Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Act 3.1 - Cultura Inglesa
Act 3.1 - Cultura Inglesa
British Culture
Team: 4
Members:
Group: 033
Date: 03/03/2024
Indice
Introduction.............................................................................................................. 3
Five inventions in systems engineering made by the United Kingdom (ITS) ........... 4
The World Wide Web ........................................................................................... 4
Radar ................................................................................................................... 5
The analytical machine ........................................................................................ 6
The colossus........................................................................................................ 7
Boolean Logic ...................................................................................................... 8
Five inventions in systems engineering made by the United Kingdom (IMTC) ...... 10
Battery-powered ................................................................................................ 10
Da Vinci Surgical System................................................................................... 11
Shadow Robot Company’s Dexterous ............................................................... 11
Cyberknife Radiosurgery ................................................................................... 12
Oxford’s University RobotCar ............................................................................ 12
Five inventions in systems engineering made by the United Kingdom (IMA) ........ 13
1.- Automated Production Systems .................................................................... 13
2.- Computer-Aided Design (CAD) .................................................................... 14
3.- Renewable energy technologies ................................................................... 15
4.- Quality Management Systems ...................................................................... 16
5.- Supply Chain Management .......................................................................... 16
Conclusion............................................................................................................. 17
Bibliography........................................................................................................... 18
Introduction
Systems engineering is the branch of engineering that deals with the design,
implementation and maintenance of computer systems. Systems engineers work in
all stages of the software life cycle, from requirements analysis to maintenance of
the system once it has been put into operation.
Many people think that systems engineers work with computers, and while it is true
that they are involved in the design, installation and maintenance of computer
systems, their work goes far beyond that. Systems engineers are responsible for
analyzing and understanding how complex systems work, whether physical or
virtual. This enables them to design effective solutions to improve the performance
of those systems.
To carry out their work, systems engineers use a variety of mathematical and
analytical tools. They must also have a good understanding of existing technology
and future trends in the field. This allows them not only to better understand the
problems faced by customers, but also to anticipate market needs. Systems
engineers can play a variety of roles in different industries. Some work directly for IT
companies, where they help design and implement technology solutions to improve
business performance. Others work as independent consultants, offering their
services to several companies at once. There are also those who choose to start
their own IT business or engage in personal software development.
Systems engineering in the United Kingdom has made a significant mark in
numerous fields, noted for its innovation, precision and adaptability. From the
development of transportation infrastructure to the revolution in information
technology, the UK's contributions in systems engineering have been widely
recognized worldwide. In this introduction, we will explore some of the key areas
where the UK has made a distinctive mark, highlighting its role as a leader in creating
and applying ingenious solutions to complex challenges.
Five inventions in systems engineering made by the United Kingdom (ITS)
The patent you can see in the image above is for the first working model. In fact, the
Germans were ahead of the British work, and Heinrich Rudolph Künhold of the
German Navy began work on it in 1933, conducting an experiment in Kiel Bay on
March 20, 1934, with ships instead of airplanes.
However, they did not adopt pulse transmissions to calculate range until September
1935, when the British had already discovered a few months earlier that they were
of vital importance.
The British conducted a test on February 26, 1935 during which a Heyford bomber
flew at about 2,000 meters near a relay station at Daventry. It was identified at 13
kilometers on a cathode ray oscilloscope display in the back of a van. This
experiment used only readily available materials.
Radar evolution
purpose-built installation was then constructed on the Orford Ness coast in Suffolk,
and it was discovered that aircraft could be detected by radar at a distance of up to
64 kilometers. In December 1935 the government decided to build five stations to
cover the approach to London by the Thames Estuary. Others were added and by
early 1939 there were 20 stations operating from the Isle of Wight to Dundee.
The Germans had a similar network along the North Sea coast. Although the
stations were all large and the facilities obvious, neither country was aware of the
other's work. The name "radar" was coined by the Americans in 1940 for "radio
detection and ranging," and was officially adopted by the British in 1943 to replace
the earlier RDF, Radio Detection and Finding.
The radar was vital in defending against bomber attacks during the Battle of Britain
in 1940, as it meant that the relatively small Royal Air Force could direct its fighters
to the most strategic locations. Watson-Watt was knighted in 1942, but the patent
was not published until 1947 for security reasons. He died in Inverness, Scotland, in
1999.
The analytical machine
But what makes the Analytical Machine completely different from all machines
designed up to that time is - of course - its ability to alter the inner workings based
on the dictates of a program. This "programming language" allowed for loops (like
the modern While-End or For-Next) and decisions (in the style of If-Then). Babbage
had envisaged the use of three different kinds of punched cards: one for arithmetic
operations, one for entering numerical constants, and one for operations using data
memory. The Analytical Engine had three different readers, one for each type of
card.
Although he never built a complete analytical machine, Babbage's work laid the
foundations of modern computing. In recognition of his legacy, the British Computer
Society created the "Charles Babbage Medal" in 1971, honoring his contribution to
computer science.
Charles Babbage's most important contribution to modern computing was the idea
of the analytical machine, the first attempt to build a programmable computer
capable of performing any kind of calculation. Charles Babbage was never able to
complete the analytical machine due to funding problems and the complexity of the
project
The colossus
It was 1944 when the Colossus, the world's first programmable computer, a machine
designed to decipher messages sent between Hitler and his generals, was put into
operation in a laboratory in Bletchley Park, United Kingdom, which is now 75 years
old.
In a period of maximum social conflict, the project carried out at Bletchey was of vital
importance to bring the war to an end. The workers who participated in this mission
were, for decades, sworn to secrecy and most were not even aware of its
importance.
These Colossus computers were the first electronic calculating devices used by the
British to read German encrypted communications during World War II.
It was originally designed by Tommy Flowers at the Post Office Research Station,
Dollis Hill, and the first prototype, Colossus Mark I, went into operation at Bletchley
Park in February 1944. A few months later, in June of the same year, an improved
version, the Colossus Mark II, arrived, of which about ten were built by the end of
the war.
The function of these machines was to decrypt encrypted messages, which were
intercepted from Nazi Germany's communications, using the Lorenz SZ40/42
machine. Colossus compared two data streams, counting each match based on a
programmable Boolean function. The encrypted message was read at high speed
over a paper tape. The other data stream was generated internally, and was an
electronic simulation of the Lorenz machine in various combinations. If the number
of matches for a combination was above a certain amount, the output was written on
an electric typewriter. On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Colossus,
former workers gathered at the National Museum of Computing where there is a
working reconstruction of the machine.
Margaret Bullen one of the Colossus project workers was 17 years old when she
started working at Bletchley Park. "The first thing we did was sign the Official Secrets
Act. I don't think my parents knew what I did. They knew I was at Bletchley doing
war work, I could have been making bombs for all they knew," she told the BBC at
the anniversary ceremony.
Boolean Logic
This theory has made possible the birth of the digital revolution, after the American
Claude Shannon applied Boolean logic to build electrical circuits in 1930, which led
to the construction of modern computers.
Most electronic circuits, and computer systems in general, have their origin in a logic
function. But this can be quite long and complex. That is why George Boole (1815-
1864) devised a method to simplify this logic function as much as possible, through
certain basic rules or properties. Perhaps this system finds today one of its greatest
exponents in Internet search engines such as Google, which today recognizes
Boole's merit with a doodle commemorating the 200th anniversary of his birth
In the middle of the 19th century, Boole developed in his book "An Investigation of
the Laws of Thought" (1854), the idea that logical propositions could be treated by
means of mathematical tools. These logical propositions could take only two values
of the True/False or Yes/No type. These bivalent and opposite values could be
represented by one-digit binary numbers (bits), so that Boolean algebra can be
understood as the algebra of the binary system.
He himself summarized his work in this sentence: "The respective interpretations of
the symbols 0 and 1 in the system of logic are Nothing and Universe". It could be
interpreted as a foretaste of his transcendence. However, contrary to what one might
think, Boolean algebra did not seem to have any practical application at first, and
only a rather abstract sense was found for it in the field of mathematical logic.
It was seventy years after his death, in 1938, that the American electronics engineer
and mathematician Claude E. Shannon (1916 - 2001) found in Boole's work a basis
for real-world mechanisms and processes, demonstrating how Boolean algebra
could optimize the design of electromechanical relay systems, then used in
telephone routing switches.
ReWalk Robotics: The ReWalk Restore™ is the first wearable ankle robot developed
for post-stroke gait training in clinical rehabilitation. It is used by therapists for both
overground walking and treadmill therapies. It provides robotic assistance to the
ankle to improve walking for individuals with lower limb disability due to a stroke.
How it Works
Battery-powered
The Restore system includes a soft exo-suit with a waist pack having motors that
generate mechanical forces through cables attached to points on a calf wrap and an
insole placed in the patient’s shoe. The waist pack integrates with a control unit and
features a support handle for therapists to provide additional support to patients.
Cables are located anterior and posterior to the ankle. Retraction of the anterior
cable lifts the foot and helps in dorsiflexion (lifting of the foot upwards) for ground
clearance while retraction of the posterior cable pulls up the patients heel to assist
the plantarflexion (movement when foot pushes downward) to propel the body
forward. Sensors clipped to the patient’s shoes measure gait and synchronized
timing of the plantarflexion and dorsiflexion assistance in walking.
Patient Benefits
The ReStore assists in the propulsion and ground clearance of post-stroke walking
to help people with stroke walk more normally. As a smart device, it reacts to patient
speed and step length. With walking practice using the ReStore, patients can re-
learn how to move their ankles on their own during walking, allowing them to walk
faster and more naturally, while expending less energy.
Da Vinci Surgical System
The da Vinci system translates your surgeon’s hand movements at the console in
real time, bending and rotating the instruments while performing the procedure. The
tiny wristed instruments move like a human hand, but with a greater range of motion.
The da Vinci vision system also delivers highly magnified, 3D high-definition views
of the surgical area. The instrument size makes it possible for surgeons to operate
through one or a few small incisions.
Used with our Shadow Glove and Teleoperation System, the Hand offers intuitive
control and unparalleled precision in remote or hazardous environments.
Cyberknife Radiosurgery
The CyberKnife System is the only radiation delivery system that features a linear
accelerator (linac) directly mounted on a robot to deliver the high-energy x-rays or
photons used in radiation therapy. The robot moves and bends around the patient,
to deliver radiation doses from potentially thousands of unique beam angles,
significantly expanding the possible
positions to concentrate radiation to the
tumor while minimizing dose to
surrounding healthy tissue. This robotic
delivery and real-time image guidance
have set the standard for delivery
precision and enable stereotactic
radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic
body radiation therapy (SBRT)
treatments for the full range of tumor
types.
RobotCar is a modified Nissan LEAF. Lasers and cameras are subtly mounted
around the vehicle and taking up some of the boot space is a computer which
performs all the calculations necessary to plan, control speed and avoid obstacles.
Externally it’s hard to tell this car apart from any other on the road.
Its base Nissan LEAF system has been modified to allow complete fly-by-wire
control. Everything from the steering to the indicators can be manipulated by the
main vehicle computer in the boot. RobotCar senses the world in two main ways.
The first uses a pair of stereo cameras to assess the road and navigate, much like
a human driver’s eyes. The second is a little different and uses several lasers
mounted around the vehicle. These sensors assess the 3D structure of the world
and also improve performance at night.
Five inventions in systems engineering made by the United Kingdom (IMA)
Automated production systems are sets of equipment, tools, and software designed to
perform manufacturing tasks autonomously, without direct human intervention. These
systems aim to improve efficiency, productivity, and quality in manufacturing processes.
Automated production systems are essential for enhancing efficiency and competitiveness
in modern manufacturing. By integrating robots, CNC machines, transportation systems,
and automated control, these systems enable manufacturing operations to be performed
faster, more accurately, and reliably, resulting in higher productivity and product quality.
• Artificial Vision
• Laser Scanners
• Functional Testing
• Data Analysis
• Quality Management
In automotive engineering, CAD enables the design and simulation of vehicle components
and systems, leading to safer, more fuel-efficient, and aesthetically pleasing automobiles.
British automotive companies, such as Jaguar Land Rover and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars,
utilize CAD extensively in their design processes to develop cutting-edge vehicles that meet
global standards for performance and safety.
Similarly, in aerospace engineering, CAD facilitates the design and analysis of aircraft
structures, propulsion systems, and avionics. British aerospace companies, including BAE
Systems and Rolls-Royce plc, leverage CAD to develop innovative aircraft designs that
optimize fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and enhance aerodynamic performance.
CAD also plays a crucial role in architecture and construction, allowing architects and
engineers to create detailed 2D and 3D models of buildings and infrastructure projects. In
the UK, CAD technology has been instrumental in the design and development of iconic
structures like the Shard in London and the Falkirk Wheel in Scotland, showcasing British
innovation and engineering excellence on the global stage.
Overall, CAD technology has a profound impact on various industries in the United Kingdom,
driving innovation, competitiveness, and economic growth. Its widespread adoption
underscores the country's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge digital tools to address
complex engineering challenges and deliver world-class products and infrastructure.
3.- Renewable energy technologies
Renewable energy technologies represent a significant engineering innovation that
addresses the global challenge of transitioning to sustainable energy sources while
mitigating climate change. These technologies harness naturally replenished resources
such as sunlight, wind, water, and biomass to generate clean and renewable electricity.
Some examples of renewable energy technologies include:
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems: Solar PV systems convert sunlight directly into electricity
using photovoltaic cells made of semiconductor materials. These systems can be deployed
on rooftops, solar farms, and even integrated into building materials like solar shingles. Solar
PV technology has experienced significant advancements, leading to higher efficiency and
lower costs, making it one of the fastest-growing renewable energy sources worldwide.
Wind Turbines: Wind turbines harness the kinetic energy of wind to generate electricity. They
consist of large rotor blades connected to a generator that converts the rotational motion of
the blades into electrical power. Onshore and offshore wind farms utilize arrays of wind
turbines to generate large-scale electricity. Advances in wind turbine design, such as larger
rotor diameters and taller towers, have increased energy output and reduced the cost of
wind energy production.
Hydroelectric Power: Hydroelectric power utilizes the gravitational force of flowing water to
generate electricity. Large-scale hydroelectric dams capture the energy of river water to turn
turbines connected to generators. Small-scale run-of-river hydroelectric systems and micro-
hydro turbines can also be deployed in remote locations to provide decentralized power
generation.
Biomass Energy: Biomass energy involves the conversion of organic materials such as
wood, agricultural residues, and organic waste into heat, electricity, or biofuels. Biomass can
be burned directly for heat and power generation or processed into biofuels like ethanol and
biodiesel for transportation. Advanced bioenergy technologies, including bio-refineries and
anaerobic digesters, e nable the efficient conversion of biomass into energy products.
Geothermal Power: Geothermal power utilizes heat from the Earth's interior to generate
electricity and provide heating and cooling. Geothermal power plants extract hot water or
steam from underground reservoirs to drive turbines connected to generators. Direct-use
geothermal systems utilize the heat directly for heating buildings, greenhouses, and
industrial processes.
Total Quality Management (TQM) is a holistic approach to quality that involves the entire
organization in continuous improvement efforts. It emphasizes customer focus, employee
involvement, process improvement, and fact-based decision-making to achieve long-term
success and customer satisfaction.
Supply Chain Management (SCM) systems and strategies are crucial for optimizing
production planning, inventory management, logistics, and product distribution. Mechanical-
engineering managers have played a significant role in developing and implementing these
systems to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs throughout the supply chain.
One key aspect of SCM is production planning, where engineers utilize forecasting
techniques and demand analysis to schedule production activities effectively. By aligning
production with customer demand, companies can minimize overproduction and
underproduction, thus reducing costs associated with excess inventory or lost sales
opportunities.
In conclusion, the research into a wide variety of engineering inventions for the fields
of mechanical engineering management, mechatronics engineering, and software
technology engineering from the United Kingdom reveals the impressive scope and
innovation within these fields. From advancements in robotics and automation in
mechanical engineering to developments in integrated systems and advanced
software technologies, the examined inventions showcase the UK's commitment to
excellence in engineering and technology. These inventions have not only
revolutionized the way industrial operations are conducted but have also had a
significant impact on society and the global economy. With ongoing investment in
research and development, the UK remains a leader at the forefront of technological
innovation, providing creative and advanced solutions to the challenges of the
modern world.
All of the proyects that we described earlier showcase how important the UK
engineers have been to the development of several tools and innovations to help,
most of all, the medical sector.
The ReWalk Robotics initiative, the Da Vinci Surgical System, The Shadow Robot
Dexterous Hand, the adoption of the CyberKnife Radiosurgery system in the UK are
proof of these kind of developments. Lastly, Oxford's RobotCar, an autonomous
vehicle from the University of Oxford, symbolizes the UK's leadership in autonomous
systems research, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence and automotive
engineering. These projects collectively demonstrate the UK's academic and
technological prowess in contributing to advancements that transcend geographical
boundaries.
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