Latest news with #technicians
News24
12 hours ago
- General
- News24
Massive World War II bombs spark large-scale evacuation in Cologne
Three World War II bombs were found in Cologne, Germany. About 20 000 people were evacuated. Road and train lines were closed. Around 20 000 people were evacuated from central Cologne on Wednesday after three unexploded World War II bombs were found, the biggest such operation in the German city since the end of the war. Bomb squad technicians were planning to defuse the three American explosives, two weighing 1 000kg and one 500kg, which were found during building work on Monday in the Deutz area on the east bank of the River Rhine. Road and train lines were closed and city officials were going door to door to clear the evacuation zone of about 10 000m 2 which included three bridges over the Rhine. The heart of the city was left deserted, with a hospital, two old people's homes, nine schools, a TV studio and dozens of hotels affected. Building works in Germany have regularly unearthed unexploded World War II ordnance. READ | Germany arrests 3 Ukrainians trying to send explosive parcels by mail In Frankfurt, the discovery of a 1.4-tonne bomb in 2017 led to the removal of 65 000 people, the biggest such evacuation in Europe since 1945. In 2021 four people were injured when a World War II bomb exploded at a building site near Munich's main railway station, scattering debris over hundreds of metres. 'Everyone involved hopes that the defusing can be completed in the course of Wednesday. This is only possible if all those affected leave their homes or workplaces early and stay outside the evacuation area from the outset on that day,' the city authority said in a statement on Wednesday, appealing to residents to follow instructions, according to Reuters. The measures caused major disruptions to transport in and out of the city of over a million people, with Germany's national rail operator warning that many trains would be diverted or possibly cancelled.
Bloomberg
a day ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
UK Confronts Hard Reality of Rebuilding Its Military Prowess
Britain's ammunition production begins life in the ancestral town of George Washington. Hundreds of technicians and robots work around the clock to manufacture the empty shells that are then filled with explosives and fired from a range of artillery systems. The BAE Systems Plc plant in northeast England is operating 24/7 for the first time since the invasion of Iraq more than two decades ago. But the urgency of replenishing stocks of basic ordnance betrays just how far Britain's defense capabilities have fallen, and the scale of the task to restore them.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
June is Automotive Service Professionals Month
A Perfect Time to Thank the Pros that Keep Vehicles on the Road LEESBURG, Va., June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With the summer driving season underway, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) has designated June as Automotive Service Professionals Month (ASPM) to honor the vehicle service professionals from coast to coast who keep vehicles running smoothly and motorists on the road. Automotive service professionals play a critical role in communities nationwide, working in general repair shops, dealerships and service stations. They help ensure that vehicles remain safe and reliable for everyday use. With modern vehicles becoming increasingly complex and equipped with cutting-edge technology, today's technicians must continually expand their knowledge and skills to keep pace with the latest advancements in automotive systems. ASE makes it easy for car owners to identify technicians who meet high standards of skill and expertise. Those who earn ASE Certification and display the Blue Seal of Excellence have demonstrated both hands-on experience and success taking rigorous exams. To maintain their credentials, ASE Certified professionals must renew their certifications every five years, taking challenging exams to ensure they stay current with changing technologies and industry best practices. "Automotive Service Professionals Month offers an opportunity to highlight the expertise and dedication of technicians and other vehicle service specialists," said Dave Johnson, ASE president and CEO. "ASE encourages everyone to take this opportunity to recognize and thank these skilled individuals for the vital services they provide each and every day." To learn more about ASE and the benefits to motorists, visit About the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)Established in 1972 as a non-profit organization, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is a driving force in the transportation industry. As an independent third party, ASE upholds and promotes high standards of service and repair through the assessment, certification and credentialing of current and future industry professionals, and the prestigious ASE Blue Seal logo identifies professionals who possess the essential knowledge and skills to perform with excellence. Today, there are approximately 220,000 ASE Certified professionals at work in dealerships, independent shops, collision repair shops, auto parts stores, fleets, schools and colleges throughout the country. For more information about ASE, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
Fox News
3 days ago
- General
- Fox News
Humanoid robot malfunctions, sparks viral panic
A chilling video circulating on social media has reignited old anxieties about robots turning against their creators. The footage shows a Unitree H1 humanoid robot, a machine about the size of an adult human, suddenly flailing its arms and legs with alarming force during a test, coming dangerously close to two technicians. The scene has sparked heated debate about the safety of advanced robotics and artificial intelligence. But is this truly the beginning of something out of our worst fears, or is there just a straightforward technical explanation for what happened? In the viral clip first posted on Reddit, the Unitree H1 is seen suspended from a crane at a Chinese factory, surrounded by two handlers. Without warning, the robot loses control, thrashing its limbs, knocking over equipment and forcing the technicians to scramble out of harm's way. The chaos is palpable, and the images quickly drew comparisons to movies like "The Terminator" and "I, Robot," with many viewers wondering if the age of rogue machines had finally arrived. The Unitree H1 is not a prototype but a commercially available, general-purpose humanoid robot. Standing 5.9 feet tall and weighing 104 pounds, it's designed to walk, run and even perform dynamic movements like backflips and dancing. Its joints are powerful and capable of generating 365 pound-feet of torque, enough to lift heavy objects or, in the wrong circumstances, cause serious harm. Despite the frightening visuals, the reality is far less sinister. According to engineers and robotics experts, the root cause of the malfunction was a combination of software and design oversight. During the test, the H1 was tethered by its head for safety, a common practice during public demonstrations. However, this physical restraint was not accounted for in the robot's balance algorithm. The robot's sensors interpreted the resistance from the tether as if it were constantly falling. In response, the H1's stabilization software tried to correct its position, but the tether prevented normal movement. This created a feedback loop: the robot made increasingly aggressive corrections, resulting in the violent flailing seen in the video. Investigators concluded that this was not a case of emergent AI behavior but rather a known failure mode triggered by an unanticipated physical constraint and software flaw. Although no one was seriously injured, the incident set off a wave of panic online. Many viewers saw the video without any technical context, fueling fears of a robot uprising. The imagery alone was enough to make people question whether advanced robots are safe to have around humans. Experts, however, were quick to clarify that the malfunction was not evidence of a conscious or rebellious machine. Instead, it highlighted the importance of thorough safety protocols and testing, especially when deploying powerful machines in environments shared with people. This event highlights some important lessons for both the robotics industry and the public. First, safety protocols are essential. Even with the most advanced hardware, unexpected interactions between software and the physical world can create dangerous situations. Second, transparency from manufacturers plays a crucial role. When companies provide quick and clear explanations, they can help prevent panic and stop misinformation from spreading. Finally, it is important to remember that artificial intelligence is not sentient, at least not yet. The Unitree H1's behavior was caused by programming and sensor misinterpretation, not by any independent thought or intent. The viral Unitree H1 video is a reminder that technology, especially when it's powerful and autonomous, demands respect and caution. While the footage is unsettling, the true story is one of technical error, not a robot rebellion. As robots become more common in our workplaces and public spaces, incidents like this will serve as important lessons for engineers, regulators and the public alike. For now, the machines are not plotting against us, but they do need careful supervision and thoughtful design to keep everyone safe. If you saw a robot lose control right in front of you, would you trust having machines like this in your daily life? Why or why not? Let us know by writing us at For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Follow Kurt on his social channels: Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions: New from Kurt: Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
Auto Express
28-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Can't find someone to fix your car? It could be down to declining motor apprenticeships
Experts have warned that a decline in the number of young people applying for automotive-related apprenticeships and qualifications could lead to a 'perfect storm' in which drivers may be unable to find a skilled technician to work on their car as the UK's motorparc continues to grow. The latest Automotive Education Report from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) reveals that in the final quarter of 2024, automotive qualifications dipped by four per cent year-on-year. This is at odds with a six per cent rise in the number of vocational technical certifications overall and reflects what the IMI describes as a 'longer-term slowdown' in talent filtering into the sector. Advertisement - Article continues below The slump in the number of qualifications issued has continued into 2025, and the first half of the 2024/25 academic year (September-March) has seen a three per cent overall drop year-on-year in automotive apprenticeship starts. All of this might seem trivial, but the IMI's head of research for careers and inclusion, Emma Carrigy, said: 'With the number of vehicles on UK roads rising, and the number of technicians training to repair and maintain them falling, UK motorists face an increasing risk of being unable to find someone qualified to properly look after their car'. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Carrigy said such a scenario is 'creating a perfect storm for UK road safety'; fewer available technicians means owners are more likely to drive around in damaged and potentially dangerous cars. So what's going on? Well, the IMI says that the main drops in technical qualifications lie in the areas of mechanical, electrical and trim (MET), as well as accident repair. Conversely, the majority of focus now appears to be on EV training, with electric and hybrid car qualifications making up almost half (44 per cent) of certifications in the final three months of last year. That said, the total number of EV qualifications fell by six per cent in 2024 compared with 2023, which is far from ideal when you consider the significant number of new EVs hitting the roads. Garages are now also subject to the recent increase in National Insurance contributions, meaning fewer are able to find the funds to employ more technicians. Things are made even worse by sky-high energy and equipment prices, which ultimately places car maintenance firms under further strain and at the risk of closure. Things could be set to improve, however, because the Government recently announced a shake-up to its funding for training schemes; Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson MP said that there will soon be as many as 120,000 new apprenticeship and training opportunities across all sectors before the next general election – which is crucial, given that IMI figures suggest firms are currently focusing on upskilling existing staff, rather than employing and training new personnel. Our Car Tax Checker tool lets you check your tax status and renewal date in seconds. Check your VED car tax now... Find a car with the experts It's only a matter of time before Jaguar Land Rover builds a factory in the USA It's only a matter of time before Jaguar Land Rover builds a factory in the USA Mike Rutherford thinks Jaguar's 'Reimagine' strategy will result in the company exploring further opportunities in the USA Slow death of the manual car revealed in exclusive new data Slow death of the manual car revealed in exclusive new data There are now very few manual cars available to buy, a trend that's been exacerbated by the rise of EVs Car Deal of the Day: Nissan's X-Trail is a do-it-all seven-seat hybrid SUV for only £235 a month Car Deal of the Day: Nissan's X-Trail is a do-it-all seven-seat hybrid SUV for only £235 a month If the Qashqai is too small for you, then the larger X-Trail is a fine alternative. It's our Deal of the Day for 25 May
