The European spacecraft Automated Transfer Vehicle ATV-2

Space technologies are a key to the modern information and industrial society. Communication and TV reporting around the world, the satellite navigation system in cars or precise climate and weather analyses through to emergency mapping all depend on space technologies.

The European spacecraft Automated Transfer Vehicle ATV-2, docked to the International Space Station ISS.© ESA???aural:Bildende???

Space industry in Germany

The German aerospace industry spends an average of 20 percent of its turnover on research and development and is therefore one of the most research-intensive and innovative industries. As a result of their innovative strength, German companies are sought-after partners in international cooperation. The German locations of EADS (European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company) and OHB, together with a unique, innovative landscape of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) carry out important tasks in major aerospace projects. The turnover of the industry with its high percentage of small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) was 2.1 billion euros in 2010. In the year 2011, the Federal Government invested a total of 1.2 billion euros in space programmes. This is the biggest single item in its High-Tech Strategy, About 1 billion euros are coming from the BMWi (Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology) technology budget. The BMVBS (Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development) contributes 146 million euros towards European meteorological satellites and the GMES and Galileo programmes. These two ministries are the main contributors to the German space budget.

According to the new space strategy of the German Federal Government, lead by the BMWi (Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology), the overriding aim for space projects must, at all times, be to continue improving human living conditions. State-funded space activities must therefore be channelled towards “space for the benefit of the Earth”. More information here.

Space projects will be judged according to the contribution they make to solving the challenges facing global society and whether the long-term application of high levels of funding can be expected to bring adequate benefits.

The Federal Government focuses its space policy strictly on benefits and needs while, at the same time, targeting visionary goals. To that end, space must, in competition with other instruments and with terrestrial processes and infrastructures, demonstrate that it offers the better solution from a cost-benefit standpoint. As tools of research, space projects must be guided by the “benchmarking” (scientific excellence) principle. In large-scale projects they must show that they can prevail in competition with other methods and scientific disciplines.

KUKA Robocoaster

Embedded Intel processors provide intelligent performance for the KUKA Robocoaster*, the robotic ride sensation that thrills theme park visitors with 1.4 million possible motion sequences on six rotational axes.

“Embedded Intel processors provide the intelligent performance responsible for delivering this flexible new form of entertainment,” says Alois Buchstab Head of Industrial Business Development of the KUKA Robot Group*, one of the world’s leading suppliers of industrial robots. “For the first time, these rides can deliver practically unrestricted freedom of motion with, literally, 1.4 million possible combinations!”

The KUKA Robocoaster is the first robot licensed to carry human passengers. Six rotational axes produce a revolutionary new sensation with a wide range of motion sequences, speeds and ride profiles – from gentle to extreme – to meet a multitude of preferences. PC-based, robot software can be updated, and new ride sequences easily programmed, so that park owners can quickly enhance and refresh the experience.

Industrial robots are those “behind-the-scene” heroes whose work mostly goes unnoticed. Day-to-day, they’re used to package, paint, drill, stitch, weld, test, trim, inspect, load, unload, assemble, sort and stack. In fact, robots have probably played a part in the manufacture or delivery of many things you use on a daily basis.

Now, robots may be even closer than you think, making a splash in science centers, shopping malls, family entertainment centers, and theme parks throughout the world – including LEGOLAND* and Orlando’s newest attraction. Known as the Robocoaster, these robots deliver a heightened rush of adrenaline because riders never know what’s in store – whirling sideways, hanging upside down, swinging gently, or rocketing to the skies. At some locations, passengers use touch-screen terminals to customize their own ride based on height, age, and thrill tolerance. For a tamer experience, riders can choose gentle motions and no rollovers, while daredevils can opt for extreme thrills. Robotics are also used for simulations such as Formula 1 duels, speed boat racing, motorbike racing, and skiing contests, making the experience even more intense with wind motion to simulate high-speed travel.

So, step up and enjoy the ride with the world’s first passenger-carrying robot!

china fake apple mobiles in the market

Reuters - Authorities in China's southwestern city of Kunming have identified another 22 unauthorized Apple retailers weeks after a fake of the company's store in the city sparked an international storm.

China's Administration for Industry and Commerce in the Yunnan provincial capital said the stores have been ordered to stop using Apple's logo after Apple China accused them of unfair competition and violating its registered trademark, state media said on Thursday.

The market watchdog agency said it would set up a complaint hotline and boost monitoring, the official Xinhua news agency reported.

It did not say if the shops were selling knock-off Apple products or genuine but smuggled models.

Countless unauthorized resellers of Apple and other brands' electronic products throughout China sell the real thing but buy their goods overseas and smuggle them into the country to escape taxes.

In July, inspections of around 300 shops in Kunming were carried out after a blog post by an American living in the city exposed a near-flawless fake Apple Store where even the staff were convinced they were working for the California-based iPhone and iPad maker.

Chinese law protects trademarks and prohibits companies from copying the "look and feel" of other companies' stores.

But enforcement is spotty, and the United States and other Western countries have often complained China is woefully behind in its effort to stamp out intellectual property (IP) theft.

In May, China was listed for the seventh year by the U.S. Trade Representative's office as a country with one of the worst records for preventing copyright theft.