Researchers at the University of Sheffield have solved a key puzzle in quantum physics that could help to make data transfer totally secure. The team have developed a way of generating very rapid single-photon light pulses. Each photon, or particle of light, represents a bit of binary code – the fundamental language of computing. These […]
Swarm Robots Can Learn by Simply Observing
It is now possible for machines to learn how natural or artificial systems work by simply observing them, without being told what to look for, according to researchers at the University of Sheffield. This could mean advances in the world of technology with machines able to predict, among other things, human behaviour. The discovery takes […]
Batteries from Parked Electric Vehicles Could Reduce Costs for Train Commuters
Engineers have received £1.5million in funding for a new battery energy storage project that could mean more efficient and cheaper trains. The TransEnergy project led by the University of Sheffield, will work with National Rail to investigate how battery storage could be used to power our railways. As train companies try to increase the frequency […]
Automatic Programming Makes Swarm Robots Safer, More Reliable
Researchers from Sheffield Robotics have applied a novel method of automatically programming and controlling a swarm of up to 600 robots to complete a specified set of tasks simultaneously. This reduces human error and therefore many of the bugs that can occur in programming, making it more user-friendly and reliable than previous techniques. This could be particularly […]
Giant Icebergs Play Key Role In Removing CO2 From The Atmosphere
Pioneering research from the University of Sheffield’s Department of Geography discovered melting water from giant icebergs, which contains iron and other nutrients, supports hitherto unexpectedly high levels of phytoplankton growth. This activity, known as carbon sequestration, contributes to the long-term storage of atmospheric carbon dioxide, therefore helping to slow global warming. During the study, which is […]
Future Computers Built from Magnetic ‘Tornadoes’
Magnetic materials form the basis of most hard disc drives as they are able to store data. A team from the University of Sheffield’s Faculty of Engineering have been investigating whether they could also be used to perform calculations, and so take on the role of a computer’s central processing unit (CPU). Lead researcher, Dr […]