Latest news with #scientificexploration
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Antarctic treaty under stress as member countries gather in Italy
For 65 years, an international treaty forged at the height of the Cold War has governed Antarctica. But with rising geopolitical tensions, consensus is increasingly hard to find. "Up until just a few years ago, we talked about the Antarctic Treaty as a framework for peace and stability in the Antarctic region, and the Arctic as a place of relative stability," said David Hik, chief scientist at Polar Knowledge Canada, an agency focused on strengthening polar science and technology in Canada. "Now, both of those assumptions are being challenged." Fifty-eight countries, including Canada, are signatories to the Antarctic Treaty, which preserves the continent for scientific exploration and peace, and bans military and mining activity. But only half the signatories can vote on treaty business. Canada wants to secure voting rights as a so-called consultative party, and will make its case again at the Antarctic Treaty meeting in Milan, Italy, later this month. But there have been barriers to this. "Canada's claim to be a consultative party has been blocked, first and foremost, by Russia," said Klaus Dodds, a political biographer and Antarctic expert at Royal Holloway, University of London. "And the reason is, Russia wants its ally Belarus to be made a consultative party alongside Canada." WATCH | Who owns Antarctica? It's preserved for peace and science, for now: In March, a first-ever all-Canadian expedition sailed to Antarctica on HMCS Margaret Brooke, with 15 polar scientists hosted by the Canadian Navy. The Canadian Antarctic Research Expedition (CARE) 2025 mission conducted weeks of research and visited multiple countries' research stations on the continent, in part to raise Canada's profile at the southern pole. CBC News got exclusive access to the expedition. To capture the voyage CBC's international climate correspondent Susan Ormiston, producer Jill English and videographer Sam Martin spent a month aboard the Margaret Brooke broadcasting live via satellite, sending news of the voyage back to Canada. WATCH | How CBC's international climate team reported from a Navy ship in Antarctica: The polar regions are changing faster than other parts of the world, due to climate change. Antarctica's ancient glaciers are receding and sea ice reached near-record lows this year, both of which contribute to rising global sea levels. "The Antarctic ice sheet contains enormous amounts of fresh water, and as the ice sheet thins and melts in places, calves at faster rates, that's going to affect global sea level change," said Thomas James, chief scientist on the CARE 2025 mission. "What happens in Antarctica doesn't stay in Antarctica," he added. The southern ocean is a huge carbon sink and helps regulate the global climate. But warming ocean waters may disrupt those patterns, said Brent Else, co-scientific director at MEOPAR, which supports ocean research and training at Canadian universities. "As oceans warm as circulation patterns change, it's expected that ocean carbon sink will slow down over time. And the polar regions are the areas where those carbon sinks are most important," he said aboard HMCS Margaret Brooke. WATCH | Antarctic treasure — searching for climate clues in the Southern Ocean: Canada is a polar nation and, with rising concerns over sovereignty in the Arctic, the government is boosting military presence in the north. "Canada is, and forever will be, an Arctic nation, and we can never take our sovereignty and security in the region for granted," Prime Minister Mark Carney said on a visit to Iqaluit in March. A year ago, the Royal Canadian Navy began to plan a deployment to Antarctica to support scientific exploration and enhance its knowledge of geopolitical pressures at the southern pole. "We can see climate change in the North, we can see what China and Russia have been doing in and around the Canadian North, [and thinking] I wonder what's going on in the South Pole, and [can we] get the perspective and experience of the South American navies that are down here all the time," Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee told CBC News in an exclusive interview. The idea, he said, was to "do some science, and see if we can figure out things that can help us better protect and defend our own North." Topshee believes there are security concerns in Antarctica that threaten its stability. "I am concerned that the whole agreement that we would not [militarize and mine Antarctica] … would, could change. And I don't think that's in our interest to allow that to change easily." WATCH | Do polar security concerns extend to Antarctica? The Canadian Navy says yes: To voyage across the Antarctic Circle, HMCS Margaret Brooke sailed into some extreme weather and ice-clogged channels. As an Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV), it is designed to break through new ice up to a metre thick. But with rapidly changing weather patterns, the ice moves and shifts, so that an open channel one day can be clogged with ice the next. An ice specialist from the Canadian Coast Guard, Donavan Tremblay, and an officer with the Chilean Navy, Javier Idiaquez, travelled with the Margaret Brooke crew to help chart a safe path. Even so, there were unexpected blockages, and navigating at night presented even more challenges. En route to Rothera Point beyond the Antarctic Circle, as the weather deteriorated and the ice encroached, Cmdr. Teri Share had to make a decision about whether to proceed. "It was a heightened level, absolutely," Share told CBC News from the captain's quarters on the Margaret Brooke. "We can take all the precautions that we can take. We can use all of the information that is provided to us. But still, there comes a point that it's on me as the commanding officer to say yes or no." In the end, Share made the call to push further south, with the crew threading the vessel through icebergs and sheet ice to reach Rothera Point, the ship's final destination, and the most southerly point the Canadian Navy had ever travelled. "It feels like just yesterday you and I were on the bridge, and you were asking me what [is the Navy] going to be doing down there, and what was I excited about," Share told the CBC's Susan Ormiston. "It's gone by really quickly," Share said, reflecting on the historic mission. WATCH | Blocked by ice in Antarctica, how the Royal Canadian Navy broke through: Watch full episodes of The National on CBC Gem, the CBC's streaming service.
CBC
2 days ago
- Politics
- CBC
Antarctic treaty under stress as member countries gather in Italy
Social Sharing For 65 years, an international treaty forged at the height of the Cold War has governed Antarctica. But with rising geopolitical tensions, consensus is increasingly hard to find. "Up until just a few years ago, we talked about the Antarctic Treaty as a framework for peace and stability in the Antarctic region, and the Arctic as a place of relative stability," said David Hik, chief scientist at Polar Knowledge Canada, an agency focused on strengthening polar science and technology in Canada. "Now, both of those assumptions are being challenged." Fifty-eight countries, including Canada, are signatories to the Antarctic Treaty, which preserves the continent for scientific exploration and peace, and bans military and mining activity. But only half the signatories can vote on treaty business. Canada wants to secure voting rights as a so-called consultative party, and will make its case again at the Antarctic Treaty meeting in Milan, Italy, later this month. But there have been barriers to this. "Canada's claim to be a consultative party has been blocked, first and foremost, by Russia," said Klaus Dodds, a political biographer and Antarctic expert at Royal Holloway, University of London. "And the reason is, Russia wants its ally Belarus to be made a consultative party alongside Canada." WATCH | Who owns Antarctica? It's preserved for peace and science, for now: Who owns Antarctica? It's preserved for peace and science - for now 1 day ago Duration 12:53 International Climate Correspondent Susan Ormiston embarked on the first all-Canadian voyage to Antarctica with 15 climate scientists and the crew of HMCS Margaret Brooke. She dives into the geopolitical tensions at the remote Southern Pole, explaining what's happening in the region and what's at stake. In March, a first-ever all-Canadian expedition sailed to Antarctica on HMCS Margaret Brooke, with 15 polar scientists hosted by the Canadian Navy. The Canadian Antarctic Research Expedition (CARE) 2025 mission conducted weeks of research and visited multiple countries' research stations on the continent, in part to raise Canada's profile at the southern pole. CBC News got exclusive access to the expedition. To capture the voyage CBC's international climate correspondent Susan Ormiston, producer Jill English and videographer Sam Martin spent a month aboard the Margaret Brooke broadcasting live via satellite, sending news of the voyage back to Canada. WATCH | How CBC's international climate team reported from a Navy ship in Antarctica: Behind the scenes of the historic all-Canadian expedition to Antarctica 1 day ago Duration 3:01 Take a peek at the challenges, rewards and favourite moments from HMCS Margaret Brooke's expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula, and see how CBC's international climate team reported from a Navy ship in Antarctica. Hunting for climate change clues in Antarctica The polar regions are changing faster than other parts of the world, due to climate change. Antarctica's ancient glaciers are receding and sea ice reached near-record lows this year, both of which contribute to rising global sea levels. "The Antarctic ice sheet contains enormous amounts of fresh water, and as the ice sheet thins and melts in places, calves at faster rates, that's going to affect global sea level change," said Thomas James, chief scientist on the CARE 2025 mission. "What happens in Antarctica doesn't stay in Antarctica," he added. The southern ocean is a huge carbon sink and helps regulate the global climate. But warming ocean waters may disrupt those patterns, said Brent Else, co-scientific director at MEOPAR, which supports ocean research and training at Canadian universities. "As oceans warm as circulation patterns change, it's expected that ocean carbon sink will slow down over time. And the polar regions are the areas where those carbon sinks are most important," he said aboard HMCS Margaret Brooke. WATCH | Antarctic treasure — searching for climate clues in the Southern Ocean: Antarctic treasure - searching for climate clues in the Southern Ocean 1 day ago Duration 14:41 Canada monitoring security concerns in polar regions Canada is a polar nation and, with rising concerns over sovereignty in the Arctic, the government is boosting military presence in the north. "Canada is, and forever will be, an Arctic nation, and we can never take our sovereignty and security in the region for granted," Prime Minister Mark Carney said on a visit to Iqaluit in March. A year ago, the Royal Canadian Navy began to plan a deployment to Antarctica to support scientific exploration and enhance its knowledge of geopolitical pressures at the southern pole. "We can see climate change in the North, we can see what China and Russia have been doing in and around the Canadian North, [and thinking] I wonder what's going on in the South Pole, and [can we] get the perspective and experience of the South American navies that are down here all the time," Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee told CBC News in an exclusive interview. The idea, he said, was to "do some science, and see if we can figure out things that can help us better protect and defend our own North." Topshee believes there are security concerns in Antarctica that threaten its stability. " I am concerned that the whole agreement that we would not [militarize and mine Antarctica] … would, could change. And I don't think that's in our interest to allow that to change easily." WATCH | Do polar security concerns extend to Antarctica? The Canadian Navy says yes: Do polar security concerns extend to Antarctica? The Canadian Navy says yes 1 day ago Duration 7:02 'Nighttime is always about what you can't see' To voyage across the Antarctic Circle, HMCS Margaret Brooke sailed into some extreme weather and ice-clogged channels. As an Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV), it is designed to break through new ice up to a metre thick. But with rapidly changing weather patterns, the ice moves and shifts, so that an open channel one day can be clogged with ice the next. An ice specialist from the Canadian Coast Guard, Donavan Tremblay, and an officer with the Chilean Navy, Javier Idiaquez, travelled with the Margaret Brooke crew to help chart a safe path. Even so, there were unexpected blockages, and navigating at night presented even more challenges. En route to Rothera Point beyond the Antarctic Circle, as the weather deteriorated and the ice encroached, Cmdr. Teri Share had to make a decision about whether to proceed. "It was a heightened level, absolutely," Share told CBC News from the captain's quarters on the Margaret Brooke. "We can take all the precautions that we can take. We can use all of the information that is provided to us. But still, there comes a point that it's on me as the commanding officer to say yes or no." In the end, Share made the call to push further south, with the crew threading the vessel through icebergs and sheet ice to reach Rothera Point, the ship's final destination, and the most southerly point the Canadian Navy had ever travelled. "It feels like just yesterday you and I were on the bridge, and you were asking me what [is the Navy] going to be doing down there, and what was I excited about," Share told the CBC's Susan Ormiston. "It's gone by really quickly," Share said, reflecting on the historic mission.
Geeky Gadgets
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- Geeky Gadgets
LYNX M20 : All-Terrain Robot Built for Extreme Environments
The LYNX M20 is the first wheeled-legged robot designed for industrial operations in extreme and hazardous terrains. Combining speed, agility, and advanced adaptability, it is engineered for tasks such as power inspection, emergency response, logistics, and scientific exploration. Its lightweight, compact design and robust features make it suitable for high-risk environments, offering versatility and reliability in challenging conditions. Exceptional Mobility Across Challenging Terrains The LYNX M20 All-Terrain Robot is reshaping the landscape of industrial robotics with its advanced engineering and versatile capabilities. Designed to operate in extreme and hazardous environments, this robot integrates a unique combination of wheeled-legged mobility and innovative adaptability. It is purpose-built to address the challenges of industries such as power infrastructure, emergency response, logistics, and scientific exploration. With a lightweight yet robust design and state-of-the-art technology, the LYNX M20 is positioned as a critical tool for industries requiring precision, resilience, and reliability in demanding conditions. The LYNX M20's standout feature is its innovative wheeled-legged mobility system, which enables it to traverse a wide range of terrains with ease. Whether navigating rocky mountains, wetlands, or debris-filled disaster zones, the robot demonstrates remarkable agility and stability. Its autonomous terrain perception system, combined with omnidirectional obstacle avoidance, allows it to dynamically adjust its gait to maintain balance and efficiency in unpredictable environments. Key mobility features include: A 96-line LiDAR system providing a comprehensive 360°×90° field of view for precise mapping and navigation. Point cloud surround view technology, enhancing situational awareness in confined or low-visibility spaces. Adaptability to climb stairs, traverse tunnels, and maneuver through narrow or uneven spaces. These capabilities make the LYNX M20 particularly effective in environments where traditional wheeled or tracked robots may struggle, offering a reliable solution for industries operating in complex and hazardous settings. Watch this video on YouTube. Key Specifications – Omni-Terrain Mobility: – Navigates rugged terrains, including mountains, wetlands, and debris. – Autonomous terrain perception and gait adjustment. – Omnidirectional obstacle avoidance. – Compact and Lightweight: – Weighs 33kg, portable by a single operator. – Flexible joints and leg-mode switching for climbing stairs, traversing tunnels, and navigating narrow spaces. – Durability and Environmental Adaptability: – IP66-rated for dust and water resistance. – Operates in temperatures from -20°C to 55°C. – Equipped with hot-swappable batteries for extended use. – High-Performance Specifications: – Payload capacity: 15kg; maximum load: 50kg. – Runtime: 2.5 hours loaded, 3 hours unloaded. – Maximum speed: 2m/s (operational), 5m/s (lab-tested). – Obstacle clearance: 80cm; stair climbing: 25cm; slope climbing: 45°. – Advanced Hardware: – Dual octa-core processors with 16GB RAM and 128GB storage. – 96-line LiDAR with 360°×90° field of view for navigation. – Wide-angle cameras and bidirectional lighting for low-visibility environments. – Functional Capabilities: – Omnidirectional obstacle avoidance and point cloud surround view. – RF image transmission and over-the-air (OTA) updates. – Modular expansion and optional self-charging capabilities. – General Dimensions: – Standing dimensions: 820mm × 430mm × 570mm. – Charging time: 1.5 hours per battery. Built for Extreme Conditions Durability is a core aspect of the LYNX M20's design, making sure reliable performance in harsh and unpredictable environments. The robot is equipped with an IP66-rated enclosure, providing protection against dust and water ingress. It operates effectively in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 55°C, making it suitable for diverse climates and industrial applications. Additional features that enhance its resilience include: Hot-swappable batteries, allowing for uninterrupted operation during critical missions. A rugged construction that withstands physical impacts and environmental stressors. These attributes make the LYNX M20 a dependable choice for industries requiring robust robotic systems capable of enduring extreme conditions without compromising performance. Compact Design with High Performance Despite its lightweight build, the LYNX M20 delivers impressive performance metrics. Weighing only 33 kilograms, the robot is compact and portable, allowing a single operator to deploy it efficiently. Its design balances portability with strength, allowing it to carry a payload of up to 15 kilograms and handle a maximum load of 50 kilograms. Performance highlights include: A field-operating speed of up to 2 meters per second, with laboratory tests demonstrating a peak speed of 5 meters per second. Flexible joints and leg-mode switching capabilities, enhancing its ability to navigate diverse environments. This combination of lightweight design and powerful functionality ensures the LYNX M20 can meet the demands of various industrial tasks, from transporting equipment to navigating confined spaces. Advanced Technology for Precision and Efficiency The LYNX M20 is equipped with advanced computational and sensory technologies, allowing it to perform complex tasks with precision. Powered by dual octa-core processors, 16GB of RAM, and 128GB of onboard storage, the robot has the processing capacity to handle demanding operations. Key technological features include: Wide-angle cameras and bidirectional lighting for enhanced visibility in low-light or obscured conditions. RF image transmission for real-time data sharing, making sure seamless communication during operations. Over-the-air (OTA) updates, allowing for continuous software improvements and system optimization. Modular expansion options, allowing customization for specific industrial applications. Optional self-charging capabilities, further extending operational autonomy. These advanced features enhance the robot's adaptability and efficiency, making it a versatile tool for industries requiring precise and reliable robotic solutions. Applications in High-Stakes Environments The LYNX M20's capabilities make it a valuable asset across a range of industries, particularly those operating in high-risk or challenging environments. Its ability to navigate difficult terrains and perform complex tasks with minimal human intervention reduces risks and enhances operational efficiency. Notable applications include: Power inspections: The robot can safely assess infrastructure in hazardous or remote areas, minimizing risks to human workers. The robot can safely assess infrastructure in hazardous or remote areas, minimizing risks to human workers. Emergency response: It can traverse disaster zones to deliver supplies, gather critical information, or assist in search-and-rescue operations. It can traverse disaster zones to deliver supplies, gather critical information, or assist in search-and-rescue operations. Logistics: The LYNX M20 excels at transporting payloads across uneven or obstructed terrains, streamlining supply chain operations. The LYNX M20 excels at transporting payloads across uneven or obstructed terrains, streamlining supply chain operations. Scientific exploration: Its adaptability makes it ideal for exploring extreme environments such as caves, volcanic regions, or other remote locations. These diverse applications highlight the robot's potential to enhance safety, efficiency, and productivity in industries where traditional methods may fall short. Setting a New Standard in Industrial Robotics The LYNX M20 All-Terrain Robot represents a significant advancement in the field of industrial robotics. By combining innovative mobility, robust durability, and advanced technology, it addresses the unique challenges of extreme and hazardous environments. Its lightweight yet powerful design, coupled with its adaptability and precision, positions it as an indispensable tool for industries seeking reliable and versatile robotic solutions. As industries continue to evolve and expand into increasingly challenging environments, the LYNX M20 offers a practical and effective solution. Its ability to perform complex tasks with efficiency and reliability sets a new benchmark for all-terrain robotics, paving the way for future advancements in industrial automation. Below are more guides on humanoid robots from our extensive range of articles. Filed Under: Hardware, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
