filled cave in June, the rescuers faced many challenges after locating the boys and their coach. Not only did water from the monsoon season pose a challenge, but radio signals were blocked by the cave walls. Mouser Electronics spoke with Uzi Hanuni,
founder and CEO of Maxtech Networks, to learn about the company’s MaxMesh technology, which was crucial in the rescue. Learning of the situation, Hanuni dispatched
an engineer and several of his MaxMesh radios to the scene. The system essentially established a relay network throughout the two miles of twists, turns and partially submerged areas of the tunnel, enabling rescuers to connect, share, collaborate and ultimately bring the team to safety. “Our technology is based on creating a mesh
network of software-defined radios [SDRs]. SDRs are radio communication systems using software on a personal computer or embedded system,” Hanuni explained. “Every time you switch on a radio, it automatically joins the network. Each radio is also a relay, and the intelligent frequency modulation algorithms are built into the radios. They can transmit video, voice and data simultaneously.” Hanuni’s interest in devising a better form
of communication technology arose after the attacks of September 11 2001, as he saw many first responders cut off after the World Trade Center towers collapsed and their radio antennas were damaged. “I thought the technology we needed to
develop had to work automatically so that you switch on the radio and suddenly it’s connected –
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Design tools have changed dramatically over the years. From 2D CAD through to 3D,
each new iteration makes it easier and faster for engineers to design, prototype and even test their products in a software environment, enabling them to get products to market even faster. Now, however, virtual reality and augmented
reality are providing new insight into products. According to Unity Technologies, ‘For product and component design, visualising a model in 3D, especially an interactive model, is an incredibly powerful way of boosting the creative process’. Being able to explore a 3D model of a design in real-time, get inside and truly experience it will offer huge benefits to the design community. Are we about to transition to a time when every
designer has access to real-time 3D and VR/AR glasses? Find out more by turning to page 22.
Rachael Morling - Editor
BUILDING A NEW APPROACH TO CANCER TREATMENT
The manufacturing and product development division of Chemigraphic was part of a year-long process in supporting Elekta with bringing its newest cancer treatment system to market. Elekta Unity is a high-field MRI-guided linear accelerator (linac) system that enables magnetic resonance radiation therapy (MR/RT), a new approach to cancer treatment. Chemigraphic has been involved in the
development of the product since 2014, conducting complex mechanical and bespoke PCB assemblies, and developing test and installation kits. Barney Sheppard, sales operations manager at
Chemigraphic, commented: “Having been involved in this project since 2014, it is very gratifying to see the product launched onto the commercial and clinical market. It is humbling to be able to play a part in the development of a machine which will genuinely change and save lives, and we are very proud that our focus on seamless delivery and the highest quality assemblies has been a contributing factor in this project.”
www.chemigraphic.co.uk www.elekta.com
Danfoss Drives is celebrating fifty years of designing and manufacturing AC variable speed drives. Alan Baird, UK & Ireland country manager, said: “The promise to our customers and partners as we mark this anniversary is that we will help them create a world that’s more sustainable and better to live in by delivering products, services and solutions that are differentiated by their quality, performance, reliability and innovation.”
SEW Eurodrive has launched a pick-up and delivery service for drive technology components in need of checking or repair. A rugged Pick-Up Box is provided free of charge and when full, or at any time determined by the customer, SEW Eurodrive takes care of the entire logistics, ensuring collection and delivery. The components will be examined carefully and repairs carried out as soon as they have been authorised by the customer.
www.sew-eurodrive.co.uk
peer-to-peer groups, multicast, unicast, broadcast, whatever you want. And you have it there with no need to preconfigure the radios,” Hanuni said. “It took us a few years to develop the sophisticated algorithm and the technology that works indoors, outdoors, underground, above ground, in all places automatically with no human interference or involvement.”
www.mouser.com
www.danfoss.co.uk
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